>2 days ago one of my pups died, the mother attacked him and chewed on him
>until nothing was left. He was pretty sick the day before (he would not
open
>his, he felt cold, he would not move, and he was not feeding from his
>mother).
When a gerbil gets ill it quits eating and drinking. You are describing
symptoms of dehydration, which quickly kills.
>I have had this happen before and it whipped out half of my clan.
>I have another pup that is showing the same symptoms, I don't know what to
>do. I have seen a few pups drinking from the water bottle and eating food,
>but still nursing, do you all think he (and the rest) might make it?
Tetracycline for ten days in the water...and feed all animals a few
drops of the same water three to four times a day with an eyedropper
to make sure they're getting some of it. Make a warm corner
for the tank (shining a light on a corner from a few inches away on
the outside or attaching one of those adhesive reptile heaters to
the outside of the glass). Assume everyone has it and treat them
all, or it will go around and just keep taking out your animals. Feed
nursing pups the water also.
By hand feeding the medicated water, you can be sure that the
animals are getting some AND doublecheck that they are not
deteriorating from dehydration. If you find signs of that (sluggishness,
feeling cold, unresponsive, and when offered food ignore it) then
do rehydration therapy with KMR.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
