Hi,

One of my gerbils recently passed away. She was about two years old, a female, and lived with her sister. I didn't see any signs of sickness (but she was with friends for the two weeks before) and I found her in her cage this morning with a bloody nose. I'm worried... Was it because of sickness, old age, fighting, my neglect, or what? Do I need to take her sister to a vet, and should I get her a friend?

Any help at all that you can offer would be appreciated. I've already buried her, and I refuse to dig her up to check for bite marks or whatever because that's disrespectful.

Thanks,
jellybean101

I'm sure it was viral, unless the sister is showing signs of slowing down, I would not wory. But if it makes you feel better a vet check would not hurt

Gerbil mucus is a reddish color, and people often mistake it for blood. It may have been a virus or cold, so make sure you watch the sister closely. My gerbils have had cold before, but it has never been lethal. Gerbils often only live 2 to 3 years, so it could also be that it was simply her time to go. I'm sorry for your loss.

Weird! One of my female gerbils died around the same time that yours did! Mine didn't have the same problems, but I do know this. If you're considering getting her a friend now, make sure you keep them separated, because 2 female adults will try to kill each other. I recommend putting them both in a cage with a mesh divider, which is used to keep 2 rodents separated, but allows them to see and smell each other. DO NOT put them in separate cages. They will not be able to live with each other. Good Luck!