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10 Things you need to know before adopting a Gerbil
10 Things you need to know before adopting a Gerbil:
Gerbils have a craving for socialization—they always want some company. You should try to get in two gerbils that know each other and have already lived together. That will be of great help to both the gerbils as they would get some company. They enjoy familiar company—but if you put two gerbils who do not know each other there can be certain problems. The gerbils may fight and that may lead to fatal injury or death of the gerbil.
Gerbils have a lifespan of 3-4 years. But with proper care they can live up to 4 years.
Carefresh or aspen is recommended for bedding of the gerbils. Cedar or pine are a strict no-no for making the bed because these can create liver problems, respiratory problems and other health complexities. Fluffy nest budding is also not suggested as the gerbil may accidentally swallow a portion of these cotton cloth which would culminate to bowel blockage. Using straw for bedding purpose is also not recommended as the edges may create problems for the animals—it may feel uncomfortable. For nesting material we should use plain, unscented cloth, toilet paper etc.
An aquarium like class chamber with a cover and proper ventilation is the best home for a gerbil. You should use a strong metal cage because gerbils can easily chew wooden cages and escape. Gerbils prefer to curl themselves in the corners of the cage---so avoid buying round cages.
You should feed good quality commercial food like Gerri. A pellet or Block feed , made especially to fulfill the dietary requirements of a gerbil. Fresh vegetables, plain cereals, seeds, small pieces of fruits etc can be used as supplements to their basic feed. But these foods should be given to the gerbils occasionally. To make their diet interesting you may use these supplements—else the entire diet would become very stereotypical. Sunflower seeds and peanuts contains high fat. Though gerbils love these seeds---high amount of these seeds may result to the obesity of the animal. A gerbil shouldn’t be given large amount of lettuce. As lettuce contains a lot of water in it—it may result into diarrhea, which can be very fatal for the animal.
If the gerbil is brought for children, then an adult should always supervise its handling. Handling a gerbil properly is really required. Gerbils are small and curious animals. You shouldn’t hold gerbils by its tail or pull its tail as its very fragile. We shouldn’t allow cats, dogs, ferrets or other animals loitering around the gerbil.
If you put any toys in the gerbil’s cage you should be careful about them. You shouldn’t keep any plastic toys as the gerbil could chew it off and swallow the plastic—which is very harmful for health. You can put cardboard tubes from paper towels. Wood chew toys are another option.
You can give gerbil occasional sand baths---they love it!!!
You should provide gerbil with wooden planks so that they can chew them. Gerbils teeth grow continuously so they need to chew something to wear them down. If these teeth continue to grow they can split through the cheek of the gerbil creating mouth injury.
You should take the gerbil to a vet at least once in a month. Regular checking of the gerbil is required.
Gerbil pets, Gerbil information, Gerbil tips, Gerbil advice
Next Article: Games you can play with your Gerbils
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