----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 8:22
PM
Subject: Disappearance of Litter #1
Well, I'm a little late in
getting this piece of news out, but apparently my
first litter (just two
of the little critters) died. I know that sounds like
I don't care
at all, but it happened a few days ago, so I've had time to get
over it
(and besides that, they were only 2 days old, so I didn't even have
enough
time to grow attached to the poor things!)...anyway, do the parents
usually eat their young if the babies die?
I had a mother who had 1 pup, yes just one pup. I
was very worried as I know the sucess rate is low with just one little guy,
with no chance to foster, the pup stayed with her parents. I checked the baby
daily, as I do all my little guys, and what was her 1 week b-day, the little
one was gone. Like you, I searched the bedding, and didn't find any baby. I
was rather upset, but I had almost expected this.
In another case with a baby at about 14 days, who
died of unknown causes, she was not eaten. I do wonder if it has something to
do with the age of the pups, or what.
My bet is she ate the two, who died for whatever
reason. If it happens again, however, I would split the pair.
Best of luck!
Sarah
SAG's Gerbils in Tacoma WA
