Why Do Gerbils Eat Each Other?
Gerbils are adorable small rodents originally from desert and grassland areas, exhibiting strong social and territorial instincts. Generally peaceful and friendly, gerbils enjoy playing, sleeping, and exploring together. However, there are instances where a gerbil might be observed consuming a deceased companion, or aggressive fights leading to fatalities. Why does this happen? Do gerbils have a tendency for cannibalism? As a caring gerbil owner, how can you prevent such situations? This article aims to address these questions, providing insights for better understanding and care of your gerbils.
Why Do Gerbils Consume Their Deceased Companions?
Eating a dead companion is an instinctive response in gerbils, driven by two purposes: avoiding predator attraction and replenishing essential nutrients.
In the wild, gerbils face various predators and must remain vigilant. When a gerbil dies, its body emits a distinct odor attracting other gerbils and potential predators. To safeguard themselves and their group, gerbils quickly consume or bury the deceased companion, eliminating the scent. This natural survival strategy is not indicative of cruelty or hunger.
Additionally, consuming a deceased companion provides gerbils with vital nutrients, especially during the later stages of maternal care. While their primary diet is plant-based, gerbils need protein, calcium, iron, and other trace elements from animal sources. In captivity, where obtaining insects or worms might be challenging, gerbils may turn to their deceased companions to supplement these nutrients. This behavior, particularly noticeable during the late stages of maternal care, stems from natural physiological needs rather than greed or cruelty.
However, it’s crucial to note that gerbils cannot rely solely on consuming deceased companions for nutrition. They should be provided with a balanced diet, including hay, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, to meet their nutritional requirements. Additionally, providing a moderate amount of earthworms can serve as a beneficial nutritional supplement, as they are a preferred natural food for gerbils, rich in protein and trace elements. Care should be taken not to overfeed earthworms, usually offering them once a week is sufficient.
Why Might a Gerbil Owner Discover One Gerbil Eating Another?
While consuming a deceased companion is instinctual, owners may observe cases where a living gerbil is eaten or an altercation results in death. Why does this happen? Gerbils possess strong territorial and social hierarchy instincts, leading to conflicts and skirmishes in captivity, resulting in tragic outcomes. The reasons for such situations include:
Confined Living Environment and Inability to Escape Aggression:
In the wild, gerbils have extensive territories and numerous burrows to evade danger. However, in captivity, their living space is confined to a small cage, causing feelings of confinement and distress. If one gerbil attacks another, the victim has limited options to escape, potentially leading to injury or even death. Owners should aim to provide spacious and enriching environments to prevent such occurrences.
Decreased Social Status due to Age or Illness, Triggering Aggression:
Gerbils adhere to a strict social hierarchy within their groups. A gerbil’s status may decline due to aging or illness, making it vulnerable to aggression or replacement by a healthier counterpart. When a gerbil’s social standing diminishes, conflicts may arise, resulting in fierce challenges between the existing and aspiring leaders. Recognizing and addressing these situations promptly can involve providing appropriate care, separating gerbils if necessary, and preventing further losses.
Introduction of Unfamiliar Same-Sex Individuals Disrupting Social Order:
Gerbils form strong bonds within their social groups, and introducing a new, unfamiliar gerbil, especially of the same sex, can lead to hostility and attacks. In such cases, gerbils perceive the newcomer as a threat and may engage in frequent and brutal fights, potentially causing injury or death. Owners should carefully prepare and observe before introducing new gerbils to avoid unnecessary harm.
Can Gerbils Engage in Cannibalism?
Contrary to misconceptions, gerbils do not exhibit a natural tendency towards cannibalism in their native environments. Instances of cannibalistic behavior observed in captivity are primarily triggered by stressors like overcrowding and limited resources. Gerbils, inherently non-violent, resort to aggressive behaviors due to environmental factors affecting their well-being. Adequate living space, proper care, and attention to their behavioral needs can help prevent such incidents, ensuring a harmonious and safe environment for pet gerbils.
How to Prevent Gerbil Fighting and Death?
Provide Adequate Exercise Space:
Gerbils are active creatures that thrive in spacious environments. They enjoy exploring and playing in wide areas. If the space is too confined, gerbils may feel stressed, leading to conflicts and fights. To prevent unnecessary clashes, owners should offer a sufficiently large cage or regularly allow gerbils to roam freely in a secure area. This enables gerbils to expend energy, enhance their happiness, reduce stress, and ultimately avoid conflicts.
Isolate Aggressive Individuals:
Gerbils establish a strict social hierarchy, but occasionally, a gerbil may become overly dominant or violent, attacking others without reason. In such cases, owners should promptly identify and isolate the aggressive gerbil, either housing it alone or pairing it with another gerbil of similar temperament. This not only protects the safety of other gerbils but also provides the isolated gerbil with a suitable companion, preventing loneliness and frustration.
Carefully Observe for Signs of Illness or Injuries:
Gerbils are resilient animals that may not easily show signs of pain or discomfort. However, if a gerbil is suffering from an illness or injury, it may exhibit weakness, irritability, fear, or aggression. In such cases, the affected gerbil may become a target for bullying or aggression from others, or it may retaliate, causing greater harm. Owners should attentively observe the gerbil’s body and behavior, promptly identify any signs of illness or wounds, and provide appropriate treatment or separate them to avoid exacerbating the situation or triggering conflicts.
Gradually Introduce New Gerbils with Caution:
Gerbils have a strong sense of community, forming deep friendships and trust with their group members. When introducing a new companion, especially of the same sex, owners should follow a gradual process to acclimate and reduce conflicts. The step-by-step approach includes:
Initial Separation: Place the new gerbil in a separate cage, allowing it to adjust to the new environment. Let existing gerbils see and smell the newcomer without physical contact. This helps establish recognition and curiosity while ensuring the new gerbil feels safe.
Cage Exchange: Swap the cages of the new and existing gerbils, allowing them to further familiarize themselves with each other’s scents and habits. Observe their reactions for signs of tension or hostility, fostering trust and respect.
Face-to-Face Interaction: Place the gerbils in a neutral area where they can have face-to-face contact. Monitor their behavior for friendly or aggressive signs, building friendship and a sense of belonging.
Shared Living Space: Finally, house the new and existing gerbils in a common cage, ensuring harmony and observing for any signs of conflict. This helps establish stable relationships and balance among the gerbils.
Enrich the Environment to Prevent Boredom-Induced Fights:
Gerbils are intelligent animals that thrive on exploration and learning. To prevent fights borne out of boredom, owners should provide an enriching environment with various toys and activities. Strategies include:
Offering chewable toys such as wood, cardboard, and cotton, allowing gerbils to satisfy their chewing instincts while promoting dental health. Regularly changing toy types maintains freshness and interest.
Providing play toys like balls, wheels, and swings to enhance physical activity, balance, agility, and overall well-being. Owners should select toys based on gerbil preferences, considering factors such as running, jumping, or rocking.
Supplying exploration toys like tunnels, boxes, and shelters to satisfy curiosity and adventure. Placing food or treats within these toys encourages gerbils to seek and discover, while soft padding or towels create a comfortable rest area.
By implementing these preventative measures, gerbil owners can create a stimulating and harmonious environment, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and ensuring the well-being of their furry companions.
