>How early could I be able to tell if my gerbil is pregnant?
If you don't see signs of the male trying to mate her, then
count about 14-18 days after either the delivery of the last
litter or the last time you caught them in the act. If you pick
her up and very gently feel her stomach, it should sorta
feel...lumpy. Way up in, sort of towards the rear (past the
'waist' area) , not around the nipples. (unless she's not nursing)
If it's her first litter or the first time after a long break (she's
not currently nursing/weaning a litter underfoot) she probably
won't look chunky until 3-7 days before she delivers, and
only really gets blimpy in the last few days (unless she's
carrying a really large litter). Also in her last few days,
nestbuilding seems to be her fervor and she will spend a LOT
of time and energy trying to concoct a very substantial nest.
>Also I heard I should have nothing in the tank when I have
>pups except the bedding, a hiding place and some tissue
>paper. Would it be ok if I put in maybe a toilet paper roll in
>there for her to chew apart?
I use a recycled softly ripped small chunk paper bedding
with my animals, and give the mother to be about six to
eight sheets of unscented undyed toilet tissue at last
tank cleanout before she delivers (about five days pre in
my best guesstimate). I don't usually use a 'hiding place',
as I orient the 15 gallon aquariums so that they are long
axis running front to back, with food and waterbottle at the
front short side. That way she can go towards the more
secluded back and I can still check on things if I want...
I continue to give a pair a toilet tissue cardboard roll a
day with the last sheet or so stuck to it yet, except
for the day the pups appear, so they have something to
destroy and still more shreddies to add to their nest. :)
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
