What are signs of gerbils going into labor?

Question

Ok so i am not even sure my gerbil is pregnant but she has been in the same cage with a boy gerbil for well over a month. But today the female had blood coming out of her v****a. Can somebody tell me if gerbils bleed before labor, or what this means and also what signs are a gerbil going into labor? different actions or movements? I have no idea, someone help!

Answer 1

Firstly, you obviously aren't experienced in Gerbil breeding so you shouldn't really be keeping a male Gerbil with a female Gerbil. If they were both sexually mature when you introduced them then she is most probably pregnant and due about now. Also are they from the same litter? if so this is incest and the offspring may turn out deformed. Gerbils gestation period is anything from 20-40 days.

It does sound like she is in labour, good signs to tell are:

- The male has been kicked out of the nest.

- She is regularly taking water and food breaks.

Labour can take a good few hours so you should be able to tell by now (i.e her belly has shrunk in size)

Just to let you know also, Gerbils breed again a couple of hours after she has given birth so I hope you are ready for another litter!!

If you are using Pine/Cedar Shavings in your cage please replace it with Carefresh or Aspen bedding. Pine & Cedar shavings can cause Respiratory infections in the new born pups and if not treated will die withing a couple of days. This happened to me and it was heartbreaking.

If she has given birth and you want/need any tips, do not hesitate to email me for some more details. I'm more than happy to help!

Enjoy your new family!!

Answer 2

the boy gerbil is hung....