Gerbils were once a desert rodent, living in the sands of Africa and are part of the Gerbillinae family.
They are social rodents we keep as pets, but can gerbils die of loneliness?
Gerbils are friendly and need a lot of interaction. Join me as we find out about loneliness in gerbils.
Can Gerbils Die of Loneliness?
No, they can’t die from loneliness. However, they can die from other causes that comes from being alone such as; losing appetite, they stop grooming themselves, or on the contrary starts over-grooming themselves.
These things significantly increases the risk of developing infectious diseases.
Gerbils are one of the pets that usually require two to maintain and keep alive, and for many reasons. They will not die from loneliness, but they do need a family or partner to help make them feel secure in your home.
You will need to make sure you have enough space for two gerbils, not just one. However, if one of your gerbils dies, you may want to consider buying a second one for both of them to have healthy lives.
How Can a Gerbil Die From Not Having a Partner?
Gerbils usually live together in the wild, so they are used to companionship all of the time. Taking this away could lead to health problems that they wouldn’t otherwise get from being in a group or with another gerbil.
Gerbils groom each other and without another gerbil helping them groom they may stop altogether. Or not know which areas to groom, and this may lead to infection.
Two create a home, and they feel secure. Without this feeling of safety, your gerbil may stop coming out to play, leading to less exercise.
Have you thought of keeping your gerbil with another animal? Make sure you read this article first before deciding.
Signs of a Lonely Gerbil
There are a few distinct signs you will notice if your gerbil becomes lonely. Every gerbil is different, so you must get to know your pet to be able to tell if they are acting differently or in an unusual manner.
- Losing appetite – This is a pretty severe sign your gerbil is unhappy or lonely. If you recently lost your second gerbil, the living pet could take this bad and stop eating. This could cause other serious health problems.
- Quiet – Now, this may not be for every pet owner. If your gerbil is usually quiet, it may not be a sign; they are lonely. However, if they typically talk a lot to your or around you and then stop their noises, it could be a terrible sign. It all depends on your gerbil’s normal behavior.
- Sleeping – Once you get to know your gerbil, you will notice their own sleeping patterns. If they are all of a sudden sleeping a lot longer than usual, it could be a sign your gerbil is depress from being alone.
- Pulled hair – If they do not know how to groom themselves properly, they may over-groom themselves. If you notice bald patches are blood in certain areas, this is likely the cause.
- Lack of interest – If your gerbil usually loves to play and exercise, this means they are happy and healthy. However, if they stop playing or find their activities annoying, it could be a sign of loneliness.
You are your gerbil’s entire life, and this can be a huge responsibility. If one of your gerbils dies, it will be essential to notice any unusual behavior changes, and you will need to make sure your gerbil is happy.
If you can’t afford to get another gerbil, you will have to be the one to take its place. You will have to hold, groom, and cuddle your gerbil to make sure they are feeling enough affection.
6 Ways to Keep Your Gerbil Happy While Alone
There are a few ways you can keep your gerbil comfortable while also keeping it alone. If a gerbil passes it away, it can be devastating, and you may not feel ready to buy a new one.
This is also sad for the gerbil that is still with you. However, here are some tricks to keep them happy.
1. Hold Your Gerbil Every Day
You should be holding your gerbil for 20 minutes at a minimum every day. You should allow them time outside of their cage with you so they can bond and connect with you.
2. Give Them Holes to Hide
Lots of rodents love to hide, so it is essential to give them a safe space where they can curl up and burrow. In the wild, these animals love to burrow, and it is essential to let them mimic that behavior in their cage.
Toys like this edible hideaway, sold on Amazon, is a perfect toy for gerbils in general.
3. Create Something For Them to Chew On
This can include paper, cardboard boxes, and chew toys from the store. Whatever you choose, just make sure it is safe for them and that there is no risk of your gerbil possibly choking.
4. Provide a Exercise Wheel
Exercise wheels are a great distraction/game for your gerbil to do. They will love it, and exercise will help them let loose any extra energy.
If you’re looking to buy a wheel for your gerbil I recommend this silent one that’s sold on Amazon. Seriously, get a silent one. Even though it’s cute to hear your little pet(s) run around, often times silence is golden!
5. Provide Running Balls
Let your gerbil wander around your home in a way you won’t lose them. It allows them to explore and be interactive in your house. You can add in many new toys that will brighten your gerbils day up.
6. Get Them to Their Vet Check-Ups
There are specialized vets for rodents, and once in a while, you will want to make sure that they get checked up. This will help you be aware of any physical problems you need to pay attention to.
Paying attention to any physical problems will help you keep them healthier, and in return, they will be happier.
You should be spending 20 to 30 minutes with your gerbil each day, and even that may not be enough, especially if they had a companion all day every day.
You will have to adapt and notice what your gerbil wants and then give it to them.
If all of this fails, you will want to consider buying another gerbil to introduce to your existing one. This may seem like a lot of work, but having two happy gerbils is much better than have a gerbil who is depressed and dying.
Can Gerbils Live Alone After One Dies?
I wouldn’t try it. Gerbils are sociable animals that thrive best while in the company of other Gerbils, hence it is impossible for them to live well on their own.
A gerbil that lives by itself may experience feelings of:
- loneliness
- sadness
- depression
Therefore, in order for them to live, this small creature requires other members of its species. Gerbils are not designed to be solitary animals that are capable of surviving on their own.
Gerbil populations in the wild might consist of anything from two to fifteen rodents of varying ages and sexes. A breeding pair will first establish a group, which will thereafter grow to include their children and other relatives.
Because of this, it is imperative that gerbils have the company of other gerbils and that they are not housed as a single.
How Long Can You Leave a Gerbil Alone?
2-3 days. If you provide adequate food and water for your gerbils, they should be healthy for the next few of days.
However, when you are away from home, anything at all might take place. It is best to avoid separation from your gerbils for longer than a weekend at a time.
In order to satisfy the social requirements of a gerbil that lives alone, you will need to:
- spend time playing with it on a regular basis if you want to retain just one.
- make sure there are toys and other forms of stimulation in the gerbil’s cage
- check that he or she does not become lonely or bored.
Your solitary gerbil has the potential to live a long and healthy life if it receives the proper attention and care.
What to Do When One Gerbil Dies
When a gerbil dies, its grieving cage mate will frequently feel sorrow, much like people do. Knowing how to assist a lonely gerbil may be challenging. It seems to rely heavily on the surviving gerbil’s personality and the bond’s strength.
Getting another gerbil seems to be the recommended course of action, but I suggest to wait and observe. Give him or her all the love and attention you can muster up in order to keep loneliness and sadness at bay.
To provide them with the attention and affection they seek, gerbils should live in pairs. If one passes away, show the surviving gerbil a lot of love to prevent them from being depressed and ill.
To assist the lonely gerbil cope with the loss, if at all feasible, gradually introduce a new buddy. Always strive to provide them with the standard of living they deserve.
Final thoughts
Owning a gerbil may seem like a little responsibility, but it is actually a big commitment. Having two gerbils are less work in some ways and more work in other ways.
If you have one gerbil, it is your responsibility to cater to all of your pet’s needs and being affectionate with them, so they do not get lonely.
It is not something you should take lightly, and you should consider getting two instead of one because it is a sure way to keep them healthy together.
Gerbils may have feelings, and they will grow a strong bond with you as long as you take care of them properly.
Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.
