Gerbils are a popular pet choice for many people. They’re about the size of a hamster, which makes them an easy fit in small homes.
But before you decide on getting one as your next pet, let’s go over all their pros and cons to make sure they will be right for you.
Gerbils require less food than other rodents like rats or mice because they only need to eat once per day instead of multiple times per day.
Gerbils also have shorter gestation periods than rabbits at 18-19 days long (compared to 28-31).
This means that gerbils can produce more offspring during their lifetime compared to larger animals such as rabbits who may take longer between litters due to gestational length.
1. Gerbils are social animals and need to be kept in pairs or groups.
Gerbils are social animals, and therefore, they should always kept in pairs or groups.
If only loner is adopted, it can become aggressive towards other similar animals and humans.
They can also suffer from anxiety and depression.
So, it is important that when adopting multiple gerbils to make sure they have plenty of company with the same sex.
2. Gerbils can live 2-3 years, but they’re prone to diabetes so it’s best not to let them get too old.
Gerbils can live for about 2-3 years on average, but they’re prone to obesity and diabetes.
This is why most pet owners choose to let their gerbils go before they get too old to keep up with the more active pets, such as hamsters and guinea pigs.
3. Give your gerbil a wheel for exercise and a house with tunnels for hiding.
A wheel for exercise and a house with tunnels for hiding are important features to look for in your pet gerbil’s home.
Gerbils like to run and hide. A wheel is important because gerbils can jump from high levels, so the cage should be equipped with a lid.
And they love to climb, so the cage should be at least 24 inches by 18 inches (61cm x 46cm).
They also need to have a house, which doubles as a hiding place, for the gerbils to sleep in while they’re out and about.
It should be 2 inches (5cm) in height.
A tunnels for hiding is another important feature for your gerbil’s home.
The tunnels should be large enough to make a tunnel, 2 inches (5cm) in diameter, be sure to place hay in these tunnels so that the gerbils have a soft place to sleep.
And make sure you purchase multiple tunnels so that you can rotate them in your gerbil’s cage every day.
You and your pet will be happier if you keep some tunnels clean while the others are being used.
4. Feed your gerbil a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and hay that is high in fiber.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and hay that is high in fiber are the keys to a healthy diet for your gerbil.
There’s no need to worry about feeding them too much of this food because eating too much will just come out in their waste.
It is important that you keep the hay high in fiber because if it is low in fiber, the gerbils may develop obesity.
5. Gently pick up your gerbil by the base of its tail – don’t grab it by the neck or body because this could hurt them.
Gently pick up your gerbil by the base of its tail and avoid grabbing it by the neck or body.
Grabbing them by these parts will hurt your pet and it can feel threatened by you.
Gerbils will instinctively bite when they are frightened, and children should be taught not to grab them in any other way.
6. Gerbils will not bite their owners unless they’re being handled roughly, so make sure to be gentle and calm.
Gerbils won’t bite their owners unless they’re being handled roughly, so make sure to be gentle and calm when handling your new pet.
If you have a gerbil that bites, reprimand it gently and try to find out what is causing it to act this way.
7. Gerbils have sharp teeth so you should always keep their living area free of wires and small pieces of plastic.
Gerbils have sharp teeth so you should always keep their living area free of wires and small pieces of plastic.
By keeping their cage clean, they’ll have less to chew on that might be harmful to them.
8. Use a water bottle at all times to keep the water in your gerbil’s cage fresh and clean, and don’t let the water level get too low.
Use a water bottle at all times to keep the water in your gerbil’s cage fresh and clean, and don’t let the water level get too low.
You should change the water in your gerbil’s cage every day and keep a watchful eye on the water bottle.
If it runs out or if there’s mold in it, replace it immediately.
9. Gerbils are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs so that they have someone to play with when you’re not around.
Gerbils are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs so that they have someone to play with when you’re not around.
If one gerbil is left alone for an extended period of time, it may begin to show signs of depression.
10. Gerbils can live up to three years when they are kept properly and they only cost between $2-$3.
Gerbils can live up to three years when they are kept properly and they only cost between $2-$3.
They can make great pets as long as you take proper care of them and handle them gently so that they get used to being handled.
Conclusion
Gerbils are social animals and need to be kept in pairs or groups.
They can live 2-3 years, but they’re prone to diabetes so it’s best not to let them get too old.
Give your gerbil a wheel for exercise and a house with tunnels for hiding.
Feed your gerbil a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and hay that is high in fiber.
Gently pick up your gerbil by the base of its tail – don’t grab it by the neck or body because this could hurt them!
