GERBIL Care is Not That Difficult

Mongolian gerbil
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Unlike the situation you face with many other small or exotic pets, gerbil care is not particularly demanding. While there are the usual requirements for food, housing, and a healthy environment for any type of pet, those for the gerbil are really quite straightforward and easy to put in place.

A gerbil once used to human contact, is a very sociable little creature, cute with a capital C, and enjoyable to watch as it goes about its daily activities. Before you even start thinking about food and housing, the first rule for gerbil care, and a very important one, is when purchasing a gerbil as a pet, purchase at least two. Two males or two females will be fine unless you're planning to breed them. Solitary gerbils make very unhappy pets, and often do not live long. Even if you have ample time to spend with one, they really need to be with another gerbil for companionship to be happy. So get two. If you do get a male and female, realize that gerbils breed like rabbits, only more so! Figure on 10 litters a year with 8-10 little gerbils per litter. Unless you have plenty of relatives or friends who would like a free gerbil or two (they don't cost or sell for much), best stick to a same-sex environment. Unlike some other animals, two males generally won't fight but will get on just fine.

A 10-gallon glass aquarium type enclosure is best for housing one or two gerbils. You'll need a wire mesh top, as the gerbil is a champion jumper. Wire cages are OK but should have a fine mesh so gerbil legs or tails won't get caught. Also, with a wire cage, you might find bedding scattered all over near the cage. Gerbils love to shred paper, especially cardboard. Toilet paper rolls or kitchen towel roils make fine toys, although they won't last long. A few wooden blocks or safe plastic chew toys will be a most welcome addition to their home.

Gerbils need a supply of clean water. A water bottle that hangs from the side of the cage is best. A water dish or bowl won't work at all. The same goes for a food dish. Feed your pet premixed gerbil food. Gerbils love sunflower seeds and an occasional peanut but use these as occasional treats only as they are fattening. Proper gerbil care dictates a diet that will not be too fattening. A fat gerbil will still be a cute gerbil, but not necessarily a healthy one. An occasional piece of apple or carrot to gnaw on is another good idea, but just don't leave it in the cage. Pieces of food will get buried in the bedding and tend to rot.

On the subject of bedding, give them an ample supply, as they love to dig in it, and it won't get wet so quickly. Aspen or corncob chips or shavings are best. Don't use pine or cedar shavings, as both can cause respiratory problems, especially with young gerbils. With proper housing, bedding, clean water and the right food, you're well on the way to doing an excellent job of proper gerbil care. The gerbil, as a rule, is a pretty hardy little guy and, when well cared for, will live out a typical 4-5 year life span in good health. Most respiratory ailments can be traced to improper bedding. Gerbils also will at times get fleas or mites, depending on the environment they are in. A pet store or veterinarian can recommend the proper spray to treat fleas or mites.

Wire cages or some toys can at times result in injury, a common one being a damaged or broken tail. A broken tail will often repair itself (make certain to remove the cause if you can). One rule in gerbil care never picks one up by the tail. The gerbil tail is not up to the task of supporting the gerbil's weight. Following these simple rules should give you not just many hours, but many years of enjoyment, with a very nice little pet.

By Peter J Lee - Article Source: EzineArticles

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MONGOLIAN GERBIL - Meriones unguiculatus

MONGOLIAN GERBIL - Meriones unguiculatus - Photo Dan Foy Wikimedia

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Your GERBIL Should Live in an Aquarium

To understand why your gerbil should live in an aquarium we'll first have to look at gerbils in the wild.Gerbils are a burrowing animal, they dig up the ground and create underground tunnel systems in which they reside.The other noteworthy trait of a gerbil is that it is a rodent, which in short, means they like to chew allot.

A male and female fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi).  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gerbil movement is more like hopping than running, and their large back feet are furry on the bottom to protect them from the heat of the sand. Gerbils are fast but overly inquisitive. In their natural environment, they mostly eat insects, and additionally gain moisture from desert plants that store water in them. A gerbil has fur all over its body, including the tail, as this prevents it from getting sunburned.

There are several quite obvious reasons why aquariums make better housing for a gerbil:

When the gerbil starts to dig around through his bedding, the bedding is contained within the aquarium and isn't splashed sideways on the floor (which I just finished cleaning of course).

Cages that have more than one level can become a serious danger, especially to pups. They run around and play around and a fall or stumble and can end up with a broken leg.

Gerbils also tend to chew the wires of the cage which isn't particularly good to the cage or good to the gerbil.

Moreover Gerbils are social animals, and prefer to live in groups. Often very large groups live well together, as long as the living environment is big enough; otherwise, the gerbils may become frustrated and attack one another.That's why it's very important to have a large roomy aquarium for you gerbils. Aquariums tend to be bigger than cages thus provide to the little ones more room play in. Moreover hamster wheels can easily be fitted at the top of an aquarium.

The other choice would going with a plastic habitat. IMO these aren't very good as a gerbil may chew them up and from experience escape is far too easy using those.

If you don't have a gerbil, get one!

Gerbils are a very popular house pet, and there are several reasons for that. They are typically non-aggressive, and they rarely bite unprovoked or without stress. They are small and easy to handle, since they are sociable creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other gerbils. Gerbils also have adapted their kidneys to produce a minimum of waste to conserve body fluids which makes them very clean with little odor.

By James K Taylor James Taylor lives in Orange County. He enjoys spending time with his 4 gerbils. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Caring for Your Pet GERBIL

Pet owners often find out the hard way that each animal actually has a need to eat the type of food that is created specifically for it. The nutritional balance and ingredients in gerbil food is intended to provide the right nutrients for your tiny pet to remain healthy. The digestive system of each type of pet, whether small or large differs. Even humans have diverse nutritional needs depending on their genetics. Though small animals don't live as long as your dog or cat, you probably want to be sure he lives as long and healthy a life as possible.

A male and female fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Though your gerbil is only a tiny pet, it is still as much of a responsibility as a cat or a dog. Your pet depends on your to provide for its needs. You have to be sure to provide plenty of clean and fresh water, a clean and comfortable living environment and food that is appropriate. Many parents think these tiny pets are a great alternative to providing their children "real" pets. Gerbils often suffer the consequences of this trainer pet mentality. Though they are still living creatures who feel pain and discomfort as acutely as any dog or cat, parents don't often think of them in this way. Since gerbils are so small, they are fragile and prone to being crushed by small children who are not ready to handle them gently. They are often forgotten and left in unclean environments without food or water until they fade away.

Though pets are a great way to enforce the lessons in responsibility parents want to teach, there is a certain level of responsibility for the welfare of the pet that parents should remember they are responsible for. Pets of any size or shape are highly fulfilling companions that can bring much joy when they are healthy and happy and much sorrow when they suffer from problems. Choosing to purchase gerbil food for your pet will help to ensure you and your child get to enjoy the fun antics of your gerbil. Though tiny, gerbils are full of personality and are especially great at making people laugh with their tumbling and frantic use of the traditional wheel. Gerbils are high energy during active times and love to tunnel into bedding and hide when it's quiet time. They are very small and easily misplaced if they escape so handling them is best left to older children and adults. You don't want your little one to accidentally squish his first pet, that can turn what should be a fantastic childhood memory into a tragedy.

Be aware of how your other pets might interact with your gerbil. Cats often want to eat the tiny creatures that seem no different to your cat than a mouse might. You will want to make sure your gerbil is not only given the basics such as gerbil food, fresh water, and a clean and spacious habitat; but also safety and protection from outside dangers.

By Lindsey Watson Make sure you feed your gerbils food that's nutritious and formulated to meet their needs.choice for your pet! Article Source: EzineArticles

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GERBIL Cages to Choose From

Gerbil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gerbils are rodents that innately burrow itself in the wild to hide against its predators, usually during daylight. When you see a gerbil, the most common word that people say at first is that they are very cute. Aside from the fact that these gerbils are very adorable, they are also easy to take care, friendly to their owners, sociable and most of all entertaining. That is why many people get interested in owning and taking care of gerbils. Though they are easy to take care, there are still factors that need to be considered. They need close attention on their living, especially on where they will be placed.

There are various kinds of homes where you can place these cute gerbils. Even though they are very cute, they do not really need castle-like homes. What they need are clean, harm-free homes. Do not also forget to consider on where you will put their homes. Always remember not to put them in an area where they will be exposed to sun. If they are exposed to the sun, they will be burnt and die.

Now, there is a variety of homes where you can place your gerbils. You may choose from wired cages, glass or plastic aquariums, plastic tubes or custom-made cages. Your choice may vary according to your priority and preference. And one by one, I will be discussing to you the boons and banes of each home type.

° WIRED CAGES

Wired cages are the most commonly used cage on any kinds of pets. They are usually cheap and are sometimes given as a freebie or a package deal when you buy a pet especially a gerbil. Aside from its affordability, wired cages are easy to carry, durable and easy to clean. Choose wired cages that are spacious so that the gerbils can move freely. This kind of cage is not appropriate for dwarf gerbils. Because of their size, they can usually escape through the holes of the wires, or if not, they will have their heads stuck up in between which may cause them to get choked and die if not seen immediately.

° GLASS AQUARIUMS

Glass aquariums are one of the most expensive gerbil homes. Because it is made of glass, it is really heavy and not easy to carry. And it will surely break if you will not handle it with care. It is also hard to find a place where you will put the water. Unlike the wired cages where you will just hang the container on the wires, most gerbil owners designed adhesive pads together with the container and stick it on the wall. But do not forget the fact that these gerbils are quite active and may climb on the container and hence, the container will be detached. Though this cage is heavy, it is very easy to clean because you will just have to wipe the surfaces with a clean cloth to remove all dusts, dirt and moist. Do not also forget to put a barrier on the top of the aquarium to secure that these mini creatures cannot escape. Just make sure there is enough ventilation for the air to pass through

° PLASTIC AQUARIUMS

Plastic aquarium is just similar to glass aquariums. The only difference is that plastic aquariums are lighter because of it is a material made of plastic. But the surfaces tend to be easily scratched making it not nice to look at.

° PLASTIC TUBES

If you want a home for gerbils where they can play and explore more, plastic tube cages are what you need. It will surely be a place full of fun in favor of the gerbils. But it could be a nightmare for you. Plastic tube cages require a lot of cleaning. This tube is designed with narrow openings, making it hard to pick up the gerbils and there is lesser ventilation that can pass through. Because of its little ventilation, there is a tendency that the area gets moist and smelly. Thus, the home will be unhealthy for the gerbils due to growth of fungus. There is also a probability that the gerbils get stuck in the middle of the tube, leaving them no ventilation at all. This is usually true for Syrian gerbils and pregnant gerbils. These plastic tubes are really intended for dwarf gerbils. As to its plastic material, these tubes get easily scratched too.

° CUSTOM- MADE CAGES

When you cannot afford to buy your gerbils commercial homes, you can still give them a home. Imagination is the limit. You may construct them a home made of wood. It would be much better if the wood is hard so that it will not be easily destroyed due to the chewing habit of the gerbils. You may also put them in plastic containers, boxes or jars. Just make sure they are properly ventilated and can still move.

The type of cage you use does not really matter or is not a big deal after all. What is really important is that these gerbils are given proper ventilation for fresh air, not exposed to the sun, be fed and given water always. The container just needs to be secured so that these gerbils cannot escape and the materials used as their home are durable in such a way that they cannot chew it and give them a passageway to freedom. And most of all, they should be easy to clean. Nothing is more hassle than cleaning a cage that is hard to dismantle and has many small spaces.

By Kim Chariz Levita Kim, 20, inspiring, aspiring See this video  http://www.videojug.com/tag/gerbils Article Source: EzineArticles

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HAMSTER or GERBIL - Pros and Cons of Each

A hamster and a hamster wheel
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Having a hamster or gerbil as a pet can be a fun experience but, before you make a decision, you should learn more about the pros and cons of owning each animal.

Are These Animals Friendly?

Even though gerbils and hamsters are popular pet choices, the latter is not too fond of captivity. However, gerbils will make great pets as long as you buy more than one. Of course you have the option to purchase a single gerbil but since they are social animals you should purchase two so they can bond with each other.

If you do choose to purchase multiple hamsters and gerbils, it is a good idea to purchase two males. Female gerbils and female hamsters are aggressive with each other, but gerbil and hamster males get along well with one another. If you choose to buy a male and female gerbil or hamster, they should not be housed together, especially at a young age. You may also be interested to know that hamsters breed quickly.

Gerbils are ideal pets for children who have little or no experience caring for a small animal. This is due to the fact that gerbils are active throughout the day and rarely bite. Hamsters, however, do not like to be petted or held. Hamsters will bite when they are held or if they become irritated. And, although hamster bites do not cause serious danger, the bites are often painful. If you have young children, a hamster may not be the right pet choice for your family.

Mongolian gerbil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Inexpensive Maintenance

It is not expensive to purchase a hamster or gerbil, nor do you need a large budget to maintain them as pets. Most hamster cages come assembled, as well as any cage accessories you might want to purchase for your pet. Keeping a gerbil or hamster cage clean is also simple to do and it does not cost a lot of money. When purchasing a gerbil or hamster cage, you can spend as little as $50. Likewise, you may spend $50 a year on gerbil or hamster food, depending on the brand you purchase. When it pertains to these pets, their litter and bedding materials are the most expensive part of owning either of the two.

Sleeping Patterns

You should know the sleeping patterns of any pet before making a purchase. If you want to sleep well during the night, a hamster is not the right choice for you. Since hamsters are nocturnal, they will spend most of the day sleeping, and their nights will be spent playing with hamster toys or running on the hamster wheel inside their cage. Hamsters do not like to be woken up for any reason, even to play.

Gerbils are diurnal; therefore, they will not interrupt your sleep by digging or moving around in their cage. Gerbils like to play during the day, which can be fun for you and your children.

Escaping the Cage

Sometimes, regardless of how attentive you are, gerbils and hamsters escape their cages. When a hamster escapes his cage, he will be difficult to find and capture. You should know that hamsters enjoy chewing on furniture and wiring. So, if your pet hamster escapes his cage and he chews on the wires in your home, it could cause a house fire. Gerbils are also hard to find once they escape, which is why you must purchase an escape-proof cage for either of these little critters.

Remember that owning a gerbil or hamster will require some of your time, money, and patience. Overall, gerbils and hamsters can make great pets. But they are not the right choice for every pet owner which is why you should weigh the pros and cons before choosing one... or two in the case of gerbils... to bring home to meet the family!

By Genie Fletcher Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/ Article Source: EzineArticles

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Do-It-Yourself GERBIL Toys - Cheap Gerbil Toy Ideas That Are Fun and Safe

Gerbils love to play. They chew, gnaw, dig, tear, and run throughout every waking moment of their days. To help them to get the most enjoyment out of this time, and to stop them from attacking their cages from a lack of "appropriate" things to chew, it is important that you provide them with toys.

Great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gerbil toys can consist of just about anything. They will enjoy playing with almost any item you place in their cages. Traditionally, gerbil keepers have used toilet paper tubes and paper towel tubes as home made gerbil toys. The glue on the cardboard is animal or vegetable based, so it won't hurt your gerbil if any is ingested.

Though your gerbil will rarely tire of these same gifts day after day, they will be extremely excited when you give them something a bit different. The greater the variety of toys you share with your gerbil, the more fun they will have, and the more fun they will be for you to watch. Lots of toys make sure that your gerbil is never bored, and will reduce the chance of your gerbil becoming overweight from inactivity.

Giving gerbils different toys doesn't necessarily mean that you need to go to the pet store and buy something every time your gerbil needs something to chew. That can be rather expensive over time, and it truly is unnecessary when it comes to day-to-day toys. Instead, you can use the same materials you'd usually use for gerbil toys - for example toilet paper tubes, and alter them to make them a bit more fun.

For one thing, you can partially bury the tubs under the gerbil's litter to create a system of tunnels that are fun and exciting to explore...and destroy! Be creative when you do this, connecting multiple rolls either end-to-end, or by cutting a hole in the side of one, and sliding the tip of another one into the hole. Multiple entrances and exits make for great adventures and hours of investigation.

Another trick for paper towel tubes and toilet paper tubes is to stuff them full of clean paper towels or uncolored tissue paper. This will give your gerbil lots of fun chewing and ripping.

To make sure that your gerbil's teeth are well maintained, give him or her lots of harder things to chew as well. This can include wood and pumice stone chews from the pet store, or any wood chews you can make yourself. Make sure that the wood you're using is untreated. One easy way to obtain untreated wood of the perfect size is to buy a bag of stir sticks (intended for coffee) from the local dollar store. You can either give them to your gerbil one at a time, or in bunches.

The trick with gerbil toys is to make sure that they're safe, and to make sure that you're not overcrowding your gerbil's cage. One or two toys is a lot of fun, but too many toys leaves little room for your gerbil to maneuver around and may cause him or her to be injured accidentally.

By Julie Campbell Julie Campbell is a gerbil owner and enthusiast, and has gained a great deal of expertise through her gerbil keeping experience and extensive research. For more information about keeping gerbils, gerbil care, and information about gerbil products, visit her website at http://www.gerbil.5u.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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GERBIL Accessories - Discover How Much Fun You Can Have Simply Watching Your Pet Play

My Gerbil Ordos, seconds before he starts eating the food in front of him. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gerbils are playful pets who do more than sit in their cages. They love to run around, burrow, and explore. Because they are such active pets, gerbil accessories are a must.

The first accessory that most gerbil owners buy is a running wheel. This is a must for active animals, and will help them to stay in shape. Supervise your gerbil, however, when he uses the wheel to make sure he doesn't run himself to the point of exhaustion.

A clear water bottle is one of the essentials among gerbil accessories. The bottle should clamp to the sides of the cage so the animal can drink at will. It should be clear with some type of level indicator so you'll know when you pet needs a refill. Small bowls for gerbil food are important, too. You'll want to use a very sturdy plastic or a stainless steel dish so they won't chew it to pieces.

A gerbil toilet is a great idea. Hopefully your new little pet will learn that there is one proper place to "go", so that his cage will remain cleaner. Corner-shaped plastic containers work the best as they stay out of the way of your busy little friend, especially if they clamp to the sides of the cage.

Clear plastic tunnels that clip to the cage are wonderful gerbil accessories, too. They give your pet even more room for running, climbing, and playing. And you'll have a ton of fun as you watch your gerbil scurry through colorful-but clear-tunnels. These are easily extended, too, to give your pet ever more space to play.

There are other playful gerbil accessories to consider. Tiny ladders made of plastic, metal, or cloth encourage your gerbil to practice his climbing skills. Suspension bridges and climbing walls are available, too. Wooden blocks make great toys for gerbils to nibble on, keeping their teeth clean and sharp.

You can purchase shelves to install inside the gerbils' cage, too. These give them yet another place to climb to and play. Most clip easily to the bars of a wire cage, while others are freestanding for use in glass aquarium cages.

Gerbils like to hide sometimes, so provide them with a little wooden house. It should be made of untreated wood because gerbils are active chewers. But it should last for a while before you'll need to replace it. Hollowed out logs are wonderful gerbil accessories, too, and can be found in most pet stores that carry gerbil supplies. Other options for gerbil hideouts are ceramic pots or coconut shells.

One thing that many people don't consider when shopping for gerbil accessories is a bath pan. Gerbils like to stay clean and the best way is for them to roll around in sand. Fill a small bath pan with clean beach sand and watch him roll!

Your new pet deserves the best gerbil accessories you can find. And you'll discover that the more colorful and unusual they are, the more fun you will have simply watching your gerbil play.

By Kevin Highfill My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at to discover more information about gerbil accessories [http://www.online4pets.com/]. Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Danger of Cedar Wood Chips for GERBIL Litter and Bedding

Like most rodents, gerbils require a layer of litter or bedding for the floor of their cages. This is necessary not only for replicating their natural environment, where they enjoy digging and burrowing, but also to absorb urine and keep the cage clean and fresh-smelling.

A male and female fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi).
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As desert animals that commonly come from Mongolia, they neither drink much, nor produce much urine. For that reason, they do not require any additional perfumes added to their cage, their litter, or their bedding. However, that being said, the floor covering does remain essential to a hygienic and fun home for your gerbil pet.

Inexperienced gerbil owners, and gerbil keepers who have owned mice and hamsters in the past commonly make the mistake of using cedar wood chips and pine wood chips for their gerbil bedding. This can be extremely dangerous to your gerbils, especially if you intend to breed your gerbils.

Cedar and pine wood shavings contain phenols (the "scent" of the wood) that will commonly cause severe irritations among gerbils. These irritations include respiratory problems and liver damage. This is most common in gerbil pups, but will also occur among adult gerbils.

Pine shavings can be used safely as long as they have been kiln dried, but cedar should be avoided at all costs.

The best bedding option for your gerbils is hardwood chips such as aspen, or specially made small litter made out of wood pulp. These are both readily available at pet stores and online. These are perfectly safe for your gerbil, and will not cause irritations.

By choosing the right gerbil litter for your pet, he or she will live a longer and happier life. You'll appreciate your decision for the right gerbil bedding when your gerbil lives a long, healthy life with you.

By Julie Campbell Julie Campbell is a gerbil owner and enthusiast, and has gained a great deal of expertise through her gerbil keeping experirence and extensive research. For more information about gerbil litter and gerbil bedding, as well as other gerbil keeping topics, visit her website at http://www.gerbil.5u.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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All About GERBILS - How To Care For And Appreciate These Special Pets

While many people choose to keep gerbils as pets, a lot of those people don't know much about their playful little friends. It's important for potential owners to learn all about gerbils so that they can properly care for and appreciate these special creatures.

The first thing to know is that gerbils are rodents, but they are so much more than mice. They are intelligent and curious little creatures, capable of affection for the human members of their families.

Pet gerbil.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anyone interested in learning all about gerbils will be delighted to hear that most gerbil pets today are Mongolian gerbils that are native to the country of China. They first became popular as household pets in their native country then, in the last century, began to be popular in other countries. Pet owners in the United States began enjoying gerbils around the middle of the twentieth century, and they continue to adopt gerbils today.

In captivity, gerbils live for two to three years, sometimes longer. They are small, about four inches long, with another four inches in the tail. Those tails are almost as furry as the gerbils' bodies are.

Gerbils are social animals that enjoy living in colonies. For that reason, it's important to bring home more than one. Anyone who knows all about gerbils will tell you that a pair of litter mates of the same sex is the best idea as the animals are already naturally bonded.

Gerbils appreciate a lot of room for running around. Learn all about gerbils and their living habits before bringing home a pair of these active animals. Wire cages work well, but glass aquariums are great, too. They allow you to put in the deep layer of bedding that gerbils love to burrow into. Inside the cage, you should also provide a nest box to give the gerbils a secure place for hiding and sleeping.

A wood or ceramic nest box is a better choice than plastic, as anyone who knows all about gerbils will tell you. Plastic is quickly chewed to pieces. The animals will chew the wood as well, but it will take them longer to do so.

Gerbils like to eat a variety of foods but a wise owner will stick to a good quality product that is made just for these special animals. Your local pet store staff knows all about gerbils and can advise you on the best food to purchase.

Lab blocks are large chunks of food that are filled with nutrition. Seed mixes are a fun addition to a gerbil's diet, but be aware that these little guys will pick and choose what they like best.

That means they might not always eat a good mix of foods. Treats can include very little amounts of fresh vegetables or fruit-but not too much. As anyone who knows all about gerbils will tell you, veggies and fruit can cause diarrhea. Sunflower seeds or dog biscuits are a better choice.

If you want to know all about gerbils, visit your local pet store and ask questions of the staff. Or buy a book and read up on these amazing little animals.

By Kevin Highfill My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at [http://www.online4pets.com/] to discover more information all about gerbils Article Source: EzineArticles

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