A gerbil is a desert animal that is a little bigger than a mouse. These nocturnal animals make great family pet. They are easy to take care of and their cages only need to be cleaned about twice a week (depending on how many gerbils occupy one cage). Gerbils are curious creatures and gentle enough to hold, they almost never bite (unless they feel threatened) and are very social, especially around other gerbils.
Since gerbils are so social, the best idea while buying these as pets would be to purchase two or more at one time. (But buying one gerbil now and then one later would cause problems, for if gerbils aren’t raised together to a certain age, they could become territorial and could even fight till the other dies.) If you do choose to buy two you would have to decide whether you want to buy two males, two females, or one of each. Two of each would be ideal in a 10 gallon glass cage, plenty of space for playing and breeding. Having multiple gerbils means they will keep each other entertained, and you will enjoy to watch them play together.
Deciding to keep males and females in the same cage means that soon you’ll have baby gerbils to look after. Choosing to breed your gerbils is a big responsibility, although both mom and dad gerbil will do most of the caring and cleaning, you will still have some choices to make.
1. Where will they all stay when they’re older?
2. Will you keep them or find homes for them?
3. Is your cage big enough for a litter, if you decide to keep them?
4. Are you and other occupants of the household ok with that many gerbils?
5. Are you read for this responsibility?
Whether you decide to keep them or rehome them should be decided before you breed your pets. If you keep them, you’ll need a large enough cage to let them run around and exercise. And if you keep the males and females together, then expect more babies even as the first litter is still being raised. But if you choose to rehome them, then it is best to find homes before they arrive. Ask friends, family, classmates, and even neighbors. Some pet shops that sell gerbils may take in the babies when they are old enough to be separated from their parents. Just don’t expect to get paid for them.
Before choosing the gerbils, you’ll want to choose a cage, bedding, food, toys, and have all of this ready for your new pets arrival.
Check each pet shop available in your area. You will want to purchase your pet from the best one, that includes cleanliness. Even if it’s a little more pricey, it’s best to buy from the shop that is cleanest and gives its animals the best care.
Picking your gerbil depends on:
If they are healthy (absolutely no bald patches or sores, even on tail).
They should be very active.
When reaching into the cage, they should come up to you and won’t bite.
And socializing with the other gerbils in a friendly way.
So look for gerbils that are healthy, active, social, friendly, and curious. With a full and shiny coat, if his coat has any balding, this is a sign that he is sick, or not completely healthy.
The best week to purchase a gerbil is 8 weeks old. At this age they are easy to get along with other gerbils. So buying more than one is best done while they are this young. They will be very social to each other, even if they are just meeting. And at 12 weeks, the gerbils find a mate, they will then stay together for the rest of their lives, and never mate with anyone else. One male and one female in the same cage will produce a lot of gerbil babies, I hope you’re ready for when that time comes.
