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How Do I Care for a Pregnant Gerbil?

Kathleen Howard
Kathleen Howard

If you believe your gerbil might be pregnant, there are a few steps you will want to take to support your pet during her pregnancy. The first step in caring for a pregnant gerbil is providing her with enough food to support her growing litter. You will also want to provide the gerbil with enough materials to nest and get ready for her pups. In the later stages of her pregnancy, handle the gerbil gently, keep her away from foreign smells, and prepare for the birth of the litter.

Before making an additional effort to care for your gerbil, first make sure she is pregnant. Signs of gerbil pregnancy include increased hunger, weight gain and abnormal lumps in the stomach. If your female gerbil has been left alone with a male gerbil, there is a very good chance she is pregnant. Healthy adult gerbils typically conceive after mating only once. If your gerbil is pregnant, expect her to have gerbil babies within 21 to 28 days.

A gerbil. Pregnant gerbils need plenty of food and materials to create a nest.
A gerbil. Pregnant gerbils need plenty of food and materials to create a nest.

Once you have determined that your gerbil is pregnant, begin supplying her with extra food. Pregnant gerbils should be given additional protein and calcium to support their development. Dry puppy food, kitten food, cooked eggs and chicken are all good sources of protein. To ensure that she has enough calcium, you can also give your pregnant gerbil small amounts of cheese and unsweetened plain yogurt.

Plain yogurt may be fed to a pregnant gerbil.
Plain yogurt may be fed to a pregnant gerbil.

During pregnancy, your pet might want to prepare for her gerbil litter by nesting. It is not uncommon for a female gerbil to build and destroy several nests during her pregnancy. Some gerbils also wait to build a nest until the pups are born. In case your gerbil does want to nest, make sure she has the materials to do so. Sawdust, wood shavings, hay and newspaper are all sufficient nesting materials.

In the last days of her pregnancy, check on your gerbil frequently to see whether she has gone into labor. Handle her very gently and make sure she has enough water. You will also want to keep her area free of foreign smells. Foreign smells like new pets or garbage can make a pregnant gerbil act aggressively toward her litter. Not having enough water can also cause a pregnant gerbil to behave abnormally.

While caring for a pregnant gerbil is not usually difficult, it can get a bit more complicated once the litter is born. In most cases, gerbils are attentive parents. Still, you must understand that you might have anywhere from one to eight pups that will need food, adequate shelter and possibly new homes. It is also possible that some of the pups will not survive. Preparing yourself for these possibilities will make it easier to cope once the litter is born.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my gerbil is pregnant?

A pregnant gerbil may exhibit signs such as weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, and nesting behavior, where she gathers materials to prepare for her young. According to the American Gerbil Society, a gerbil's pregnancy lasts about 24 to 26 days, so these signs typically become noticeable in the latter half of this period.

What dietary changes are needed for a pregnant gerbil?

During pregnancy, a gerbil requires a diet higher in protein and fat to support the growth of her pups. Incorporate more seeds, nuts, and occasional mealworms or boiled eggs into her diet. Ensure constant access to fresh water and high-quality gerbil food, as recommended by veterinarians specializing in small mammals.

How should I modify the habitat for a pregnant gerbil?

Create a stress-free environment by providing ample nesting material, such as shredded paper or hay, for your pregnant gerbil. Avoid disturbing her nest and minimize handling to reduce stress. Keep the habitat clean, but be cautious not to disrupt her space excessively, especially as she nears the end of her pregnancy.

Is it necessary to separate a pregnant gerbil from her mate?

It's not always necessary to separate a pregnant gerbil from her mate, as gerbils are social creatures and the male can help with the pups. However, be aware that gerbils can mate again shortly after birth, leading to consecutive pregnancies. If you wish to prevent this, separation may be advisable after the birth.

What should I do when the gerbil is giving birth?

During birth, provide a quiet, undisturbed environment for your gerbil. Birth typically occurs at night and can last several hours. It's crucial to resist the urge to intervene unless there are clear signs of distress or complications. Post-birth, check on the mother and pups minimally, as excessive interference can cause maternal stress.

How do I care for the newborn gerbil pups?

For the first few weeks, the mother gerbil will primarily care for her pups. Ensure she has plenty of food and water to support nursing. After about two weeks, you can start offering the pups small amounts of solid food. According to veterinary guidance, handle the pups minimally until they are more independent, usually around three to four weeks old.

Discussion Comments

anon971946

Can you take away the dad during the pregnancy then put him back afterward?

bluedolphin

@fBoyle-- If your gerbil is in the same cage with a male, make sure to split them up. Gerbils can breed during pregnancy and the female can get pregnant as soon as she gives birth. Keep the male and female apart but do not separate the pups from the mother until they are 6-8 weeks old.

donasmrs

@fBoyle-- It can be very difficult to tell if a gerbil is pregnant. I didn't know that mine was until on a few days before she gave birth. She had gotten huge!

It sounds like you are doing everything you're supposed to. Try to give her a variety of foods so that she gets enough nutrients. My gerbil did not make a nest until after she gave birth, but yes, keep some materials in her cage for her. Cut up cardboard is a great material for nests.

fBoyle

I think that my gerbil might be pregnant. She has been resting a lot, drinking more water and I see some bulging on the sides of her stomach.

I give her plenty of food and water. I will also cut up some newspaper for her. I'm not completely sure if she's pregnant but I want to be ready in case she is.

Has anyone here have a gerbil who had pups? What did you do during the pregnancy?

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    • A gerbil. Pregnant gerbils need plenty of food and materials to create a nest.
      By: LockStockBob
      A gerbil. Pregnant gerbils need plenty of food and materials to create a nest.
    • Plain yogurt may be fed to a pregnant gerbil.
      By: mrjpeg
      Plain yogurt may be fed to a pregnant gerbil.