Aliantha
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Gerbils fighting
We have two gerbils, about 9-10 months old, both male.
We bought them together and they've lived together always, we believe they're from the same litter.
Recently they've started fighting and Mortar became very submissive. Mortar has started having a couple of fits, which I know isn't unusual for gerbils. We came home today to find Mortar one hiding away under one of their toys. Pestle then jumped at him, leading Mortar to jump over a ball we have in their cage (on a stand), and I decided to temporarily separate them as I have done before (for 8 hours or so and they normally calm down).
When I got Mortar out I did a brief check as he was very scruffy, so I knew they'd been fighting. I found fresh blood on his rear feet and front paws. I can't see if there are any cuts as he's rather fluffy. What should I do? Do I need to keep them apart for longer? Should I treat the wounds? Or should I just call the vets tomorrow and beg for a fast appointment?
10/2/12 Answer this question
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stuart
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yes. Separate them and keep them apart.
Bathe the wounds with a saline solution. 1 Tablespoonful of salt in a pint of water.
I am somewhat confused re the time as it is now 11.25am approx in Japan no need to make a panic call to the vets. so guess it is about 2.30 am with you.
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Aliantha
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Thanks for the response. Are you suggesting that they stay apart permanently, or should they be re-introduced via a split-cage method once the wounds have healed?
11/2/12
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stuart
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they should remain out of physical contact permanently. Cages can be next to each other or they can be in the same cage but separated by a strong mesh
11/2/12
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