How To Take Care of Gerbils

Gerbils, also known as "Meriones unguiculatus" are wildlife animals. Their usual life span is 2- 3 years, and may grow up to 4 inches long. They are small rodents that is furry, with colors that are usually black, off- white, yellow or gray.

Gerbils are social animals. Just like rabbits, they will not survive if they live alone. They are used to be living in colonies in wildlife. You may put them in a cage together with other gerbils. But it is much preferred if this other gerbil is put on the cage at the same time as his since these small rodents are quite territorial. If they meet a new gerbil, it may cause some trouble among them. Though they are quite territorial, they are still very sociable and tame. They only bite when they feel threatened. And let me remind you to never hold them in their tails. It hurts them and they will really bite you.

Wire cages may be the most common cage to put your pets. But for gerbils, using a glass aquarium to place them there is much preferred. Just put a mesh lid so that they cannot escape, yet still gives proper ventilation. You may put deep beddings as thick as 2-3 inches on the aquarium allowing them to burrow. If you use a cage, there is a tendency that the burrow will be destroyed. Gerbils have this chewing habit and they may tend to chew on the wires, leaving their noses injured.

For a couple of gerbils, you may cage them in a minimum size of 12" in height, a length of 12" and width of 24". These gerbils are entertaining and quite active that is why a larger cage is better so that they can move freely.

Gerbils also need nest box in their homes. A nest box allows them to feel secured. They sleep here and this is where they hide. And when you put a nest box, avoid plastics but instead choose a wooden or clay pot nest box. Because of their chewing tendencies, plastics may not seem last long, but the wooden or clay pots will.

For their foods and drinks, hang a metal container on their cages so that they can just drink whenever they want. And for the food, give them food supplements that are of good quality.

To satisfy their active and social life, putting up toys on their cage allow them to move and play. You may put a piece of wood, sturdy rocks or any kind of platforms that are durable so that when they chew it, it will not be destroyed easily.