Gerbils are small, social rodents that are commonly kept as pets. They are native to arid regions of Africa and Asia and have adapted to living in hot, dry environments by developing the ability to conserve water and burrow underground. Gerbils are known for their friendly and curious personalities and can make great companions for people of all ages. They are active and playful creatures that love to run, jump, and play, and require plenty of stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy.
To adopt gerbils buy a 20-gallon wire mesh cage with a 6-inch base. Gerbils are social creatures so get two from the same litter and house them together. Put accessories in the enclosure to keep the gerbils entertained. Get a food bowl and water bottle. Take them to the vet once a year.
Gerbils need a running wheel for mental stimulation and to get enough exercise. A metal or wooden wheel is best, as your gerbil will not chew through it.
Gerbils and guinea pigs are both small mammals that are popular pets. They both are social creatures and thrive with companionship and human interaction.
Gerbils cost between $5 and $100, on average. The price depends on the breed of gerbil and where you get him from. The annual expense of raising a gerbil can reach up to $500 and above.
Gerbils can be excellent pets due to their friendly nature, and they require less maintenance. In this article, we cover some important factors to know about.
Spot clean the cage daily, partially clean every week, and deep clean once a month. Wash the accessories, change the bedding, and remove rotten food and gerbil poop.
Yes, gerbils can bite. Their bites range from small nips to full on skin-breaking chomps. If your gerbil bites you, your inital response might be to yell or jump back. However, it’s best to react as calmly as possible. Gerbils bite due to stress, poor handling, illness, and loud noises, among other reasons.
Sand baths are essential to your gerbil’s health. Your gerbil needs to roll in a chinchilla sand bath at least once a week. Pour one inch of sand into a bowl and put it in your gerbil’s cage. Allow it to roll in the sand for 10 to 20 minutes before you remove it.
Most hamsters (except the dwarves) are bigger than gerbils. They have more compact features and are nocturnal, solitary animals. Gerbils are more placid than hamsters. They like to live in pairs and groups. They live for 3 to 4 years in captivity and have more mouse-like features.
Your gerbil needs a 20-gallon wire cage with at least a 6-inch base. Fill the base with hay, aspen shavings, and shredded paper. Put a water bottle, food bowl, chew toys, dust bath, and exercise tools in the cage. Keep the cage at 68 to 75°F.
Gerbils are loud at night – their favorite time of day. Luckily, you can keep their volume down. Tire them out by having them exercise during the day or give them quiet toys to play with at night.
To take care of a gerbil put it in a 20-gallon, wire cage with at least 6 inches of aspen shavings, Timothy hay, and shredded paper substrate. Feed and give your gerbil water every day. Provide it with exercise tubes and chew toys.
Mongolian gerbils are more nocturnal than they are diurnal because they spend slightly longer sleeping during the day than they do at night. They also display crepuscular-like behavior because they are most active around dusk and dawn.
Your gerbil’s diet must consist of commercial gerbil pellets, Timothy hay, grains, and seeds like sunflower seeds. You must also feed it enough protein and small amounts of fruits, veggies, and herbs.
The average gerbil lifespan is between 3 and 4 years. Mongolian gerbils live for 3 years and fat-tailed gerbils live for 5 to 7 years. Gerbils in the wild tend to have a shorter lifespan because they have to dodge predators.
As caregivers to oddly-cute pets ourselves, we want to help equip more people to care for these unique and lovable creatures. We have a variety of informative articles about all kinds of exotic and pocket pets. Our goal is to answer questions that pet owners are facing with easy-to-find, and accurate information.
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OddlyCutePets is not a website written by a veterinarian. However, we strive to provide accurate and reliable pet health information. The majority of the articles are reviewed, and sometimes edited by veterinarians, to ensure their accuracy and bring you the best information for your pet. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the information provided on this site is not intended to replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please contact an experienced veterinarian immediately.