Should I get another gerbil after one dies?

Should I get another gerbil after one dies?

What if a gerbil dies, then the other one is left alone? Gerbils average life expectancy is 3-4 years, some live longer than this. If your lone gerbil could still potentially live another few years, it would be a good idea to consider getting them a friend so they do not get lonely.

Do gerbils bury their dead?

But gerbils are very clean animals, and dead bodies in their homes stink pretty bad soon enough and would attract predators. If they have enough bedding they’ll often bury their dead. But often that’s not an option and some gerbils will get desperate and start eating their deceased friend.

Can a gerbil live alone?

Gerbils need: To live with other gerbils, they should never be kept alone. They are happiest in same-sex pairs or small groups. Gerbils are sociable animals and, in the wild, group sizes range from two to 15 animals of all ages and sexes.

Can I introduce a new gerbil to my old one?

Younger gerbils get along better because they have to, as they begin life with lots of brothers and sisters. So, if possible, you should try to introduce one younger gerbil with one older gerbil. The younger gerbil will be comfortable with the older one, as it’s used to living with older gerbils (its parents).

Do gerbils need a friend?

Gerbils need a companion in order to be happy. Left on their own, gerbils become stressed and unhappy – playing with humans will not satisfy the full range of their instinctive needs. So, always opt for a pair, or buy your solitary gerbil a friend of the same species as soon as possible.

What to do if a gerbil dies?

What to Do If Your Gerbil Dies Suddenly

1. Remove your gerbil from its enclosure immediately once you notice it’s passed away.
2. Take your other gerbils and put them somewhere safe, e.g. in an empty bathtub.
3. Remove the old bedding from your gerbil’s cage.
4. Clean the walls of your gerbils’ enclosure with antibacterial spray.

What do I do with a dead gerbil?

The most common way to dispose of a dead gerbil is to bury it in the back yard, marking it with a memorial feature. Similarly, vets can take care of your dead gerbil for you, sending it to be cremated. You may also be able to get your gerbil’s ashes back.

Is it better to have 1 or 2 gerbils?

Gerbils are social animals and need the constant company of their own kind. The only exception to this is the Fat-tailed gerbil, as females of this species can be kept alone, and will often fight with other females. In general, it’s best to keep between two and four gerbils.

Can you put 2 gerbils together?

Gerbils are social animals and need the constant company of their own kind. The only exception to this is the Fat-tailed gerbil, as females of this species can be kept alone, and will often fight with other females. Otherwise, it is always advisable to get a pair of gerbils, either two males or two females.

What happens if gerbil dies?

So, gerbils have an evolutionary interest in forming a strong bond. The end result, if one dies, is grief. Gerbils can also live in same-sex pairs. In the same way, when one dies, the other will grieve.

How can I help my lonely gerbil?

One of the easiest ways to make a gerbil happy is to spend time with it. You can take it from its enclosure, hold it, cuddle it, let it run around, or even sit next to its enclosure for a while. All of these things will make your gerbil feel less alone.

What do you do with a dead gerbil?

What happens when a gerbil dies suddenly?

Their symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a quick onset. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. If your gerbil dies suddenly, remove it from its cage, get rid of any bedding, and clean the enclosure with antibacterial spray.

Can gerbils get heart failure?

However, heart failure specifically affects gerbils more than other animals. That’s because of the gerbil’s genetics. According to PLoS One, some species of gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes and obesity. Besides that, a gerbil’s heart has to work harder than a human heart.

Can a gerbil have a seizure?

Repeated shocks and stress can kill a gerbil over time, although they won’t kill your gerbil suddenly. If you’ve ever met somebody with epilepsy, you might know that epileptic fits have ‘triggers.’ These are things like flashing lights, for example, which directly cause a seizure.

Is my gerbil OK on its own?

But Cydney is doing fine on her own. Some gerbils do live happily on their own but some tend to get depressed, and upset. I would keep a close eye on her, take her out play with her and give her lots of TLC and see how she does. If she is dealing alright on her own i would keep it that way.