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Gerbil's
Are you the owner of one of these wonderful critters? If you have an interesting fact about this species or breed, please share with us and we'll add it to the applicable page.
Click here to view the free gerbil webpages our visitors have created!
A Gerbil's lifespan is 2 - 4 years (some a bit longer).
Gerbils build societies much like prairie dogs, they will be unhappy being a single pet.
Their droppings are dry and they urinate very little so thorough cage cleaning only needs to be done about once a month. A weekly spot clean will take care of any
spoiled food hidden away in the cage.
They are extremely quick and they will jump from very high places because they don't have any concept of height.
You must be careful when choosing the spot to keep your gerbil cage. Gerbils don't do well with cold temperatures.
They require plenty of exercise so they will need things in their cages to keep them
happy. An exercise wheel is very good for them but they will run on it most of the night so you won't want their
cages in your bedroom.
Young children must be supervised around them at all times.
Gerbils are burrowers, so their cage will have to be deep enough for a couple of inches of bedding material (an aquarium works well).
The most common type of gerbil is the mongolian.
If you are still interested in getting a gerbil, please visit your local library and read up on this wonderful species. Both of you will be much happier because you did.
User Contributed Info
Most items you will need for your gerbil are available at Walmart.
Gerbils are not prone to biting as long as they are handled carefully.
You must gradually introduce two unfamiliar gerbils using a "split cage"
Never hold, grab, or pull the tail -- it is jointed and the second half will break off. Gerbils frequently lose their tails by getting them caught in a wire wheel.
Keep the litter deep (at least three inches) for them to tunnel in
Give them plenty of cardboard tube and boxes to climb on and gnawl on
Gerbils are curious, bold, amusing, and if-well bred and socialized love to come out and play with their humans. Unlike many rodents they keep the same schedule as people -- are awake during the day and party a bit into the evening.
Gerbils are aggressive chewers and will destroy plastic wheels, toys and water bottles. You can buy metal guards for the water bottle. You need to supply them with something to chew on, or else their teeth will grow too long to eat and they will starve.
Hi my name is Melissa and I am the owner of two sister gerbils.One brown,one black.
I must say I am very pleased with the gerbil personality.I have owned hamsters in the
past,and the gerbil personality is definately much better.My gerbs are loved by me very
much and are spoiled as spoiled can be.They are rather bad chewers however,and they
do require playtimes and exercise.And they are so cute when they stand up and look
at me when I talk to them and the way they get excited when i give them boxes and
tubes to chew on.They are very good pets and are very alert and friendly.I love them!
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