I don't think you have anything serious to worry about at this point. Veterinary texts dealing with rodents and other exotics list appropriate weight ranges for adult males as 65-100g and adult females as 55-85g. I would suggest weighing them regularly and keeping a chart or record to monitor any further weight loss, which would indicate a problem. I have one little female who, not matter how much I feed her, continues to weigh 64g. She is perfectly healthy, just small.
Also, after about 2 years of age, gerbils tend to put on weight more easily, so they may begin to gain as they get a little older- especially the 1yr 7 month pair. Jill ---------- > From: Leenknegt-Lioen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Weight problem > Date: Friday, October 19, 2001 2:23 PM > > Hi, > > I noticed one of my gerbils was a bit slim, so I decided to weight all the > gerbils to see if there was a problem: > *Daedalus and Icarus, both male, 10-11 months > both 85 grams > > *Scully and Mulder, female and male, 1 year, 7 months > both 75 grams > > *Hermione and Ginny (the one I was worried about), both female, 1 year > Hermione = 74 grams, Ginny = 63 grams!! > > So I fear there is indeed a problem, though I can't see what it is. All six > get the same home-made diet, same amounts at the same time, proteins: 12,5 % > , fat: 5% > The others seem to do well on the diet, or is their weight not healthy > either? > Only Scully and Mulder get their food in a bowl (they are in a cage), with > the others, I just put it on their bedding (they are in a tank). I feed at > the time I see Scully and Mulders bowl is (about) empty. > They all get some sunflowerseeds every now and then. > They regularly get fresh water. > > Ginny behaves healthy, is curious, active, affectionate, though her coat > doesn't look very shiny. > > Does anyone have advice, ideas to share? > I'd rather work this out meself, than to go to the vet. First and last time > I took two gerbs to the vet, they almost died in the car, at least it looked > to me like they did. I don't want to put them through that if it isn't > absolutely necessary. (And I'd have problems convincing my parents!) > > Thanks for any help, I really apreciate it! > Sarah
