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Question about Gerbils2007-11-24 22:14:41

Okay I recently got two male gerbils, now that I have them home and everything nice and set up...I found that one of them doesn't fully open its eyes, it looks like it is squinting a little. He has opened his eyes fully a few times while handling him but otherwise he goes back to the squinting when in the cage or sitting still. This morning I went to check on them and I found that he has one eye completely shut now, and the other is still squinting. There's no signs of any injuries or anything holding it shut (like mucus or something), and He seems fine otherwise. I just wanted to know if that is something I should be worried about or should I take him to the vet?

They're almost 3 months old if that makes any difference.

Answers:

this usually happens when he is too young. he may be allergic to someting in the bedding or cage or he might have rigged his eyes on the cage maybe. the other gerbil (if he is older) will pick on the gerbil that are hurt. so he will take advantage of him. try opening it on your own very carefully. just slide your finger ove rhis eyelid and see if the mucus comes off. if not, go see a vet. the vet will know what to do with him :]

Good Luck!

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He might have an infection. If it is almost shut go see a vet, but if it is just slightly closed, call your vet. Just so you know, when your gerbils mature, they WILL fight and become canibals. I have had 54 gerbils, 32 of which were males in 4 cages, one from each cage was killed and eaten at least once a day. It is better to get two female gerbils next time.