How to Care for Gerbils: Tips for Keeping Your Furry Friends Happy and Healthy

by

Gerbils are small, burrowing rodents that are native to the deserts of Mongolia and China. They are social animals that live in groups in the wild and can be kept as pets in pairs or small groups. Gerbils are active, curious, and intelligent creatures that love to play and explore. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for first-time pet owners.

Creating a Suitable Environment

Creating a suitable environment for your gerbil is essential to their health and happiness. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Choosing the right cage

A suitable cage for gerbils should be at least 10 gallons in size and have a solid bottom to prevent the bedding from spilling out. Wire cages are not recommended as gerbils can easily chew through them and escape. The cage should also have a secure lid to prevent your gerbil from escaping or other pets from getting in.

Setting up the cage

Once you’ve chosen the right cage, it’s time to set it up. Cover the bottom of the cage with a layer of paper-based bedding, such as shredded paper or aspen shavings. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings as they contain oils that can be harmful to your gerbil. Add a few inches of bedding to allow your gerbil to burrow and create tunnels.

Next, add a hiding space, such as a small cardboard box, and a exercise wheel. Gerbils love to run and play, so providing a wheel is essential to their health and happiness. Finally, add a water bottle and a food dish. Make sure the water bottle is secure and filled with fresh water daily. The food dish can be filled with gerbil pellets or a mix of seeds, grains, and dried fruits and vegetables.

Providing the right bedding

As mentioned earlier, paper-based bedding, such as shredded paper or aspen shavings, is the best choice for gerbils. Avoid using cat litter or wood shavings as they can be harmful to your gerbil’s respiratory system. Change the bedding at least once a week or more often if it becomes soiled or smelly.

Nutrition and Feeding

Gerbils are omnivores and require a balanced diet of protein, fiber, and fat. Here are some tips on how to feed your gerbil:

What to feed your gerbil

Gerbils should be fed a diet of gerbil pellets, which can be found at most pet stores, and a mix of seeds, grains, and dried fruits and vegetables. Avoid giving your gerbil sugary or salty treats as they can be detrimental to their health. Fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach can be given occasionally as a treat.

How much and how often to feed your gerbil

Gerbils should be fed a small amount of food each day, about one to two tablespoons. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. Make sure to remove any uneaten food from the cage to prevent spoilage.

Treats and supplements for gerbils

Gerbils can benefit from the occasional treat or supplement. Yogurt drops or dried mealworms can be given as a treat, while a mineral block or cuttlebone can be provided as a supplement to help keep their teeth healthy.

Exercise and Playtime

Exercise and playtime are essential to your gerbil’s health and happiness. Here’s how to create a safe and stimulating play area:

The importance of exercise and play

Gerbils are active creatures that love to run, jump, and play. Exercise and playtime can help keep your gerbil healthy and prevent boredom.

Creating a safe and stimulating play area

Choose a safe and enclosed area for your gerbil to play in, such as a playpen or a bathroom with the door closed. Provide toys and obstacles, such as cardboard boxes, tunnels, and a exercise wheel, to keep your gerbil entertained.

Choosing the right toys and activities

Gerbils enjoy a variety of toys and activities, such as tunnels, chew toys, and digging boxes filled with shredded paper. Avoid providing toys made of plastic, as gerbils can easily chew through them and swallow the pieces.

Grooming and Hygiene

Grooming and hygiene are essential to your gerbil’s health. Here are some tips on how to keep your gerbil clean:

Regular grooming tasks

Gerbils are clean animals that groom themselves regularly. However, you can help keep your gerbil clean by providing a dust bath. A dust bath can be created by filling a shallow dish with chinchilla dust or sand and letting your gerbil roll around in it. This will help remove excess oil and dirt from their fur.

Bathing your gerbil

Gerbils should not be bathed in water as they can easily catch a cold or become stressed. If your gerbil becomes very dirty, you can spot-clean them with a damp cloth or a pet-safe wipe.

Preventing and treating health issues

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in treating small animals are recommended to prevent and treat health issues. Signs of illness in gerbils include lethargy, loss of appetite, and abnormal behavior.

Socialization and Bonding

Gerbils are social animals that live in groups in the wild. Here’s how to socialize and bond with your gerbil:

Why gerbils need socialization

Gerbils need socialization to thrive and be happy. If you’re keeping a single gerbil, consider getting them a companion, or alternatively, spending lots of time playing with them.

Introducing gerbils to each other

Introducing gerbils to each other can be tricky. It’s best to introduce young gerbils to each other, as older gerbils can be aggressive towards newcomers. Make sure to introduce gerbils slowly and in a neutral area, such as a playpen.

Bonding with your gerbil

Bonding with your gerbil can take time and patience. Spend time playing with your gerbil every day, offering treats and talking to them in a calm and reassuring manner. With time, your gerbil will come to trust and love you.

Conclusion

Gerbils are wonderful pets that bring joy and companionship to their owners. By following the tips and advice in this blog post, you’ll be able to keep your gerbils happy and healthy for years to come. Remember to provide a suitable environment, a balanced diet, exercise and playtime, regular grooming, and socialization and bonding opportunities. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to being a gerbil expert!

ThePetFaq Team
Latest posts by ThePetFaq Team (see all)