Gerbils

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Gerbils

Mongolian Gerbil – Meriones unguiculatus

Easy to handle Mild tempermant Adaptabile to

environmental changes

Low occurrence of natural diseases

USE IN RESEARCH

RadiobiologyStrokeAuditory – hearing close to humanEndocrine functionDental studiesReproductionEpilepsy

HANDLING AND RESTRAINT

Should pick up a gerbil by the base of the tail Should not pick up at

the tip since that can cause the skin to pull off. Surgical amputation would need to be performed.

Another method is to cup both hands under gerbil and gently lift.

HANDLING AND RESTRAINT

To restrain for an exam or treatment Pick gerbil up by base of

tail Grasp the scruff area with

thumb and index finger with opposite hand (that is holding base of tail)

The gerbil’s back should be in your palm.

Grasp the tail with your little finger.

HANDLING AND RESTRAINT

BREEDING

Form monogamous pairs Remain with same mate for life

Trying to separate pairs and have them mate with another gerbil is usually unsuccessful and can result in fighting and even death.

BREEDING

Sexual Maturity – 70-84 daysGestation – 24-26 daysLitter size – 4-5Weaning – 21 days

SEXING

Males have a greater anogenital distance than females do.

Note the anogenital distance in the above picture. Do you think this is a male or female?

BEHAVIOR

Docile Clean and curious Desert animal and adapt to very little water

Produce small amounts of urine Little odor

Cyclic activity Periods of high activity Followed by periods of sleep Will burrow, nest, scratch claws rapidly on side of cage,

interact with cage mates and groom one another.

BEHAVIOR

Both males and females have a dark yellow gland called the ventral marking gland.

Rub against things and secrete their scent.

Spend a large amount of time grooming this gland.

BEHAVIOR

May hear foot stompingThis may be part of their sexual ritualCan also be a signal to others that there is

danger present.

UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR

In about 20% of gerbils, they have epileptic seizures. Usually from a result of handling, loud noises or

other excitement. During seizure they may twitch or appear to be

kicking or they may freeze.

DISEASES Tyzzer’s Disease – Bacterial Infection

Depression Ruffled hair coat Hunched posture Anorexia Watery diarrhea

Transmission Fecal-oral

Treatment Removal of infected animals Sterilization of primary enclosure Reduction of stress

DISEASES

Nasal Dermatitis Alopecia and dermatitis around upper lip and

nares Erythema, scabbing

May be caused by stressSymptomatic treatment

PARASITIC DISEASE

Demodex Alopecia Scaly skin Ulceration

Old age and debilitation are factors in gerbils ending up with demodex infection.

EPILEPTIC SEIZURE DISORDER

Stress related Can begin around 2 months of age

Seizures may last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes

May see animal “freeze” or twitch.

MALOCCLUSION

Continually growing incisiorsProvide something for them to chew onIf overgrown, need to trim the teeth.