Why Aren’t My Gerbils Sleeping Together Anymore?
Have you noticed that your gerbils are no longer as close as they used to be, choosing to sleep apart? This could be a concerning issue as gerbils are highly social animals that enjoy sleeping together, sharing warmth and a sense of security. If your gerbils suddenly sleep separately, it might indicate issues between them that need prompt analysis and resolution. In this article, I’ll explain potential reasons why gerbils may not sleep together and how to help them restore a harmonious relationship.
Reasons Why Gerbils Don’t Sleep Together
There could be various reasons why gerbils choose to sleep separately, but the following are the most common:
Excessive Nesting Options: Gerbils prefer sleeping in soft, comfortable places. If you have placed too many nesting boxes, wood shavings, or tissues in their enclosure, they might opt to sleep separately, enjoying their individual spaces. While this might seem fine, sleeping apart can enhance territorial awareness among gerbils, leading to aggression or even fights. To avoid this, it’s best to provide only one nesting box in the enclosure, encouraging gerbils to sleep together and fostering intimacy.
Dominance Issues Among Gerbils: Gerbils have a hierarchical structure, with one dominating others. While this is a natural order maintaining social harmony, excessive dominance can make other gerbils uncomfortable, prompting them to find separate sleeping spots to avoid bullying or bites. If you observe abnormal aggressive behaviors like ear or tail biting, consider temporarily separating the gerbils to allow them to cool off. Alternatively, consider redistributing gerbil numbers and genders to facilitate better compatibility.
Anxiety or Stress: Gerbils are sensitive creatures, reacting strongly to environmental changes. If you introduce a new cage, toys, food, or additional gerbils, they may feel unsettled and unsure how to adapt. In such situations, gerbils may choose to sleep alone to protect themselves from potential threats or harm. Give them time to acclimate to the new environment, offering comfort and encouragement through gentle petting, talking to them, and providing treats.
Illness Among Gerbils: Gerbils can also fall ill, experiencing conditions such as colds, diarrhea, or skin diseases, affecting both their physical and mental well-being. Sick gerbils may distance themselves from healthy ones to avoid disease transmission or harassment. Watch for unusual behaviors like refusal to eat or drink, difficulty breathing, dull fur, or abnormal feces. If observed, promptly take the gerbils to a vet for examination, ensuring timely treatment and isolating the sick gerbil to prevent contagion.
Solutions
If you notice your gerbils not sleeping together, stay calm and avoid blaming them. Patiently analyze the reasons and take appropriate actions to help restore their harmonious relationship. Here are potential solutions:
Temporary Separation: If dominance issues are causing aggression, temporarily separate the gerbils and observe if the aggressive behavior stops. Reintroduce them gradually and monitor their interactions. Consider adjusting gerbil numbers or genders if necessary.
Maintain Optimal Temperature: Gerbils are temperate animals sensitive to temperature changes. Ensure the enclosure stays between 18-22 degrees Celsius, avoiding direct sunlight or drafts. Provide adequate insulation materials such as cotton, towels, or blankets for a comfortable sleep.
Veterinary Care: If you suspect illness, promptly take the gerbils to a vet for examination and treatment. Isolate the sick gerbil to prevent spreading the disease and offer a nutritious diet to aid recovery.
Ensure Adequate Space: Gerbils are active animals requiring sufficient space for movement and play. Provide a spacious enclosure with interesting toys like wheels, tunnels, and swings to stimulate their exploration and entertainment.
Regular Cleaning and Disinfection: Keep the gerbil enclosure clean by regularly cleaning nesting boxes, toys, food bowls, and water bottles. Change wood shavings or other bedding materials to maintain a dry and sanitary environment. Use mild disinfectants like white vinegar or lemon juice to eliminate odors and bacteria without harming the gerbils’ respiratory systems or skin.
Conclusion
By analyzing the reasons behind gerbils not sleeping together, it becomes evident that simple interventions can resolve these issues. Taking timely measures not only prevents harm to gerbils but also helps them regain a harmonious relationship, enjoying each other’s company. As a gerbil owner, ensure their living environment is comfortable, nutrition is sufficient, and provide ample care and attention for their happiness and security.
