To be able to make a decision whether or not your gerbil is well, you need to know what is normal for them. Like children, behavior in gerbils can be inherited or learned. Some behavior is instinctive, such as nursing their mother as soon as they are born. The rest of a gerbils behavior is learned from parents and by observation of other gerbils. After a while it too becomes instinctive. Animals continually learn throughout their lives. They rely heavily on sight, sound and smell. Verbal signals are avoided as they could result in detection by a predator. The functions of behavior are to eat, avoid being eaten, and to reproduce.

NORMAL BEHAVIOR
Gerbils are diurnal and sleep for short periods throughout the day and night. In the wild this means that they are alert and on the look out for predators when they leave their burrows. The constant temperature in the burrows protects them from the freezing temperatures at night and the hottest temperatures during the day. Gerbils go out and forage for their food when the temperature suits them best.

Solitary gerbils can suffer behavioral problems and will become lonely and depressed.

HEALTH CARE
If you provide the correct care, diet, environment, exercise and attention to your gerbil it will normally stay fit and healthy, and will be bright, alert and eating and drinking normally. Younger and older pets are often more susceptible to illness due to lowered resistance. Handling your pet every day gives you the opportunity to examine him for signs that may indicate illness.

Gerbils should be bright and alert. Monitor their food intake to check that they are eating and drinking normally.

Any change in normal behavior may indicate an underlying problem. Watch out for:

• eating or drinking more or less than normal
• restless or lethargic or a crouched, huddled appearance
• coat that looks dull, is soiled or itchy, and check for cuts and lumps
• discharge from the eyes, ears or nose
• soiling around the vent with urine or feces
• feces abnormal in color or texture
• more or less urine being produced or unusual in color
• offensive odor from the ears, mouth or vent
• loud teeth grinding/chattering
• difficulty in eating, drinking or moving
• difficulty in breathing or raspy noises from the chest

Common illnesses
Gerbils do not often get ill but, because of their size, if they do get sick they can deteriorate very quickly. If your gerbil looks ill, take him to the vet immediately.

Dental problems All rodents, gerbils included, have teeth that continue to grow throughout their life. Should your gerbil be injured and a tooth become misaligned, the opposite tooth will grow as it has nothing opposing it on which to grind. Gerbils require fiber in their diet and gnaws to ensure the teeth are evenly worn and to prevent overgrowth. Overgrown teeth can cause a number of problems including abscesses, inability to eat and, in extreme cases, can grow back into the gerbils face.

To prevent this always provide plenty of safe items for your pet to gnaw on. In the event you do encounter a dental problem associated with overgrown teeth your vet will be able to assist you by trimming the teeth. Although this is not painful for the gerbil it can be frightening and is not easy to do as they will wiggle a lot. Do not attemp to do this yourself because you can accidentally break or split a tooth which can lead to more severe conditions like a mouth abscess. An indication of dental problems may be saliva around the mouth or on the chest or front paws, an inability to eat or teeth grinding. Always seek veterinary advice if you are at all concerned.

Diarrhea
Overfeeding with foods with a high water content, like fresh fruits and veggies, is the most common cause of diarrhea. You should stop feeding these immediately if your gerbil has diarrhea and allow it only to eat only dry foods. Take your gerbil to the vet immediately as loss of fluid through diarrhea can be life threatening.

Colds
Gerbils can catch colds from humans so, if you have a cold, you should keep the handling of your gerbil and its food to the minimum. Your gerbil will have a runny nose and sneeze if he has a cold and should be kept in a warm room. Isolate the affected gerbil from the rest of the group as colds can spread through colony and promply disinfect the cage. Take him to the vet if the condition has not cleared in two to three days, or if you have any concerns at all.

Tyzzers Disease
Tyzzers Disease is a very serious liver condition and your gerbil will have diarrhea, look tired and weak and will lose it's appetite. Take your gerbil to the vet immediately if your gerbil has these symptoms, as this disease is often fatal.

Good hygiene in the gerbilarium and using good quality bedding and burrowing material will help prevent this disease.