what things do you need for a gerbil

What Gerbils Need

• A cage Your gerbils need a secure, quiet place to live – a space to call their own. ...
• Food When you bring your new pets home, it’s a good idea to buy some of the food that they’ve been eating for the last few weeks. ...
• Water All pets need constant access to unlimited, clean, fresh water. ...
• Companions ...
• Bedding ...
• Grooming and Medical Equipment ...
• Toys ...

Full Answer

What is the life expectancy of a gerbil?

Their average lifespan is approximately 2-4 years, around 3 years being typical. However, some gerbils have been reported to live for up to 5 years. There are dozens of other gerbil species, some of which are occasionally seen as pets. We’ll take a look at some of these less common gerbils shortly.

Do gerbils make a good pet?

Yes, A Gerbil is one of the best pets you can get. For a good number of American households, Gerbils are chosen as the first pet for a child. This is because Gerbils are small and tiny, easy enough to maintain and pet. For this reason, Gerbils can make a great pet for kids or even for adults who prefer less mess in the house.

What are some fun things to do with gerbils?

Gerbils love playing with toys, whether shop-bought or homemade. Life in a cage can get a little boring, so anything that you can add to spice up their lives a little will be much appreciated. Some ideas include chews, gnaws, tunnels and bridges. These things can improve your pet’s dental health, provide some mental stimulation, or both!

What are some good, healthy treats for gerbils?

• Timothy hay
• Collard greens
• Lettuce
• Beet leaves
• Spinach
• Peas
• Cooked sweet potatoes
• Radishes
• Pasta (cooked or uncooked)
• Curly kale

More items...

What should I put in my gerbil cage?

To give you a hand, we've created this list of things that you'll need to prepare.A cage. Your gerbils will need a place to live within your home - a gerbil cage placed somewhere nice and quiet. ... Food. ... Water. ... Companions. ... Bedding. ... Grooming and Medical Equipment. ... 7.Toys. ... Gnaws and Chews.

Are gerbils easy to take care of?

Even though caring for a gerbil is easy and straightforward, there are some things that parents and children should be aware of before bringing one of these friendly rodents into your home.

What to do when you first get a gerbil?

Here are some simple steps to follow: Give new gerbils a few days to adjust to their new home before handling them – keep maintenance and interaction to a minimum. Move slowly and speak softly around the gerbils. Limit interaction to times when the gerbil is awake – waking a gerbil isn't a good way to gain its trust!

Do gerbils need a tank?

1:4517:14American Gerbil Care & Tank Sizes! | Munchie's Place - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEnough space for gerbils in the tank. Itself tank toppers are actually a good addition for gerbils.MoreEnough space for gerbils in the tank. Itself tank toppers are actually a good addition for gerbils. Because they can be a great source to house your water.

Are gerbils noisy at night?

However, your gerbils will inevitably make some noise during the night. They will need to exercise and keep themselves occupied. Sometimes, the gerbilarium itself can contribute to your gerbils' nighttime noise.

Do gerbils need a bath?

Most gerbils need sand baths roughly once per week. But if your gerbil gets dirty more often than this, you can offer the sand bath more frequently. Black and darker-colored fur tend to get greasy more quickly. To give your gerbil a sand bath, fill the container with clean sand and place it in the gerbilarium.

Do gerbils like to be held?

One of the nicest things about having pets is cuddling, stroking, and holding them close to you. But because gerbils get easily nervous and scared, they may not seem to be as affectionate. Most gerbils enjoy petting or sitting in your hand. Some gerbils will allow you to cuddle or hug them once trust is established.

How often should I handle my gerbil?

Handle your gerbils regularly to keep them well socialized. Gerbils are active and curious and will appreciate daily time outside the cage.

How do I bond with my gerbil?

Gerbils tend to be fidgety, but to develop a close bond they need to get used to your touch. Wait until they approach you and gently stroke their head or back. Be careful not to use too much force! Gerbils are little and may scare easily until they get used to you.

Do gerbils like light or dark?

They are used to bright sunshine, so seeing a little sunshine won't harm them at all. However, it's best if you don't leave your gerbil's cage in the full sun. It's far better to keep it somewhere shaded, not dark, but out of indirect sunlight. Gerbils find it far easier to warm up than to cool down.

Are gerbils smelly?

Gerbils don't smell anywhere near as bad as other rodents. Rodents have a typical and distinctive smell. The smell is variously described as musty, like ammonia or like urine. However, gerbils don't smell anywhere near as bad as other pets like mice or hamsters.

What makes gerbils happy?

Gerbils need lots of exercise to be happy, and an exercise wheel is a great way to provide them with that. Make sure that the wheel does not have any openings that may cause your gerbil's tail to get caught. Give your gerbil a nice enclosed place to sleep.

Why shouldn't I buy a gerbil?

3:3113:16Reasons You Should NOT Get Gerbils! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI wouldn't recommend gerbils gerbils are much more active they are social animals and they're. So upMoreI wouldn't recommend gerbils gerbils are much more active they are social animals and they're. So up to things during the day.

Do gerbils stink?

Gerbils and other rodents have a distinctive, unique scent and can smell like urine or poop. This smell builds up if you don't clean your pet's stinky cage regularly. Smelly gerbils can take a sand bath. To stop a gerbil cage from smelling, spot clean soiled bedding occasionally to get rid of wee and poop.

Which is friendlier a hamster or gerbil?

Gerbils seem to enjoy handling more than hamsters. This makes handling a much more pleasant experience both for you and your pet. They seem to enjoy physical affection more than hamsters.

Do gerbils like to be held?

One of the nicest things about having pets is cuddling, stroking, and holding them close to you. But because gerbils get easily nervous and scared, they may not seem to be as affectionate. Most gerbils enjoy petting or sitting in your hand. Some gerbils will allow you to cuddle or hug them once trust is established.

What do you need to bring a gerbil home?

To give you a hand, we’ve created this list of things that you’ll need to prepare. 1. A cage. Your gerbils will need a place to live within your home - a gerbil cage placed somewhere nice and quiet.

How to keep gerbils clean?

It’s best to have some equipment on-hand for the first few weeks of gerbil ownership- a small, wide-toothed brush for occasionally combing your pets’ fur , and human nail clippers are good places to start. You may also want some scales for monitoring your pets’ health, as well as a sand bath to allow your pets to clean themselves. For more information on helping your pets stay clean, visit our Gerbil Hygiene section.

Why do gerbils need tunnels?

In the wild they need to create little burrows in order to survive the fluctuating temperatures of the arid environments they inhabit. They will need to be able to mimic this behaviour in captivity, so it’s really important that owners provide lots of the right kind of bedding for their gerbils. This will mean that the animals can satisfy their natural instinct to create tunnels and private little dens. For more information on good bedding options, and which ones experts recommend you avoid, have a look at our Gerbil Bedding page.

Why do gerbils like toys?

Gerbils love toys - enrichment items make their lives more interesting. Pets need mental stimulation in order to be satisfied, so have a think about what their lives could be missing: do they have a puzzle or something that they can manipulate? This could be enjoyable for them.

How to help gerbils with stomach upset?

Doing this means that you can gradually introduce their new food rather than swapping it to a novel one suddenly. Slowly changing their diet will help prevent stomach upsets and reduce the stresses that come with moving into a new home. A well-made dry food should be the staple of your gerbils’ diets.

What to do when you bring a new pet home?

Food. When you bring your new pets home, it’s a good idea to buy some of the food that they’ve been eating for the last few weeks, whether they’ve been in a shop, with a breeder or at the sanctuary . Doing this means that you can gradually introduce their new food rather than swapping it to a novel one suddenly.

Do gerbils need companions?

Companions. All gerbils need the company of a member of their own species in order to be happy. Gerbils live in family groups in the wild, and those kept in captivity need a friend to play with, nap with, and talk to.

How do I set up a gerbil habitat?

Gerbils are gentle and social and can be housed in same-sex pairs. The habitat should include hide houses where gerbils can play and chew.

How long do gerbils live?

Experience Level: Beginner. Size: Gerbils grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, with an equal-length tail. Lifespan: They live for about 3 years. Behavior: Gerbils are most active at night and are powerful jumpers.

Do gerbils bite?

Use caution when handling gerbils, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

What are gerbils good for?

There’re two things that Gerbils are ‘stand-out’ pets for. Amazingly playful and social. These small mammals make an excellent pet for both the adults and kids in the house. Their small size makes it easier for the kids to play around with one.

How to pick up a gerbil?

That’s the worst thing to do to a Gerbil. Just open up the two palms of your hand before the pet. If it feels safe and playful, it will climb up in your palms gently.

How to bath a Gerbil?

Part of good parenting for your Gerbil is to give it a good bath. Here’s some of the process you can follow.

How to pick a Gerbil up?

Okay, it’s your pet, but that doesn’t mean that you can squeeze it, whenever you want. There’re certain ways to pick it up and hold in in your hands.

How to Tell If Your Gerbil Is Happy and Healthy?

All the fuss you are carrying on for your Gerbil is just for one thing – you want to see it happy and playful. A healthy pet will always show signs of happiness. To ensure it’s in the best position of its playfulness, consider the following.

What is a good cage for gerbils?

A good quality Gerbil cage is an absolute necessity for your pet. There are lots of Gerbil cages like Favola Hamster Cage available in the market that you can try out. Alternatively, you can go for a large aquarium box, as well. But make sure the build-material of the cage is not a plastic one.

What does it mean when a gerbil is discharged?

While you are petting your Gerbil or bathing it, gently rub the whole body with the palm of your hand. Try to feel any bump or hard substance. If there is any, it means your Gerbil is having some skin disease.

What is the best food for gerbils?

For a good staple food, most gerbil owners will choose between: lab blocks or pellet food. commercial or homemade seed mixes.

What to give gerbils to drink?

You have two options to give water to your gerbils: a water bottle or a water dish.

What supplements are good for gerbils?

Other vitamins and minerals aren’t nutritional but help to keep your gerbils healthy. Vitamin and mineral supplements are available in different forms, such as powder, but are in most cases, already available in sufficient amounts in the special gerbil mixes.

What percentage of gerbils need protein?

A balanced gerbil diet should contain: protein: a percentage between 12 and 16 percent is required for gerbils.

What do Mongolian gerbils eat?

Mongolian gerbils, the most common pet gerbil, are no exception. Gerbils feed on the seeds of grasses, roots, bulbs, and leaves in the wild. In captivity, a high-quality and well-balanced gerbil mix should be given. Occasionally treats such as sunflower seeds, fruit, and vegetables can be given.

How much water do gerbils drink?

A single gerbil will drink up to 150 ml per month (around 5 ml daily) depending on the age, temperature and exercise levels.

How much protein should gerbils eat?

You need to consider that gerbils will need to be fed a main diet that is low in fiber content, contains between 12 and 16 percent protein, and between 6 and 9 percent fat. Older gerbils will need a diet with less protein and fat.

What do you need for a gerbil cage?

Cage Supplies. A gerbil’s cage needs to be filled with all the items necessary to keep him happy, healthy, and entertained. Sources of food and water, places to sleep, and toys are all required for your pet’s happiness. Water Bottle. Gerbils don’t need a lot of water but they do need a steady source of water.

What is the best way to keep a gerbil?

Cage & Habitat. A gerbil needs a proper home where he is safe, secure, and happy. The home needs places for your pet to sleep, eat, play, and run around. Gerbils are chewers so the cage needs to be secure enough to prevent an accidental escape. Your pet’s home should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from drafty areas.

Why do gerbils chew cardboard?

Gerbils chew a lot and cardboard gives them something to chew on. Chewing is necessary for gerbils to prevent their teeth from over growing. The easiest way to supply your pets with cardboard is to use leftover paper towel and toilet paper rolls.

What do gerbils need in their cage?

It can’t be chewed and is difficult for them to spill. Bedding. Gerbils need a few inches of bedding or substrate on the bottom of the cage. They use the bedding to burrow, dig, and build nests.

How big should a gerbil cage be?

The number of ways to create exciting areas for your gerbils to explore is almost limitless. For two gerbils, a 10″ x 20″ cage or tank is a good size, but bigger is always better when it comes to your pets’ home. The larger their habitat, the more places they will have to play and explore, making them happier pets.

What to put in a cage to make it cozy?

Placing some unscented toilet paper in the cage for use as nesting material will also help them create a cozy place to sleep. Enrichment. Enrichment is all the toys and accessories in the cage that make it a perfect home.

What do gerbils like to do?

Gerbils love to play, burrow, climb, and explore so tunnels, tubes, branches, ramps and an exercise wheel make exciting additions to their cage. Getting a variety of toys and exchanging some out each week will keep their home fun and exciting. Cleaning.

How to keep a gerbil agility?

You must be careful where you keep your gerbil, because they’re great at escaping. Keep a lid on your gerbil’s cage or tank at all times. If you want to use a playpen or exercise run, affix some wire mesh securely over the top.

What is the most popular gerbil to keep as a pet?

When we think of gerbils, we tend to picture Mongolian gerbils. They are the most well-known species, and the most popular gerbil to be kept as a pet.

How to train a gerbil to go to the toilet?

This makes it easy to litter box train your gerbil. Place a ceramic dish, filled with sand, in the place where your gerbil likes to go to the toilet. It will soon recognize the dish as a litter box, and start using it.

What are gerbils motivated by?

Gerbils are highly inquisitive, and motivated by food and freedom. By offering the right reward, you can teach your gerbil tricks.

How far can a gerbil jump?

Gerbils are some of the most agile animals. From a flat surface, a gerbil can jump up to 30 centimeters into the air (around one foot). You can have a lot of fun experimenting with your gerbil’s ability to jump. Gerbils can be taught to leap onto their owner’s shoulder, to jump over obstacles or through hoops.

How big are Mongolian gerbils?

The type of gerbils that we keep as pets, Mongolian gerbils, are quite small. Their bodies are around five to six inches long, and they have a four-inch tail. They’re bigger than mice and hamsters, but smaller than rats. However, some wild gerbil species are much bigger.

How intelligent are gerbils?

Gerbils are highly intelligent. They can learn how to use a litter box, and memorize a maze. The more you know about gerbils, the better the gerbil owner you’ll be in the future. We’ll share some random facts about wild gerbils and gerbils as pets.