Gerbils
Inquisitive, friendly animals that rarely bite, Gerbils make good pets for
children. They are easy to look after, hygienic, and sociable. They also love
digging! Unlike hamsters, Gerbils should not be kept on their own but in same
sex pairs or groups. They generally live for 3 to 5 years and are most active
during the evening and at night.
HOUSING
Gerbils in the wild live underground in tunnels, so you should aim to create
a similar environment for your domestic pet. A purpose-built Gerbil cage is the
best option, although a glass aquarium can be used, provided a wire mesh lid is
fitted to allow ventilation.
Your Gerbil’s home should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from
draughts.
Shredded paper nesting material should be provided, along with wood shavings
or sawdust. As Gerbils are naturally desert creatures, they use food and water
efficiently and therefore produce little waste. The cage should be cleaned once
a week - a small litter tray can be provided to help keep a hygienic
environment for your Gerbil.
TYPES OF GERBIL
There are a number of species of Gerbil; however the Mongolian Gerbil is the
one to keep as a pet. Unlike Rats or Mice, Gerbils have hairy tails.
FEEDING
A good quality Gerbil mix makes an ideal core diet for your pet. This can be
supplemented with small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be aware that
Gerbils hoard food, so don’t give them too many green vegetables (which can
rot). Fresh drinking water should always be available, usually in a gravity
bottle although a small heavy bowl can be used instead. Like all rodents, a
Gerbil’s front teeth grow continuously, so provide them with something to gnaw
on. You should never feed your Gerbil potatoes, rhubarb, or tomato leaves.
EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Most active during
the evening and night, Gerbils enjoy cardboard tubes to run through and chew
on, and they love to dig and burrow so provide plenty of bedding for this
purpose. They also enjoy climbing – a fruit branch is ideal.
HANDLING
Gerbils usually enjoy human contact
but can occasionally be timid. If this is the case, hold your hand in the cage
without touching your Gerbil – this allows it to get used to your scent – then
gently stroke your pet. You can pick up a Gerbil by placing your hand gently
around its body behind the front legs whilst supporting the hindquarters with
your other hand. Be warned though – they can move and jump surprisingly
quickly, so always handle them above a soft surface that won’t harm them should
they fall. Never pick up a Gerbil by its tail as serious injury can result.
TIPS
Unlike hamsters, Gerbils naturally
live in groups. Two or more Gerbils of the same sex, from the same litter,
should get on well. Adult Gerbils – females especially – can be territorial so
if introducing an older Gerbil, proceed carefully. Dividing the cage with a
wire screen is the best way – your Gerbils will be able to see and smell each
other without any danger of fighting. Swap them around to spread their scent
throughout the whole cage; after 3 or 4 days it should be safe to remove the
screen.
HEALTH
A healthy Gerbil will be alert, have
bright eyes, and a glossy coat. They are generally healthy creatures but as
with all pets, if you are worried about any aspect of your Gerbil’s health,
seek veterinary advice. For a healthy life, your Gerbil needs the
following:
HOUSING
Gerbils in the wild live underground in tunnels, so you should aim to create
a similar environment for your domestic pet. A purpose-built Gerbil cage is the
best option, although a glass aquarium can be used, provided a wire mesh lid is
fitted to allow ventilation.
Your Gerbil’s home should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from
draughts.
Shredded paper nesting material should be provided, along with wood shavings
or sawdust. As Gerbils are naturally desert creatures, they use food and water
efficiently and therefore produce little waste. The cage should be cleaned once
a week - a small litter tray can be provided to help keep a hygienic
environment for your Gerbil.
TYPES OF GERBIL
There are a number of species of Gerbil; however the Mongolian Gerbil is the
one to keep as a pet. Unlike Rats or Mice, Gerbils have hairy tails.
FEEDING
A good quality Gerbil mix makes an ideal core diet for your pet. This can be
supplemented with small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be aware that
Gerbils hoard food, so don’t give them too many green vegetables (which can
rot). Fresh drinking water should always be available, usually in a gravity
bottle although a small heavy bowl can be used instead. Like all rodents, a
Gerbil’s front teeth grow continuously, so provide them with something to gnaw
on. You should never feed your Gerbil potatoes, rhubarb, or tomato leaves.
EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Most active during
the evening and night, Gerbils enjoy cardboard tubes to run through and chew
on, and they love to dig and burrow so provide plenty of bedding for this
purpose. They also enjoy climbing – a fruit branch is ideal.
HANDLING
Gerbils usually enjoy human contact
but can occasionally be timid. If this is the case, hold your hand in the cage
without touching your Gerbil – this allows it to get used to your scent – then
gently stroke your pet. You can pick up a Gerbil by placing your hand gently
around its body behind the front legs whilst supporting the hindquarters with
your other hand. Be warned though – they can move and jump surprisingly
quickly, so always handle them above a soft surface that won’t harm them should
they fall. Never pick up a Gerbil by its tail as serious injury can result.
TIPS
Unlike hamsters, Gerbils naturally
live in groups. Two or more Gerbils of the same sex, from the same litter,
should get on well. Adult Gerbils – females especially – can be territorial so
if introducing an older Gerbil, proceed carefully. Dividing the cage with a
wire screen is the best way – your Gerbils will be able to see and smell each
other without any danger of fighting. Swap them around to spread their scent
throughout the whole cage; after 3 or 4 days it should be safe to remove the
screen.
HEALTH
A healthy Gerbil will be alert, have
bright eyes, and a glossy coat. They are generally healthy creatures but as
with all pets, if you are worried about any aspect of your Gerbil’s health,
seek veterinary advice. For a healthy life, your Gerbil needs the
following:
- A good balanced diet with no sudden changes
- Clean dry housing, cleaned once a week with a mild disinfectant
- No extreme or sudden changes in temperature
- Water bottle and feed bowls cleaned daily
- Gnawing block or fruit tree branch to help wear their continually growing
teeth
- Plenty of wood shavings and bedding for burrowing and digging