Hi Kim and Mitch --
A pup getting caught under something (wheel, PCV pipe, etc) has
happened on a number of occassions to people on the list. I have also
heard of a pup getting injured by a parent running the wheel carrying a
pup in its mouth. I remove everything from the tank (even the food
dish) a few days before the litter is born. The tank has only 3 inches
of carefresh and unscented toilet tissue or paper towels. Someone had
the great idea of feeding the parents' food in a paper cup that they
gnaw up when done. I also give the parent a toilet paper roll a day.
And in the 5-10 minutes it takes them to demolish it I get to check out
the pups. (I reintroduce light cardboard boxes when the pups are
weaned). Good luck to you in your gerbil breeding. Donna A.
sgocke wrote:
> Hello: We are new to the gerbil world and have found this listserve.
> We are hoping to enjoy both. We have had our male, a black gerbil
> named Kong for just over 5 months and our female, a brown gerbil named
> Jenna for not quite 2 months. Kong and Jenna got along famously right
> away and conceived pups. We had five new pups born on July 4.
> However, since that time, we have lost one due to an accident with the
> wheel. Sad lessons are hard to take, but you never forget a lesson
> learned that way! Needless to say, the wheel has been moved, but
> thanks to information received on the listserve, we will be putting it
> back in the cage and taping it down. Thanks to whoever sent that
> tip! The remaining four seem to be doing good, they are very strong
> and are changing color already. My question at this time is, when and
> what do I feed the babies? We just recently learned to put in pieces
> of apples, carrots, grapes, etc. in the cage for Kong and
> Jenna. Thanks to anyone who responds. Your knowledge and previous
> experiences are greatly appreciated. Kim and Mitch
