Taking care of a gerbil is one of the most rewarding things that you can do. They often stay active during the day and most of the time, they will not bite you if you are handling them properly. However, with as much fun as a gerbil is; they do require you to take a little time to care for them if you want them to live a long and healthy life. Do you know what is required for proper gerbil care? If not, now is a great time to learn.
A Safe Home
Gerbils are social animals, so you may want to consider having two instead of only one. As long as you introduce the two animals when they are young, you will not have to worry much about whether they get along well or not. Keep in mind that you should avoid keeping male and females together unless you want them to have babies. Most pet stores and breeders can tell you if you have two same sex gerbils.
With the fact that you need two pets and they grow to approximately four inches in length, you need to have a wire cage or a ten-gallon tank for them to call home. If you use a tank, you should make sure that the top has a wire cover to keep them inside and safe. Their home should be set outside of direct sunlight to keep them cool and away from drafts to keep them warm. You should also line it with bedding and keep it clean.
Your gerbil will also love to play. Therefore, having an exercise wheel and other toys will make them very happy. You should also have an enclosed area for them to sleep in. Luckily, you can turn virtually anything into a toy or sleeping area, especially if it is made of cardboard.
Diet
For the most part, gerbils live happily on gerbil seed mix, which contains about 12% protein. The gerbil mix will have pellets, grains, dried vegetables, and seeds that your pet will love. You can also give your pet fresh vegetables and it is recommended that you offer it daily. This can be carrots, turnips, broccoli, or fresh leaf lettuce.
Water is all that they need to drink, and it is best if you give them fresh water daily. Inverted bottles that have a drinking tube are best for these furry pets.
Gerbil Care
Overall, as long as you change their water, feed them a healthy food with good snacks, and keep their cage clean, your gerbil will be happy. Keeping sterilized bones for them to chew on will help them keep their teeth manageable and you shouldn’t have to worry about taking them to the vet very often. Most people suggest a yearly visit with a vet unless the gerbil is not acting like it feels well.