Gerbils make good pets for a few reasons. They are low-maintenance, easy to care for, and have a lot of personality. However, there are also some cons to owning a gerbil as a pet, which we will discuss later in the post.
There’s no denying that gerbils make great pets for kids. They’re active and entertaining, and their small size means they don’t require a lot of space. Plus, caring for a gerbil is easy and straightforward – all you need is some food and water, a toy to keep them amused, and a little patience.
If you’re looking for an active pet that will provide endless hours of entertainment and fun, a gerbil is the perfect choice.
Owning a gerbil: General information
Owning a gerbil can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a gerbil that is very active. Gerbils are social animals and will enjoy being around people and other animals. They are active and playful, so having one as a pet can be rewarding. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about adding a gerbil to your family:
Gerbil Behavior and Temperament
Since they are active, they will need a good amount of exercise both indoors and outdoors. They love to dig and should be kept in a cage with lots of toys and tunnels so they have something to play with. They also love to climb and should be kept in a cage with lots of climbing options. Gerbils are very curious, so it is important to make sure there are no small children or animals that they could climb on.
Gerbils are social creatures that thrive when they have regular interaction with humans. Gerbils become quite tame around people with regular gentle handling. However, be sure to never grab a gerbil by the tail or scruff of the neck, as this can cause serious injury.
Gerbil Housing
Glass aquariums are a popular choice for gerbil housing because they allow for a deep layer of bedding, which encourages gerbils to engage. Glass aquariums also provide a clean and clear view of the gerbils, which many owners find more stimulating than a wire cage.
Wire cages offer a safe and secure home for gerbils, but they should not be used as the only option for housing these small rodents. Gerbils do have a tendency to kick bedding through the wire bars and make a mess. Instead, choose a large, open cage with sturdy wire sides.
What Do Gerbils Eat & Drink?
Like other rodents, gerbils eat a diet that consists mostly of food pellets. These pellets should be available at all times, and their primary part of the diet should be a formulated pelleted food.
The furry little creature loves to eat seeds, grains, and dried veggies, but it also enjoys high-fat seeds first. Keep a food mix with these items on hand for your gerbil, and make sure you provide plenty of fresh water.
Do gerbils like to be held?
Gerbils enjoy being held and cuddled, but they may be afraid of being touched, especially if they’re new to a person or if they’re nervous. If you’re trying to encourage your gerbil to become more comfortable with being held, start by gradually increasing the time you spend holding and petting it. Be patient – it may take some time for your gerbil to warm up to being held.
It is important to establish trust with a gerbil before petting or hugging them, as some may be hesitant at first. Gerbils enjoy petting or sitting in your hand, and will usually allow you to cuddle or hug them once trust is established.
Gerbils can be very affectionate pets, given the time and affection they receive. Usually, gerbils bond with their owners if trust is established. If you are a responsible pet owner, they will come to like you. If you mistreat them, however, they may not trust you and may not enjoy your company.
Are gerbils more friendly than hamsters?
Gerbils are more friendly than hamsters and seem to enjoy being held more than hamsters. Gerbils and hamsters can be social animals. In the wild, gerbils must live with other gerbils. If they don’t, they will get lonely, and it will cause health problems. Gerbils are social animals and need companionship to be happy.
Can I keep gerbils in my bedroom?
You can keep your gerbil in your bedroom, but it is recommended that you put their cage in a place that isn’t close to loud noises like a TV. Gerbils are small animals, and they can be easily scared or injured if they’re kept near loud noises. Keeping them in a quiet place where they can have plenty of space to run and play will give them a comfortable and safe home.
Why are gerbils not good pets?
Although gerbils are low-maintenance animals, they still need some care. Daily feeding, checking and refilling their water bottle, and weekly cleaning out of the enclosure are all necessary. Gerbils can live up to three years if cared for properly, so it’s important to have a plan for taking care of them.
Compared to other small pets such as cats and dogs, gerbils are short-lived and have low reproductive rates. This means that you will need to be careful when selecting a gerbil as a pet, as they can be difficult to keep healthy over a long period of time.
Gerbils and other rodents have a unique scent that can smell like urine or poop. This smell builds up and you need to clean your pet’s cage regularly. If you have a smelly gerbil, it is important to take care of its cage and keep it clean. You can do this by cleaning the cage every day, soaking the bedding in a vinegar solution once a week, or scrubbing the cage with a brush once a month.
Are gerbils loud at night?
Gerbils are not as noisy as some other animals, but they can make a fair bit of noise. New gerbil owners often find themselves startled by how loud their pets can be. This is because gerbils are active creatures and need to keep up with their energy level.
Conclusion: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very social: Gerbils make great pets and are very social creatures. They love to play and interact with their owners, and they can be trained to do simple tricks. If you’re looking for a fun, playful pet that is also low-maintenance, gerbils are a great choice!
- Low-maintenance: gerbils make wonderful pets and are relatively low-maintenance, but there are some costs associated with keeping them, such as: food, water and water bottle, a wheel, toys and a good cage.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: some people may find time-consuming the fact that they need to feed the small pet daily, refill the water bottle and clean their cage weekly.
- Short lifespan: apart from other pets like cats and dogs, gerbils have a shorter lifespan. They can live around 2 to 4 years.
In conclusion, gerbils can be good pets for the right person, but they are not ideal for everyone. They require a lot of time and attention to be happy and healthy, so they may not be the best pet for someone who is busy or doesn’t have a lot of time to spare.
