Can You Play with Gerbils? Everything You Need to Know About Keeping Gerbils as Pets

by

Gerbils are known for being friendly and sociable with humans, making them great pets for people of all ages. However, it’s important to remember that they are still prey animals and can be easily frightened if not handled properly. When interacting with gerbils, it’s important to approach them calmly and gently, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them.

Gerbil Social Behavior

Gerbils are very social animals and thrive in pairs or groups. It’s important to keep at least two gerbils together, as a lone gerbil can become lonely and depressed. When selecting gerbils to keep together, it’s important to choose individuals that are the same sex to avoid unwanted breeding. Male and female gerbils can also be kept together, but it’s important to be aware of their breeding habits (more on this later).

Gerbil Natural Habitat and Diet

Gerbils are native to the deserts of Africa and Asia, where they live in burrows underground to avoid the heat of the day. In the wild, gerbils are omnivores, eating a diet of seeds, grains, insects, and other small animals. In captivity, gerbils should be fed a diet of high-quality commercial gerbil food, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s important to avoid feeding gerbils foods that are high in sugar or fat, as these can lead to health problems such as obesity and dental issues.

How to Care for Gerbils

Gerbil Housing Requirements

Gerbils are active animals that need plenty of space to run, play, and burrow. When selecting a cage for your gerbils, it’s important to choose one that is large enough to accommodate their needs. A cage that is at least 10 gallons per gerbil is recommended, with plenty of bedding material for them to burrow in. Gerbils are also excellent climbers, so a cage with multiple levels and plenty of toys and hiding places is ideal.

Gerbil Feeding and Watering

Gerbils should be fed a diet of high-quality commercial gerbil food, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh water should be available at all times, either in a water bottle or a shallow dish that is changed daily. It’s important to avoid feeding gerbils foods that are high in sugar or fat, as these can lead to health problems such as obesity and dental issues.

Gerbil Exercise and Enrichment

Gerbils are very active animals that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Providing them with plenty of toys, hiding places, and climbing structures can help keep them entertained and engaged. Gerbils also enjoy running in an exercise wheel, so providing them with a wheel that is large enough for them to run in comfortably is important.

Health Considerations for Gerbil Owners

Common Gerbil Health Issues

Like all pets, gerbils can develop health problems that require veterinary care. Some common health issues in gerbils include respiratory infections, dental problems, and skin problems. It’s important to be aware of the signs of illness in gerbils, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and changes in behavior, and to seek veterinary care if these symptoms are present.

Gerbil Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary care is important for keeping gerbils healthy. Gerbils should be taken to the vet at least once a year for a check-up, and more often if they develop any health problems. It’s important to find a veterinarian who is experienced in treating small animals, as not all vets have the expertise to treat gerbils.

Gerbil Disease Prevention

Preventing disease in gerbils is important for keeping them healthy. This can be done by providing them with a healthy diet, clean living environment, and regular veterinary care. It’s also important to keep gerbils away from other pets that may carry diseases that can be transmitted to them.

Gerbil Breeding and Reproduction

Gerbil Mating Habits

Male and female gerbils can be kept together, but it’s important to be aware of their breeding habits. Gerbils are fertile from a young age, and can start breeding as early as 8 weeks old. Female gerbils have a gestation period of around 24 days, and can give birth to litters of up to 8 babies.

Gerbil Gestation and Birth

During gestation, it’s important to provide the mother gerbil with plenty of food and water, and to avoid disturbing her as much as possible. Baby gerbils are born blind, hairless, and helpless, and rely on their mother for all their needs.

Gerbil Litter Care and Weaning

After the babies are born, it’s important to provide them with a clean, warm, and quiet living environment. They should be kept with their mother for at least 4 weeks, until they are weaned and able to eat solid food. It’s important to separate male and female gerbils at around 8 weeks old to prevent unwanted breeding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gerbils make great pets for people of all ages, but it’s important to be aware of their behavior, care requirements, and health considerations before bringing them into your home. With proper care and attention, gerbils can provide years of companionship and enjoyment. So, can you play with gerbils? Yes, but remember to approach them calmly and gently, and to provide them with plenty of toys, hiding places, and exercise opportunities to keep them happy and healthy.

ThePetFaq Team
Latest posts by ThePetFaq Team (see all)