At 04:12 PM 9/5/00 -0700, you wrote:
>I have a question about gerbils preening habits.
>
>We used to have 2 males together and one (Viech)
>preened his compagnion so much around the eyes
>that the poor guy hardly had any fur left.
>
>WE finally split them up.
>Viech had been alone for several months and we
>finally introduced him to two young males.
>They've been happily together for about 2 weeks,
>but today I noticed Viech has taken up his old
>preening habit again. Both babies have some fur
>missing around their eyes.
>
>Viech never barbered any part of himself when he was
>on his own and they have plenty of things to nibble
>and entertain themselves with.
>
>What could be the reason for his preening fixation?
>I don't really want to take his two newly introduced
>compagnions away, because he is clearly happier.
>But I also don't want the two youngsters to have bare
>heads, either.
>
>Any ideas anyone?
I have a similar problem with a three month old male
who grooms his cagemate obsessively.
No bald spots yet, though.
I, too, would like to know if anyone else has had similar problems and what
can be done to slow the obsessive groomer.
Thanks.
Catherine
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