Bob Jones <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>Ok, I can't spell it, but how do you know when a gerbil is having one? What
>do you do?
The gerbil will either freeze and go rigid, or will crouch down and
shake with rigorous muscular contractions. This latter position is shown
in one of the photos at http://www.gerbils.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm
Which ever type of fit you have the gerbil will normally return to
normal but will want to just sit quietly for ten minutes or so. After
that you are unlikely to know anything has happened.
These fits are mostly harmless. It is rare for the gerbil to suffer in
any permanent way.
If a gerbil suffers a fit, as they are often triggered by stress or over
stimulation, just put them back with their cage mates and leave them
somewhere quiet for half an hour to recover.
The other thing to bear in mind is that it is not a good idea to stroke
a gerbil that has fitted to calm it down, this is because stroking it a
particular way can trigger a fit. it is best to avoid any sort of
excessive tactile stimulation if fitting is a risk.
--
Julian
************************************************************************
* Jackie and Julian *
* [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
* National Gerbil Society *
* http://www.gerbils.co.uk/ *
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