the mom needs extra protein, give her some kibbles in her diet, I raised some REALLY healthy gerbils with this method make sure you are handling those babies lots so they will be nice and tame it is sooo rewarding when you gerbils learn to trust you scribbles and doodles trust me so much, that they will calmy stick there head in my mouth and they give me kisses on my lips! does sage get a companion???? if not make sure ya give her lots n lots of attention! and dont leave out the kibble! it will really help with her health and the babies