Gerbils have become a popular pets with children and can be endless fun for them so it is important to know how to care for them. Our Palmyra vets will provide a gerbil care guide to help you best care for your pet gerbil.
There are a lot of things to consider when taking care of your pet gerbil including feeding schedule, proper handling, and house needs. Here is a list of things to think about and instructions:
Gerbils are Social
Unlikely a lot of other small pets, gerbils don't like to be alone so living alone can be hard for them. When gerbils are alone they tend to be unhealthy, overweight, and have shorter lifespans.
If you're bringing a gerbil into your home, you may do better for your gerbil if you bring home two at the same time.
Handling your Gerbil
Gerbils are small and fragile. Your gerbil should be kept away from larger, predatory pets like cats, dogs, and even ferrets. And, you should never grab or hold a gerbil by her tail, or you could cause a serious injury.
Your Gerbils House
Gerbils, like most rodents, are chewers. You don't want to house your gerbils in a cage made of wood. Wire cages don't work well either, because gerbils tend to dig, and the metal could cause an injury.
For many gerbils, a 20-gallon fish tank makes a great home, or you may choose a plastic gerbil home available in most pet stores. Don't choose a rounded tank, though, because gerbils like to curl up in corners. Just as with most pets, your gerbil's home can never be too large.
Feeding & Water
You may find pre-mixed gerbil food at your local pet store and for most gerbil owners, this will be fine. Other things you may do to your gerbil's diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, but not too much lettuce as it can cause diarrhea. Gerbils also love hard-boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and cheese, but these items should only be given in small amounts because of their high-fat content.
You need to make sure your gerbil has a fresh, clean supply of water at all times. A gravity-fed water dispenser works well for gerbils.
Toys
Don't give your gerbils any toys made from plastic because they love to chew, and plastic could cause a wide range of problems for your pet. Instead, stick with natural wood products like wooden chew toys, cardboard tubes, and wood planks.
Vet Visits
Just like any other pet, gerbils must be seen by a veterinarian on a regular schedule. These routine veterinary checks are important for keeping your pet healthy and happy.