In a message dated 3/20/00 6:47:30 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Folks who are too lazy to read the FAQ, which they have easy access to >> Some 'folks' realize that there may be several opinions on a given subject. Just because it is on an FAQ list doesn't mean that that is the only way to approach a problem. I'm thinking that this list is for the discussion of those different ways. I recall a section in the rules of the GML that says that the GML would never come to a consenus on how to care for gerbils. This is just a very good example of that. A few thoughts on weaning: The mom should know what to do, its instinct. There has been mention on this list of young females helping her mom with the kids, and getting experience with them. First time females sometimes have problems, right? Another thing... somebody made the point that the gerbils in the wild don't have any help with pups and don't have little plastic water bottles. What immedeately came to mind was that gerbils in the wild also have a wider variety of foods to eat, and perhaps the females have 'cravings' for certain things, to keep the litter's and her own health up. In captivity, one provides the basic food and maybe some treats. During the later part of child rearing, I would think of adding some extra foods that usually aren't fed. Foods that would help the female in producing quality milk and keep her own strength up to putting up with bouncing fuzzies with tails. Milk soaked bread, for the babies to start getting a feel for eating solid food. At least something easier for them to get eating. Just because you aren't physically helping along the female to wean the pups, there are things one could do to make it easier for her. After all, isn't that what one should do in return for sacrificing the animals freedom? Give it the best care possible? Another thing that crossed my mind is that I'm sure that in the in the wild the entire litter does not survive. Just some things that cross my mind. I don't mean to cause annoyance... I just think that people can discuss this in a mature fashion without saying 'I'm tired of this, please stop it' Roger Garza
