I agree with Jackie on checking and handling the pups.
Wanted to add that leaving six older pups in might be
too stressful. I usually leave only one or two. Also
if you leave girls in beyond 7-8 weeks they are likely
to mate with the dad.
Donna
ABC Gerbils
www.abcgerbils.com
--- Evans <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> When it all boils down, I think it depends on the
> gerbil mommy.
>
> I like to give the pups a good 24 hours of hand free
> time with mom.
> Usually they're feeding so often, it's rather hard
> to find an
> appropriate chance any ways.
>
> Always make sure your hands have just been washed in
> some scent-free
> soap, and dried thoroughly.
>
> Oh, and in the first 1 1/2 to 2 weeks I try to
> restrain myself and
> only mess with them once a day. Not only do you
> upset mom by hauling
> the pups out and rearranging her nest, the pups
> really don't need to
> be handled more than once a day at that young of an
> age. Of course,
> that is only my opinion.
>
> Luckily I have a mom that has no problem with me
> handling the pups,
> and a dad that has come to get used to it also.
>
> Oh, and make sure you lavish some attention on the
> proud parents, or
> I'm sure they'll get jealous. :) This will also make
> sure that the
> pups and the parents smell of the same thing - you!
>
> On a side note, I sure hope you have a big enough
> tank for 2 parents,
> 8 older siblings, and 6 younger. That sounds
> crowded! :P
>
> -Jackie & The Copper Dragon Clan
>
>
>
>
>
> Thumper and Bambi had 6 pups today, August 28th.
> Yippee!!! They are
> in with their older siblings, and so far that seems
> to be going okay
> and not bothering Thumper.
>
> I am not peeking much (this time) as I've been
> reading different
> things about bothering the pinkies. So now I am
> confused (okay, I'm
> paranoid). I don't know exactly when is the right
> time that I can
> touch them without causing anything "bad" that could
> possibly happen
> to them with my scent on them. So any input on this
> would be
> appreciated.... or a link to a URL that discusses
> this ....
> anything.... thank you much. (o:
>
> Shelley
> TPC Gerbils
> Pandora & Blade & 6 kids
> Gerbie from the Wilderness (LOL) & Jin (they have no
> kids)
> Thumper & Bambi & their 15 kids (of various ages!!)
> Ichi & Ahrod, the good 'ol boys
> AND Buddy, Sonoma, & Tuffy (my 3 cats)
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