Are you considering adding a gerbil to your family? These tiny, curious creatures can make great pets for the right person. In this article, we’ll explore all the information you need to know about gerbils, including their appearance, temperament, and care requirements. So let’s dive in and discover if a gerbil is the perfect pet for you!
Overview of Gerbils
Here is a quick reference table with some of the most important information about gerbils as pets:
| Attribute | Gerbils |
|---|---|
| Rodent Name (Singular) | Gerbil |
| Scientific Name | Meriones unguiculatus |
| Family | Muridae |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Ideal Habitat Temperature | 68-72°F (20-22°C) |
| Personality and temperament | Curious, social, and friendly |
| Typical appearance and unique markings | Small, furry rodent with a long tail, large dark eyes, and twitching whiskers |
| Color Varieties | Agouti, black, white, and various shades in between |
| Typical Lifespan | 2 to 4 years |
| Size | 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) not includingthe tail |
| Primary Diet | Pelleted food, seeds, and hay |
| Treats | Fruits, vegetables, and nuts |
| Minimum habitat size | 10-gallon tank |
| Ideal habitat | Enclosed tank with bedding and tunnels, secure lid |
| Exercise | Wheel and tunnels in habitat |
| Compatibility with each other | Social creatures, best in same-sex pairs or groups |
| What animals can they live with? | Not recommended to house with other species |
| Typical Cost from Breeders | $10 to $40 |
| Typical Cost from Pet Stores | $5 to $20 |
| Can be found in pounds and animal rescues? | Yes |
| Do They Make Great Pets for you? | Yes, for the right person |
| As Pets Pros and Cons | Pros: low-maintenance, friendly, curious; Cons: not ideal for very young children, need regular social interaction |
| Can stay indoors? | Yes |
| Can stay outdoors? | No |
| Ideal for small spaces like apartments and condos? | Yes |
| Common health issues | Tumors, respiratory issues, dental problems |
| Breeding considerations | Males and females must be separated, best left to experienced breeders |
How Are Gerbils as Pets?
Gerbils can be entertaining and rewarding pets, especially for those who enjoy watching their playful antics. They are social animals that thrive in same-sex pairs or groups, and they are relatively easy to care for. Learn more about gerbil behavior from the ASPCA.
Pros and Cons of Pet Gerbils
Pros:
- Low odor
- Small size
- Low cost
Cons:
- May be aggressive if not properly socialized
- Not suitable for very young children
How Much Do Gerbils Cost?
The cost of a gerbil can vary depending on where you purchase it. From breeders, gerbils typically cost between $10 and $40, while they can be found at pet stores for $5 to $20. Gerbils can also be found in pounds and animal rescues. Check out Petfinder to find gerbils available for adoption near you.
Quick Facts About Gerbils
Gerbil Lifespan: How Long Do Gerbils Live as Pets?
Gerbils typically have a lifespan of 2 to 4 years in captivity.
Looks and Appearances
Gerbils are small, furry rodents with a long tail. They have a distinctive appearance and are often recognized by their large, dark eyes and twitching whiskers.
Color Varieties
Gerbils come in a variety of colors, including agouti, black, white, and various shades in between. The American Gerbil Society provides more information on gerbil colors and genetics.
Size
Adult gerbils usually reach a size of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, not including their tail.
Gerbil Temperament and Personality
Gerbils are social and curious creatures. They enjoy exploring their environment and are generally friendly towards their human caregivers. However, they can become aggressive if not properly socialized. The National Geographic offers more insights into gerbil behavior and socialization.
Caring For Gerbils
Are Gerbils Easy to Care For?
Compared to other rodents, gerbils are relatively easy to care for. They have simple habitat requirements and are generally low-maintenance pets. The Humane Society offers a detailed guide on gerbil care.
Habitat
Gerbils require a minimum habitat size of a 10-gallon tank. Their ideal habitat should include an enclosed tank with bedding and tunnels for them to explore and burrow in. A secure lid is also important to prevent escapes.
Indoor or Outdoors?
Gerbils are indoor pets and should not be housed outdoors.
Primary Diet For Gerbils
A gerbil’s primary diet should consist of pelleted food, seeds, and hay. Providing a balanced diet is essential for their health and well-being. The PetMD offers more information on gerbil nutrition.
Gerbil Treats
Treats for gerbils can include fruits, vegetables, and nuts. However, treats should be offered in moderation to avoid potential health issues, such as obesity.
Exercise
Gerbils require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Providing a wheel and tunnels in their habitat will help keep them active and entertained.
Common Health Issues
Some common health issues that gerbils may face include tumors, respiratory issues, and dental problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent and address these issues. The VCA Hospitals provides more information on gerbil health issues.
Can Gerbils Live With Other Animals?
Gerbils should not be housed with other species of animals. They are social creatures that do best when living with other gerbils in same-sex pairs or groups.
Gerbil Breeding Considerations
Breeding gerbils should be approached with caution. Males and females must be separated to avoid overpopulation, and proper care should be taken to ensure the health of both parents and offspring. Breeding gerbils is best left to experienced breeders. The National Gerbil Society (UK) offers guidelines on responsible gerbil breeding.
FAQ for Gerbils as Pets
In this section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about gerbils as pets:
- Do gerbils make great pets for everyone? Gerbils can make great pets for many people, but they may not be suitable for very young children or those who cannot commit to their care.Can gerbils stay indoors? Yes, gerbils are indoor pets and should not be housed outdoors.
- Are gerbils ideal for small spaces like apartments and condos? Yes, gerbils are small and can be housed in relatively small enclosures, making them suitable for small living spaces.
- What are some common health issues gerbils face? Gerbils can suffer from tumors, respiratory issues, and dental problems. Regular veterinary care and proper husbandry can help prevent these issues. The PetSmart Learning Center provides more details on gerbil health concerns.
In conclusion, gerbils can make fun and engaging pets for those who are willing to provide them with the appropriate care and attention. With their curious and social nature, gerbils can bring a lot of joy and entertainment to their human families.