Gen up on your gerbil

Gerbil Facts

1. Gerbils have hairy tails! 
   
   
2. Unlike hamsters, gerbils are social animals so they shouldn’t be kept on their own.  Instead they should be kept in groups or same sex pairs.  
   
   
3. Gerbils are mainly nocturnal which means they spend most of their time sleeping during the day and are awake at night.
   
   
4. Most gerbils live for an average of 3 to 5 years
   
   

Gerbil Housing

Your gerbil will need a safe cage that it can’t escape from itself.  Plastic ones are the best because your gerbil can’t gnaw its way out and they’re easy to keep clean.

You’ll need to put plenty of bedding which absorbs moisture in your gerbils’s cage to keep him or her nice and comfy and clean. 

Your gerbil will also need a water bottle to drink from and a little bowl to put their food in along with any toys you choose for them to keep them busy.

Holding and stroking your gerbil

When you first get your gerbil he or she might be a bit scared of you because you’re so big compared to them!  So it’s important to give your new pet time to settle in and get used to you.  Once they are used to it, most gerbils like to be handled.

You can encourage your gerbil to walk into your cupped hands and that’s the best way to pick them up to stroke it.  Don’t pick your gerbil up by their tail as this will hurt them.  Try not to move your hands too quickly so you don’t frighten your gerbil.  A frightened gerbil may jump out of your hands very quickly and hurt them self.

What should you feed your gerbil?

You can buy special gerbil food from the pet shop and that is the best thing for them.  They will also like small pieces of fruit and vegetables but be careful not to give them too much at a time because gerbils tend to hoard extra food which can then rot.  Your gerbil should always have fresh clean water in their water bottle. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your gerbil, just contact your local Vets4Pets practice where the team will be happy to help you.