Pics of my gerbils

[mouse123]

I just wanted to share pics of my gerbils. Its hard to get good pics of them but I got a few. Daphne isn't in any pics (she's camera shy) I adopted them a few weeks ago and they are hand shy. I can't really hold them. Daisy will let me for a few minutes. Scarlet (the oldest) runs away from my hand and Daphne will sit in my hand but if I move she runs away. I got a small animal playpen so I think that might work. I can't wait until I can hold them and they aren't afraid of me.

This is Scarlet (the mother). She got really nervous when I first got her so she constantly rubbed her nose until it bleed. Its started to clear up now. Like I said, I can't get close to her to put ointment on it.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/pixiexkp/7b7a05c5.jpg

Another one of Scarlet on the wheel. Daphne is actually under the wheel and Daisy is in front. (I know the cage was bad I had to put them in it while I was setting up the tank. They are in a 29 gallon tank now)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/pixiexkp/97981d39.jpg

Here is Daisy. One of the babies from Scarlet's litter.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/pixiexkp/9ae44f6a.jpg

And another one of Daisy. I left the background from the fish tank, so they wouldn't be so scared from people walking by.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/pixiexkp/90de1e25.jpg

[mouse123]

I don't have any pics of Jake (her son) but he looks just like Daisy.

[mouse123]

I think the previous owners of them, held Scarlet by the tail cuz its messed up. But it doesn't bother her.

[Doom]

Lovely pictures.
Does Daphne have an 'S' shaped tail or is that just the way she is in the wheel?

[HandcuffedAngel]

Aww. Cuties.

[Doom]

Does Daphne have an 'S' shaped tail or is that just the way she is in the wheel?
I don't think thats a break.
I have a gerbil with a tail like that. She was born with it and I'm told it's a condition similar to spina bifida in humans. This can also cause internal abnormalities which make giving birth to live young impossible.
It does mean that gerbils born with crooked tails should nto be bred from.

Abbey:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/MERMUM/abz2.jpg

[Doom]

I just realised I mean Scarlet..sorry

[mouse123]

I knew what you meant. I got her from Petco which knew nothing about them and thats what I was told (someone broke her tail). But then I read somewhere that there is a condition that causes the tail. It looks like your gerbil's tail. She had 3 babies and none of them have the problem. I def wasn't going to breed her or any of them.

[Doom]

I always try to put that warnign in when I see it because if the risks are greatly enhanced when breeding it is essential to get the word out. Even though you aren't planning to breed someone else who is might see the post. or someone might pass the information on.
It could still be a break of course but if the cause is unknown it's best not to assume.
The most extreme case I have (I had 4 cases over two litters in the same week and haven't seen it since) was Bobtail
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/MERMUM/bobtail/bobtail3.jpg

He has just a tiny stump of a tail and the tuft at the end.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/MERMUM/bobtail/bobtail2.jpg

[whitmoregirl]

I still like little Bobtail :) She always looks so adventurous in your photos doom!

[Doom]

LOL look more closely..Bobby is definitely (and well-endowed) male :D
But thanks, yes he's a real handwarmer and an adorable boy.