>What causes a bump in the tail? An even pump all the way around the
circumference of an otherwise straight tail. It is normal for a length,
then like a little fat part, then normal again. Should a gerbil that has
this be bred? Or not?
Did this suddenly happen, or has the gerbil been like this?
It sounds like a break in the tail that healed with scar tissue.
If it's a break, you can breed the animal. If it's a growth or
bone malformation (i.e., the stubby and bumpy siamese
cat tail syndrome) then you should not breed the animal.
Consult a vet on whether it's formed that way or the result
of a break.
[I've had hamsters and gerbils break paws and tails, and
bred them because that was not a genetic problem, but
an accident. Same for head canted individuals where
it was a fall accident. (one sweet white female gerbil
I had jumped at 2 1/2 weeks, and kept her head cant.
She recovered the other symptoms within a week, and
went on to be a fine mother.]
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
