Gerbils

  • Why You Should Adopt Gerbils
    Gerbils are fast and furry creatures! These fascinating, quick critters know how to burrow into the hearts of their handlers/human guardians.

Before You Adopt Gerbils: Quick Facts!
• Designed to be the perfect desert animals, gerbils are expert diggers and have strong hind legs.
• Gerbil bodies are efficient at processing water and are totally equipped to resist high temperatures. Don’t be alarmed if they go through their water more slowly than expected!
• Despite being “desert animals,” they live comfortably in an air conditioned environment.
• Gerbils are very active and a joy to watch!

If you are thinking of adopting gerbils, please read the information below to see if they are the right pet for you.

Companionship:
Gerbils are very social creatures and do best with having the company of at least one other gerbil. Unless the male in a male/female pair is neutered, gerbils should be kept in same sex groups. Depending on the size of the habitat, gerbils can have more than one companion, however groups in numbers higher than three are more likely to have territorial issues. This can lead to fights to the death!

In cases where a gerbil is adopted as a single gerbil, that gerbil can be introduced to another gerbil using the “split tank method.” However, if it’s an adult or senior gerbil, sometimes it is best to keep them as a single. A single gerbil requires even more attention, but they can still lead full and happy lives.

Housing and play:

  •         40 gallon tank or larger for habitat
  •      Must have mesh lid to prevent gerbils from escaping
  •         Play pen: gerbils will climb wire play pens. Empty pop-up ball pits designed for children work very well as a play area for gerbils
  •         Appropriate wheel: Kaytee comfort wheel at least 8 inches or larger. Different brands are okay as long as the wheel is at least 8 inches
  •          Clean wheel and habitat at least once a week

Bedding:

  •        Preferred: Kaytee Clean and Cozy- Natural
  •     Second Option: Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding- Natural or Blend
  •          Third Option: Carefresh Small Animal Bedding- Natural

Food:

  •  Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Gerbil and Hamster Food
  • Science Selective Gerbil food or Oxbow Essentials Healthy Handfuls Gerbil and Hamster Food

 

Hay:

Small Pet Select Oat Hay
• Oxbow Oat Hay

or

Small Pet Select Timothy Hay
Oxbow Timothy Hay

Sand:
• Zoo Med Reptisand Desert White

Snacks:

Gerbils love snacks, but it is important not to give them anything that is too high in water content. As desert animals, gerbils cannot handle large amounts of water. It can damage their kidneys and be very harmful. Gerbils can have some snacks every day to keep their diet varied, but it is important to change their snacks daily so they do not get too much of one thing.
• Unsalted pumpkin seeds
• Oats
• Unsalted cashews
• Dried carrots
• Mealworms
• Grasshoppers
• Dried apple
• Dried banana
• Alfalfa cubes
• Dried pear
• Peas
• Green beans
• Small amounts of cucumber
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli

Tricky Behaviors:

Gerbils, especially females, can de-clan, or “break-up.” When gerbils try to go their separate ways in captivity it ends in fighting. Unfortunately, these fights can be lethal and the gerbils need to be separated as soon as possible.

Gerbils can de-clan even if you do everything right, but there are some steps to help a break-up become less likely. When cleaning your gerbil’s home, mix in some of the old bedding in with the new. Gerbils are scent oriented and will respond positively to environments that smell like everyone in the clan. Gerbils should also be kept together in temporary housing or a secure play area while you clean their habitat. Only provide one house for sleeping so your gerbils will sleep together and strengthen their bond. 

If you notice your gerbils are no longer sleeping together, they could potentially de-clan and it’s a good idea to have back up housing on hand. If your gerbils have small pushing spats, this does not necessarily mean that they will de-clan, they are probably sorting out dominance, but it is important to keep an eye on aggressive behavior, especially if it seems to be escalating. Once a gerbil bites another gerbil and draws blood, they should no longer be kept together. 

That being said, bonded gerbils are very affectionate with one another and it is enjoyable keeping them. As long as you keep the warning signs in mind and take steps to reinforce their bond, your gerbils should be content to stay together.

Helpful Websites:
https://www.agsgerbils.org/
www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Gerbils

The adoption fee for gerbils is $20 per animal.

Before contacting us, please refer to our smoking policy and adoption to children policy.