Gerbils

Gerbils are a popular choice among pet owners because they are easy to maintain and fun to watch! Always on the move, these animals spend most of their time digging, burrowing, playing, and running on an exercise wheel. Because they are so active they are hard for small children to hold, but their entertaining behavior will keep a person of any age amused.

Any gerbil cage should be filled with enough bedding for them to burrow. This could mean 6-8” of aspen, hay, moss, peat, or shredded paper. You could even use a mixture of beddings. A large aquarium, a typical hamster cage, or a wire cage with a deep pan will work as a gerbil cage.

Keep in mind that gerbils are desert animals. Too much humidity can be harmful and should remain under 50%. Glass aquariums and plastic cages tend to contain more humidity than a wire cage. Also because they are desert animals, gerbils produce less waste. Their cages should be cleaned weekly. Any uneaten food should also be discarded.

Inside of their cage should also be a water bottle, a food dish, and plenty of toys. Exercise wheels, climbing toys, ladders, ropes, and branches are all fun toys as well as tubes. By placing the tube underneath the bedding it allows the gerbil to dig down to it and create a nesting hole.

A gerbil will need a basic fortified grain mix, as well as small amounts of fruits and veggies in their diet. Be careful not to feed too many fresh foods. Gerbils will store the food they do not eat immediately which will ultimately spoil underneath their bedding.

By keeping their cages clean, removing moist uneaten food, and changing their bedding every 1-2 months you can ensure your gerbil to live 3-4 years. Occasionally some gerbils may live up to 6 years! These very social animals enjoy having company in same sex pairs or groups so be sure to find a friend for your animal!

Any further questions can be answered by AllPet’s friendly staff! Be sure to ask where the gerbils are so that you may get a glimpse of their funny games!