It's important to care for unexpected baby Gerbils.
Gerbils don't show any signs of being pregnant until a few days before delivery.At this point, the gerbil will get heavier and it's belly will bulge slightly.It's not uncommon for people to be completely surprised to find baby gerbils in their tank.Gerbils can care for their young.All you have to do is maintain their environment, monitor the health of the pups, and determine what to Do with them once they leave their parents.
Step 1: The cage should not be changed for the first week.
If the environment is changed the first few days after a delivery, the mom may spend all her time trying to put things back in place and care for the pups.You should not add anything to the cage, including toys and bedding.You should not remove the male gerbil from the tank.The male will help in caring for the young and his absence could cause female stress.
Step 2: Place a blanket over the nest to protect it.
This will help provide warmth and protection and may help calm the female gerbil after delivery.
Step 3: When the pups are a week old, don't handle them until then.
It is safe to handle the pups when they have developed a fine layer of fur.When they are young, it is a good idea to handle them daily so that they get used to humans.You can distract the parents by giving them a piece of cardboard.Be careful with the babies.Baby gerbils are quick and can jump out of your hand.Lift the baby out of the cage and always handle it over a soft surface if it falls.
Step 4: If you notice any health issues, you should take the babies to the vet.
There are a few health problems for baby gerbils.Respiratory problems can occur.You should take the gerbil to the vet if you suspect either of these issues.You will hear a clicking noise if the pup has respiratory issues.
Step 5: Look for signs of malnourishment.
You should keep an eye on the pups to make sure they are getting enough milk.A pup that is not eating enough will have a bald patch on its back, and will be smaller in size than the rest of the litter.
Step 6: Remove the other pups and allow the starving pup to feed on its own.
If you notice that one of the pups isn't getting enough food, you can separate them.The under nourished pup can get a chance to eat.Place the other pups in a warm area.If you disturb the mother, try not to stress her.She may reject the litter if she becomes upset or stressed.
Step 7: Solid food should be introduced about three weeks.
At around three weeks, you can start to introduce some solid foods to the pups.You can give them roasted peanut bits, oats, canary seeds, and regular gerbil feed.The process should take about two weeks.
Step 8: To get the pups to reach the water bottle, place it low.
Between three and five weeks of age, baby gerbils will begin to drink water.The water bottle needs to be adjusted so that the small pups can reach it.There is a water bottle on the side of the tank.The pups will be able to find their water source.Don't put water in the cage.Baby gerbils can drown in a small amount of water if they fall into the bowl.
Step 9: The pups should be taken from the mother at around six weeks.
After the first litter, a female gerbil is likely to have another litter.The pups from the first litter can be taken out of the tank at about five to six weeks of age.If you don't want your gerbils to continue breeding, you should take the male to the vet and have him neutered.If the mother doesn't mind having older pups in the tank with the new litter, it is best to begin the process of separation once they are fully grown.
Step 10: Find them a place to call home.
The baby gerbils can be adopted if they are old enough to leave their mother.Put photos of the pups on your social media accounts and state that they are looking for a new home.If friends or family members are interested in adopting one of the pups, you can reach out to them.If you want to get rid of unwanted pups, never release the baby gerbils.