My Gerbil Is I'll Help Please

[djproctor]

Hi my gerbil isnt well :( he is very weak shaking and keeps falling over, I have put him in front of the heater and he pushing up against the plastic to get the heat I think, I have given him some chocolate treats and mixed some water in his food and he has even a little bit, what could be wrong with him?

[mushroom25]

is he cold to the touch? sorry to say but our experience with small pets is that when they appear ill and are cold, there's not really much to be done other than offer TLC.

[Calibax]

How old is he? It could be poisoning. Could he have eaten something he shouldn't? I'm not sure that chocolate is good for gerbils.

[ivor4781]

hello how old is you pet? the average lifespan gerbil is from three to five years,as
mushroom says there's little to be done with small animals, things happen very quickly but give him some tlc and good luck

[djproctor]

Its gerbil chocolate so should be ok , yeah he was cold to touch now he has warmed a bit, don't think he could have been loosened though he chew through my charger when it was plugged in the other week

[djproctor]

He is just over a year old now

[Calibax]

OK, gerbil 'chocolate' is probably made from carob and not cocoa beans so should be OK. Shivering and shaking is often a sign of poisoning in small mammals though. You could take him to a vet but I expect there's not much more you can do but keep him warm and make sure he's got water to drink.
Hope the little fellow pulls through.

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with Calibax - the only exception being if he is displaying pain, squealing if you touch him etc.


Hope he rallies round.

[djproctor]

Its been a few hours now..He,s picking up a bit now feeling warmer and a bit more energy :-)

[Hypognosis]

Any musty smell in the feed bag?

Any discolouration on the lick end of the water bottle?