Gerbils with red and pink eyes have considerably poorer vision than those
with dark eyes. The swaying behavior is common in red/pink eyed animals and
is thought to be an effort on their part to "get a better look at things"
to compensate for their poor vision.
Skittishness is to be expected from a gerbil just moved to a new
environment. It will take time for him to calm down and feel comfortable.
In the absence of other signs (eye/nose discharge, lack of appetite,
lethargy) I would attribute the heavier breathing to the stress of moving
as well. My gerbils often display this behavior after a trip to the vet or
ride in the car.
Enjoy your new addition!
Jill
----------
> From: April Ann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Swaying?
> Date: Friday, February 16, 2001 2:29 PM
>
> I just got a DTW gerbil from Petco that was returned (unknown to staff
why,
> of course) And After observing him overnight here at college before
bringing
> him home. I have found the following oddities:
>
> -when he stands up on his hind legs, his head seems to slide in one
> direction or the other, he looks like he is going downhill in one
direction,
> but he isn't!
>
> -seems to breathe heavier than other gerbils.
>
> -extremely skitish
>
>
> is this "the fits" like other gerilb I own have, or is this something
worse?
> -April Ann
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