Well, so far so good. I've been keeping a close eye on Trinity and
her pup. The pup seems to be getting milk - I managed to pull him out
of the corner twice yesterday, just long enough to check his
condition and his little belly was full of milk. Of course, I'm not
relying on that to last. Would anyone know of some gerbil owners in
the Charlotte, NC area or the nearby cities?
Question: If I managed to get two "pinkie" mice -whatever they are-
and bring them to the pup, how would I know that the female could
supply milk, etc?
I'd hate not to breed my male again, as he's either a Lilac or Pearl,
such a pretty color! I know it's hard on the mom doing the parenting
solo, but surely it wouldn't hurt to keep Einstein on the breeder
roster? He is rather young, still getting rid of his baby fur. I
guess the saying goes, just because you're old enough to do the deed
doesn't mean you're old enough to be a father. Perhaps I can give him
a second try?
Thanks for all the help and advice from everyone.
Again, if anyone lives around the Charlotte, NC area, or knows of
anyone who does - and owns gerbils of course - please let me know,
either through the list or my personal email address. Thanks again!
-Jackie
> >Alas, I use pine shavings for bedding, until I can find something
>>else that the gerbils AND I are not allergic to. Would it be
>>possible, at some point, to use shredded newspaper? Or would the
>>possibility of them ingesting the ink be an unwise bedding move?
>
>
>Newspaper can cause problems. Try offering a few white paper
>towels (the cheap brand) and they will shred that into their own
>bedding.
>
>Carefresh can be expensive, and sometimes dusty. Try
>using aspen if you can get it....it might be less allergenic.
>
>I have a shredded (soft rip edge not cut) small chunk recycled
>paper bedding I get that is made 'locally' and it looks like old
>phonebooks and mushmances. Mostly mushmances. (stuff
>stores couldn't sell so they rip the cover and send the book back)
>
>>Amazingly, when I put them in together, they got along rather well
>>right from the start, even though they weren't raised up together and
>>he's a bit younger than her. They were mating by the second day.
>
>
>How old is he now? It could be he wasn't ready for fatherhood...
>(aka stress)
>
>>Einstein is just a touch skittish, but loves to be held and walked
>>around the house, and especially enjoys going outside to sunbathe in
>>my hand. I wouldn't call him anti-social.
>
>
>Ok...
>
>>Well, now I know this happens, and that I didn't pick up some sort of
>>cannibalistic gerbil! I wish there was something more I could do for
>>the pup - I have baby formula as I have a young daughter of my own.
>>Could I possibly dilute that and try dropper-fuls if I see the pup is
>>not getting enough?
>
>
>It has the wrong fat content. You have to get KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer).
>They sell it in powder form at pet stores.
>
>If the pup shows a plump and white belly (you can see through the
>skin, that it's full of milk) leave him be. If the pup seems weak
>and cold and sort of wrinkled (any of those symptoms) and no
>sign of a full belly, then step in and suppliment with KMR. You
>will have to feed every two hours.
>
> >Thanks for all your help!
> >
> >-Jackie
>
>You're welcome.
>
>Deb R.
