How to Keep Gerbils as Pets

  • Date: January 21, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.
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Gerbils make great pets for those who want something small and easy to care for. Keeping a gerbil as a pet is great because they are low-maintenance, and they don’t require too much space. They are also very active, so they provide plenty of amusement for their owners. Gerbils can be litter-trained, so they are easy to keep clean.

Gerbils can make great pets, but they do require some special care. Here are a few tips on how to keep your gerbils happy and healthy:

Make sure your gerbils have plenty of room to play

Gerbils are lively and intelligent animals that need plenty of space to play and run. If you have more than one gerbil, make sure each has its own space so they can play and explore without running into each other. A large cage with lots of toys is ideal for a gerbil’s home.

Owning a gerbil has pros and cons, and you should keep in mind that gerbils are social animals. They can get depressed if they have a solitary life, so they should always have a playmate. You should also invest in a gerbil enclosure that is large enough to allow your pets to play without bumping into each other.

Gerbils need a lot of exercise

Exercise is one of the most important things you can give your gerbil. Not only does it keep them healthy and fit, but it also helps to develop their intelligence and social skills. When you have a gerbil, make sure to give it enough access to different types of running, playing, and climbing toys to keep it busy.

Give your gerbil a large wheel to run on, a tunnel to play in, or a set of climbing bars to explore. A gerbil should have at least an hour a day of physical activity. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become obese and develop health problems.

Keep their cage clean

Gerbils are small, cute rodents that can make great pets. But like with any pet, keeping their cage clean is key to their happiness and safety. Here are some tips on how to keep your gerbil’s cage clean:

  1. Regularly remove the bedding and replace it with fresh material; 
  2. Remove any and all feces and urine deposited in and around the cage; 
  3. Clean their cage once a week with a solution of half water and half vinegar;
  4. Remove any debris such as dust, hair, or other materials that may be around their cage;
  5. Regularly wash the cage with warm water and soap to prevent bacterial growth;

Feed them a balanced diet

In order to have a healthy pet, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet. Some good things to feed your pet include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains. When providing your pet with a balanced diet, make sure that you are not overfeeding them as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.

If you’re a pet owner with two or more pets, it’s likely that you have a variety of feeding options at your disposal. But if you want to keep your gerbil healthy and happy, you may want to combine hamster food with parrot feed. Gerbils are avid eaters, so combining their diet with that of another small animal can be helpful in keeping them hydrated and fed on all the right things.

Make sure they have plenty of water to drink

Make sure your gerbil has plenty of water to drink by ensuring they have access to a fresh supply all the time. Gerbils are also susceptible to dehydration, so make sure they have access to a food and water dish if you’re not home. Usually, a gravity-fed water drip works best.

In the wild, gerbils get most of their water from the plants and fruits they eat. Though gerbils get most of their daily water intake through the food they eat, store-bought gerbil food is often dry.

Sleeping schedules

Gerbils do not seem to have a defined sleep schedule and can be found sleeping at any time be it day or night. Some scientists believe that this lack of a scheduled sleep may be responsible for the gerbil’s high levels of energy and activity.

They usually have a cycle of sleep for an hour or two, and then they’re up for an hour or two. But those who are raised in captivity tend to adapt to the human sleeping schedule.

Visit a veterinarian regularly

Gerbil enthusiasts will want to visit their veterinarian regularly for their gerbils, as they have a high rate of developing health problems. Gerbils are native to Africa and Asia, and while they are commonly kept as pets in the United States, they are not common in veterinary clinics. The most common problems that gerbil owners will need to be aware of involve coat problems, intestinal worms, ear infections, and obesity.

Have fun with your gerbils!

Gerbils are one of the most popular small pets, and they’re great for people who want a fun and easy pet. As we mentioned before, they are very social animals, so you should like to spend time with your gerbils. They enjoy being groomed, and they love to be talked to and petted. They also make great pets for families who have children as they are very playful and can be taught how to play games.

Here are some tips for having lots of fun with your gerbils:

  1. Make sure their cages are big and spacious enough for them to run around in.
  2. Give them plenty of toys to play with, both inside and outside their cages.
  3. Train them to do tricks, like rolling over or holding a ball in their mouth.
  4. Let them explore the room.
  5. Get your gerbils a wheel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gerbils make great pets if you are willing to put in the effort to take care of them. They need plenty of space to play, a clean cage and a balanced diet. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your gerbils will live long and healthy lives.