My gerbil babies aren't growing fur. Should I intervene or help?

Question

My female gerbil had babies May 3rd. I immediately removed the father I don't want more babies. She does still have her 2 daughters from her first litter. However I am noticing her babies are behind schedule with milestones. Theyre a week old and still trying to develop fur. Mom does lay on them and keep them warm and groom them, should I let nature take it's course or step in and help feed them? She has did start with 6 and is down to 4. I am worried she is to stressed to deal with them. Pet's info: Small Animal | Gerbil | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 9 days old

Todd Cecil · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about your gerbils. Handling them can often leave human scents on the babies, confusing mother. Sometimes this leads to stress, decreased lactation, decrease parental attention or rejection. There is no commercially available gerbil milk replacer and using cow's, goat's or other will likely end in gastrointestinal upset. The recommendation is to leave the mother and babies alone and decrease stress as much as possible. Good luck.

My gerbil babies aren't growing fur. Should I intervene or help?

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