AboutSheila Adby Expertise Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com
Experience I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com
Publications Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)
Education/Credentials Educated to A Level standard in the UK.
Question I bought 2 gerbils from the pet store less than 72 hours ago and the girl was a lot larger than the boy, at first they seemed to get along fairly well, but the next morning the boy had some bite marks so we kept an eye on them the boy was fearful to go to the bottom teir. Then today I went to work and She murdered him! If I go and get another male will she kill him too? If I got a different set is it inevitable that the female will always be a murderer? Are they supposed to kill the male?
Answer Hi Eby
I'm sorry to hear about your gerbil. It must have been an awful discovery.
Females can be very territorial. When you introduce them did you put the male in with the females? It is important to introduce them in neutral territory or certainly not in the female’s cage otherwise she can be very aggressive. A split cage is often the best way of introducing them to each other initially so that they can smell each other but not actually come into direct contact. When they are introduced it is important to keep a close watch on them in case of any signs of aggression. I’ve found a really helpful site which gives a step by step account of what to do with mating gerbils: http://www.geocities.com/heartland/plains/9792/how2breed.html this might help you.
