Hello folks, a few more questions here. My pups are now 4 weeks old
today....I love how curious they are about their world. I have two pups
that I have questions about. One pup has what appears to be a broken
wrist (front left paw) such that his/her toes are bent back touching
his/her fore-arm. I first noticed this a few days after birth but
didn't think much of it since this is my first time with baby gerbils
around. He/she does okay getting around...no climbing, obviously...but
otherwise fine. Is this a common birth-defect, or do you think the pup
was injured during/shortly after birth?
My other question concerns a different pup that looks and behaves
considerably different than its siblings. I'm trying to handle the pups
more, so today I opened the lower door to the cage and placed my hand
and arm against the opening. A few pups took tentative steps into my
palm but quickly darted away. But then this little fellow....without
hesitation....ambled out from the nest, walked out onto my palm and up
and down my arm several times. He's the only pup that doesn't run away
when I bring my other hand near to pet it. He just sat there as I pet
him. Now I would normally call this just the behavior of a particularly
affectionate pup. However, his facial features are different than those
of the other pups....I didn't notice this until he was on my arm today.
His skull is not so elongated as the other pups, his eyes are about 2/3
regular size (and they don't "bulge"), and his body seems to be
shorter. Is this possibly the result of being born to incestuous
parents (siblings)? I don't know the lineage of the parents, as I
purchased them in a pet store. Since this pup is so trusting and
affectionate, I'm definately going to keep it.
Third question: I've looked at the websites that show the difference
between male and female gerbils, but I can't see any difference yet
between my pups. I'm okay until about nine weeks, right? They won't be
sexually mature until then? Hopefully I'll be able to tell them apart
before then.
Thanks again.
-Jeremy
