How to tell if its healthy

Picking a gerbil-  how to tell if its healthy


When picking a gerbil,  your first priorities should be health and temperament.  So how do you tell if the gerbil is healthy?  
Its impossible to know for sure,  as sometimes gerbils are able to conceal ailments.  However,  in general,  so long as the gerbil looks and acts healthy,  it should be fine.  
Healthy gerbils will be energetic,  bright-eyed,  their fur will be smooth,  and their movements won't be slow or clumsy.  
In contrast,  unhealthy gerbils may be lethargic,  have their eyes mostly or completely closed,  their fur messy and oily (this could also be from lack of a sand bath however),  and they may stumble.  They may also sleep in odd places and/or positions.  
This is a picture of a sick gerbil:

Also watch out for a gerbil that tilts its head,  is constantly scratching or cleaning one area,  or makes clicking sounds when it breaths.
To help you compare,  here is a picture of the same gerbil,  but before she got sick:

 

Her eyes are clear and open,  her fur is smooth,  and when the picture was taken she was definitely active.  That's why she's on top of the cage instead of in it.

Keep in mind that sickness isn't always obvious!  I once had to pick between three gerbils.  I noticed that one of them was slightly,  just slightly less active than the others.  She didn't have messy fur,  closed eyes or lethargic movements,  she just wasn't as energetic.  I decided it was nothing and got her anyway.  A few days later,  she died.  So though a slightly less energetic gerbil may not be a sick gerbil,  do watch out for it,  and try to pick the healthiest looking gerbil possible.