>I have a female gerbil that is in a wire cage by her
>self. She is one of those gerbils that will just not
>get along with others so she has to be alone. I feel
>really sorry for her because all she does all day is
>chew on the bars of the cage. Her cage is a three
>story one so she has room to move but she always just
>site in the same place on the top floor and chews on
>the bars. When she is not doign this she is sleeping
>in her nest on the bottom of the cage. She hardly eats
>(when i change the food it is ALWAYS almost full
>still) and she drinks little but she is fat.
Does she have an exercise wheel? A lot of lonely
and bored animals will often use a wheel if it is
available. It's best if it is an enclosed one (solid
running surface). This may be something that will
keep her occupied rather than chew chew chew.
You might also purchase some 'bitter apple' and
try putting that on the bars where she chews. It is
a bitter tasting but harmless stuff sold in most pet
stores for persistent chewers of stuff (cats and dogs
do hate the taste, some rodents do too). It might
or might not work.
If she has really rubbed fur, you might have to
treat the areas that are bare...inspect for chafing
and wounds in the bare areas. If needed, a pair
of gloves, an assistant, and some neosporin lightly
applied with a cotton swab works. Just make
sure that you also keep her from rubbing or licking
it off for about five minutes after you apply it for best
effect.
I know, there occasionally comes along an animal
that just is too contrary to have a companion,
desperately needs one, and there is little you can
do. Good luck with your little lady.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
[yes I have had a great number of 'pensioners']
