Gerbils
(one specie, Meriones unguiculatus, also known as the clawed jird)
Gerbils are mammals that are native to northern China. In 1954 gerbils arrived in the United States to be used in research and quickly won the hearts of lab workers who began taking them home as pets.
Gerbils are about the same size as a small hamster. They weigh between 2 to 4 ounces and are about 4 1/2 inches long. The tail is as long as a gerbil’s body and is covered with fur. The hind legs are very muscular and they have large feet. Gerbils often stand on their haunches when not moving instead of crouching down. They often have a golden coat with white underbelly but gerbils can be a variety of different colors. A gerbil will usually live 3 to 3 1/2 years.
Gerbils As Pets
Gerbils are very intelligent, entertaining animals that love to play. They are active both during the day and at night. They are very social and dependent on other gerbils to feel safe, keep warm, and for companionship. Since they are social animals, keeping them in pairs (or larger groups) is always recommended. Gerbils are easy to care for, take up very little room, and supplying a home and food is relatively inexpensive. A couple pet gerbils in your home can be very fun and enjoyable.
Gerbils are very intelligent, entertaining animals that love to play. They are active both during the day and at night. They are very social and dependent on other gerbils to feel safe, keep warm, and for companionship. Since they are social animals, keeping them in pairs (or larger groups) is always recommended. Gerbils are easy to care for, take up very little room, and supplying a home and food is relatively inexpensive. A couple pet gerbils in your home can be very fun and enjoyable.
Care Sheet
What do I need for my pet gerbil?
Once you have decided on a gerbil as your pet you should have all the supplies necessary before bringing him home. Having all the items a gerbil will need for his home will help ensure you have a happy and healthy pet. This care sheet will guide you in having everything you need. Remember, gerbils are chewers so choose his supplies accordingly.
Once you have decided on a gerbil as your pet you should have all the supplies necessary before bringing him home. Having all the items a gerbil will need for his home will help ensure you have a happy and healthy pet. This care sheet will guide you in having everything you need. Remember, gerbils are chewers so choose his supplies accordingly.
Habitat
A glass aquarium tank with wire mesh cover, small animal cage, or tube cage like CritterTrail can all make an excellent home for gerbils. You should have at least a ten gallon tank or cage for a pair of gerbils. Bigger is always better for your pets home, so go with the largest size possible.
A glass aquarium tank with wire mesh cover, small animal cage, or tube cage like CritterTrail can all make an excellent home for gerbils. You should have at least a ten gallon tank or cage for a pair of gerbils. Bigger is always better for your pets home, so go with the largest size possible.
Bedding for the bottom of the cage.
Tunnels and tubes for playing and exploring.
Play areas with sloping ramps and a climbing branch.
A variety of toys that can be changed periodically.
An exercise wheel.
Cardboard for chewing. Paper towel and toilet paper rolls work very well.
A nesting box and unscented toilet paper for use as nesting material.
Stoppered water bottle.
Heavy ceramic bowl for food.
Food, Treats, and Supplements
Commercial food mixes usually have all the essential nutrients a gerbil needs.
Treats for your gerbil. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains, or commercial pet treats.
A vitamin supplement to ensure your pet has a well balanced diet.
Food & Diet
To make sure your pet gerbil is healthy supply him with the most nutritious foods available. Foods include commercial mixes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and, of course, water. A varied diet will be enjoyed by your pet, but be sure to introduce new foods gradually. Below are some of the many foods you can feed your gerbil.
Food
A commercial food mix is excellent for a gerbil’s primary food. Most should have all the nutritional requirements for a healthy pet.
A commercial food mix is excellent for a gerbil’s primary food. Most should have all the nutritional requirements for a healthy pet.
Oats, millet, wheat, cereal, and dry pasta make a wonderful addition to you pet’s diet. Live mealworms, crickets, nuts, seeds and timothy hay and/or alfalfa can also be given as a food to gerbils. They are also an additional source of protein which is lacking in some pet foods.
Treats
Treats should only be a small part of your gerbil’s diet. There is a wide variety of commercial treats available that will be greatly enjoyed by your pet.
Treats should only be a small part of your gerbil’s diet. There is a wide variety of commercial treats available that will be greatly enjoyed by your pet.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can also be given as treats. Gerbil’s like carrots, celery, peas, cucumbers, string beans, grapes, apples, pears, cooked potato, raisins, bananas, plain popcorn. Avoid spinach, lettuce and citrus fruits since some can be harmful to gerbils. Make sure all fruits and vegetables are washed before feeding them to your gerbil and only feed small portions to prevent leftover food from rotting.
Water
Even though gerbils do not drink a lot of water, they need a steady source of water or can become dehydrated. A small stoppered water bottle is a perfect way to supply your pet with water.
Even though gerbils do not drink a lot of water, they need a steady source of water or can become dehydrated. A small stoppered water bottle is a perfect way to supply your pet with water.
Supplements
Although most foods will have all the nutrients needed for gerbils, some gerbils are picky and will only eat their favorite foods. To ensure a balanced diet, a vitamin and mineral supplement that can be added to a gerbil’s water is an easy solution.
courtesy: http://petgerbils.org/
Although most foods will have all the nutrients needed for gerbils, some gerbils are picky and will only eat their favorite foods. To ensure a balanced diet, a vitamin and mineral supplement that can be added to a gerbil’s water is an easy solution.
courtesy: http://petgerbils.org/
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