Hi! All my Gerbils (and most of my hamsters) are now on antibiotics as a preventative measure to hopefully prevent another outbreak but I have a few questions about my "survivors". My 2 Males who were originally living with the Mother that died are picking up tremendously, one more than the other though.The one that is most healthy is always scratching at the corner of the enclosure and has even climbed up and tried to escape by gnawing the plastic lid of his enclosure, so he must be feeling better to have all that energy.The other one who is weaker is eating and drinking but still has diahorreah, he is all stooped over and is tail is sort of curled up.But the thing that concerns me the most is that he is losing his fur, it is only one area though.The anus, base of tail and scrotum.I was thinking it may be to do with constantly going to the toilet but wondered whether it was harmful? He was really bad a few days ago and I only expected him to last a day (like my other infected gerbils did after I noticed they were ill) but he has fought on and I hope he gets over it.Any ideas on the hair loss? Also I know I am not supposed to sell any of my Gerbils or buy any more until my outbreak is under control but I am a bit concerned about one of my 3 month old females.She was living with 2 of her brothers until about 5 days ago they both died from Tyzzers disease, luckily she is not infected and has absolutely no signs, her stools are solid and her eyes are bright.However she looks very miserable now she is alone and I was wondering when it is safe to get her a new mate? I have 2 litters that are old enough to leave their mother and I was thinking of introducing one of those.When can I do that? Also how long before I can sell my pups as one of my parent pairs have had another litter and the older litter is still in with them? One more thing, is slight hairloss normal whilst holding your gerbils or is it a sign of illness? Sometimes when stroking my Gerbils I get small amounts of hair on my hands (like eyelash sized hairs) Should I worry? Thanks Sarah
