Gerbils~  

Gerbils tend to be friendly, clean, quiet and curious pets. They rarely bite and can be easily handled. They have low odor and little waste production. Their small size reduces concerns about space requirements. With proper husbandry, gerbils rarely exhibit problems in captivity. Because gerbils are very quick movers and tend to jump, they should be supported on the palm of the hand with the base of the tail held close to their body. The handler should avoid grasping the tip of the tail because the skin may pull off the tail. The gerbil may be restrained by scruffing the skin at the nape of the neck or by using a washcloth or other small cloth in which to hold it.

Behavior

Like other rodents, gerbils need to have safe materials foe gnawing that will help wear down the continually growing incisor teeth. Wooden blocks for this purpose are already available at most pet stores. An exercise wheel with solid flooring provides an outlet foe energy, and exercise balls allow the gerbil to explore in a safe plastic ball. Gerbils like to build nest out of nesting material, especially in the cooler winter months. A common characteristic of pet gerbils is their propensity to dig incessantly with their forepaws in the corner of the cage. They also thump with their hind legs.

Gender

Male gerbils have a large, dark scrotum and a longer anogenital distance than females. Breeding pairs tend to be monogamous and maintain lifelong relationships. It is best to acquaint gerbils with one another before they are  8 weeks of age to try to prevent fighting. Adult gerbils of either sex may fight to death if they are introduce to each other as adults. Ensuring adequate cage space is also important to eliminating fighting. It is best to house gerbils as pair; neutering the male can prevent overpopulation. Two same sex gerbils  (preferable from the same litter)  can be successfully housed together.  They reach sexual maturity at 65-68 days. The recommended breeding age is 70-90 days and the pregnancy last 24-26 days.

Vital Statistics

Total length: 21-24.5 inches

Total body weight:50- 80 grams (females)

                             80-130 grams (males)

Sexual Maturity: Male 65-85 mo.

Average Life span in captivity : 3- 5 years

Seek veterinary care when:

  • Trauma (including tail slip)
  • Malnutrition
  • rough hair coat
  • sore nose/ facial eczema/ nasal dermatitis
  • epileptiform seizures
  • Diarrhea/ enteritis
  • sudden death
  • malocclusion
  • cancer/neoplasia (tumors)
  • Obesity

 

Diet

Commercial pellet diet are available for gerbils. Alternatively, commercial seed mixes with a variety of seeds (minimal to no sunflower seeds) may be fed with fresh vegetables (e.g. cabbage, kale, broccoli, carrots, beets) and soaked seeds and sprouts. Alfalfa hay should be available for grazing and is a good calcium source for nursing females. Excessive consumption of sunflower seeds and other high-fat foods will lead to obesity and other health problems. Fresh clean drinking water should be always available. A sipper tube or small water bottle mounted on the outside of the cage with a drinking spout on the inside is ideal to prevent chewing on the bottle itself.

 

Housing

Plexiglas enclosures designated for small rodents make adequate houses for gerbils; however a regular cleaning schedule must be maintained. Solid flooring is preferable to wire flooring. A dry ,clean absorbent and non abrasive bedding (e.g. aspen wood shavings) of at least 2 cm deep is recommended. Providing 12 hours of light and 12 hour of dark is good schedule for lighting. The ideal temperature should be between 60-70°F(15-20°C with 30-50% humidity.

 

 Tips to keep your gerbil Healthy, happy & safe:
  • Prompt Veterinary care should be sought for any sign of illness.
  • Play with your gerbil at least for 30 minutes a day.
  • Keep fresh food  and water available at all times.
  • Clean the cage at least once a week.
  • Provided safe items for chewing (toilet paper tubes, ceramic toys, pesticide-free and non toxic tree branches and bark)
  • Provide suitable materials for nesting, such as tissue paper, cotton balls, paper torn in strips.
  • Avoid: chewing of electrical cords, children, other pets (cats/dogs/ferrets); toxic substances or gnawing inappropriate items; avenues for escape or getting lost; overheating by exposure to direct sunlight; cedar nesting materials; wire exercise wheels; plastic toys that can be broken and consumed.