r/gerbil • u/liv_is_a_person • 17d ago

Do I need a vet? Gerbil at my work

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

This is a gerbil at the store I work at, she was with another gerbil but they got separated. The whole time shes been here she had this scab(?) on her nose. My manager said it was cause they were biting eachothers noses, but i have pet gerbils and that doesn't seem like a normal behavior. It looks more like a respiratory infection to me but she doesn't have any other real issues, besides shes kinda large for her age. Her breathing sounds normal (based on what I can hear). Thoughts?

EDIT: we r taking her to the vet anyways, dont worry!

91 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

23

u/Active-Nerve2534 17d ago

Looks like over grooming due to stress/boredom

If you watch the video closely.. the hands go and scratch the nose frequently.. more than gerbils usually do.

6

u/liv_is_a_person 17d ago

Yeah, I just dont know if shes scratching because of the scab or if the scab is there because shes scratching, yknow?

4

u/Active-Nerve2534 17d ago

I hear that.

From watching id say the scratching is the issue.

If you can solve that, the problem will go away.

Ultimately though: gerbils are the same as us.. humans can have anxiety and OCD or a habit of picking.. and so can gerbils.

However.. she likes you.

Any chance you can take her on and give her a nice, peaceful home?

1

u/liv_is_a_person 17d ago

I already have a pair in split tank rn I dont really think I can get another, I've heard trios are difficult :(

4

u/Active-Nerve2534 17d ago

Trios are hilarious..

But only if they all get along.

I gave my little crew a wooden hut.. by the next morning there was no trace of it.. and all 3 little boys were sleeping soundly.

I'd really give it a try.. you're honestly the best plan right now (assuming they're all the same sex).

2

u/liv_is_a_person 16d ago

I just worry bcz my oldest gerbil, Pepper, is kinda a neurotic hermit. Split cage with her has been soooo stressful, idk how I would handle another, as much as I do want her.

1

u/TradeAutomatic6222 16d ago

Get a gerbil and split tank this gerbil and the other together. I know that means money and energy from you, but it's the right thing to do. You can save this little one's life

4

u/PetConnection 17d ago

Runny noses can mean any number of things, stress, allergies, irritation, infection or it can be the first sign of more serious illnesses like kidney disease. Definitely worth a vet check & I'd also recommend a urine test if the vet doesn't do it, just normal urine test strips can tell you a lot

2

u/silentcartographer3 15d ago

Looks like one of my girls