Stay updated, sign up for our free newsletter to receive useful tips
Full Name Email Id
Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Gerbils
Selecting Gerbils
When it comes to selecting gerbils you should make sure you buy from owners who keep their gerbils in healthy conditions. The cage shouldn't be too overcrowded and they should be clean with good access to food and water.
A good owner will have the males separate from the females in another cage. Make sure the individual you are buying from knows exactly which sex you are purchasing.
When checking the gerbils for sale they should be awake and bright eyed. They shouldn't be too nervous and should be a little inquisitive. You should purchase a gerbil that has runny or sticky eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, a wet bottom, matted fur or one that seems a little lethargic. These are good signs that the gerbil is sick. It is also a good idea to handle the gerbils before purchasing them since you need to find out how tame they are. What is the proper way to handle a gerbil?
Handling Gerbils
If you happen to purchase a gerbil that isn't tame you can often make them tame just by giving them regular gentle handling. Despite their large front teeth, gerbils rarely bite since they are both confident and inquisitive. Before handling you should gently stroke them while still in their cage and giving small bits of food. Next let the gerbil step on your hand without moving it.
Once the gerbil is comfortable you can take it out of the cage. You shouldn't squeeze the gerbil or hold it too tight since this can frighten it. You should never grab by the tail and keep them as low to the group as possible in case they jump out of your hand. It is best to hold them facing you since this makes them less likely to jump. If they should jump you simply need to pick them back up and hold them again. Once you know how to handle a gerbil you need to know the proper care of a gerbil.
Rate this Article
Excellent
Good
Average
Bad
Terrible
Current Rating
Caring for Gerbils
One of the biggest expenses you will have with a gerbil is purchasing a cage. A gerbil should have a large cage that is of a high quality. There are many habitats for gerbils available today. The most common cage to purchase is one that has a plastic base and a wire top. Make sure the cage has secure doors and possible two or more levels to keep your gerbil active. Once you have selecting a cage then you need to prepare it properly.
Preparing the Gerbil Habitat
There are several important aspects that go into preparing a cage for a gerbil. You should have a layer of wood shavings on the bottom and a full bottle of water. There should be plenty of accessories in the cage to keep your gerbil active. Have a house for the gerbil with nesting material so they have a place to sleep. An exercise wheel is a good idea to have. You should also have a bowl with proper gerbil food. But what do gerbils eat?
Feeding Habits of Gerbils
Gerbils generally have different preferences so one gerbil may not like the same food as another. You can get a food mix that is specifically designed for gerbils at a pet store. Typically these have grains, seeds, pellets and dried vegetables in them. Some gerbils enjoy a little extra protein and should be given a hard-boiled egg. However, gerbils should generally be given food similar to hamster.
You should never give a gerbil kidney beans, onions, potatoes, rhubarb or tomato leaves since these are bad for them. You should also avoid giving gerbils or allowing them to get into chocolate, garlic, rabbit mix, toffee or other sweets. These foods can be toxic to a gerbil.
Now that you know the important information on gerbils you can go out and take a look at the gerbils for sale. Select one that will match with your household and bring home a pet that will be an enjoyment for the whole family for a couple of years. You may even decide to do additional research and looking into breeding gerbils.
Excellent
Good
Average
Bad
Terrible
