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Gerbils are popular as pets because they are enjoyable to watch and are very easy to care for. They are great pets for apartment dwellers and people who do not have the time to care for a more demanding pet. Gerbils are usually friendly, so they also make nice pets for children.
According to the Dane County Humane Society website, "Gerbil Care", half of a gerbil's diet should consist of fresh vegetables such as carrots, beets, radishes, and broccoli. The rest of a gerbil's diet should be comprised of alfalfa hay and boxed food formulated especially for gerbils. It goes on to say that dandelions and clover can be offered as well. Make sure these are clean and have not been sprayed with pesticides. Remember to remove any perishable foods from the cage and replace them each day.
The same article suggests the use of a water bottle with a drinking tube rather than a bowl. Bowls are impractical because gerbils dig and they like to bury their food bowls. Water bottles can easily be cleaned using hot, soapy water and a bottle brush. This should be done on a daily basis. Since gerbils like to chew, a heavy ceramic food dish is the most practical.
A gerbil's teeth continually grow, according to "Gerbil Care". The article recommends supplying a gerbil with either chew sticks for rodents, which are available in stores selling pet supplies, or providing untreated wood for gnawing. If a gerbil's teeth are allowed to become too long, it will not be able to eat or drink.
See through plastic cages with connecting tubes are great for housing gerbils. These are available at most discount and pet stores. According to "Gerbil Care", a ten gallon aquarium makes a good home for gerbils. It recommends covering the aquarium with a well ventilated lid since gerbils are capable of jumping out. Aquariums are also easy to clean and the bedding will remain inside as opposed to a cage with openings. The same article suggests doing a thorough cleaning every two weeks, and it recommends using about two inches of pine shavings for bedding. Cleaning should be done with hot, soapy water. Products such as glass cleaners which contain ammonia are dangerous to a gerbil, according to "Gerbil Care".
The same article suggests an exercise wheel for rodents. Gerbils also like cardboard toweling and tissue paper tubes. Gerbils like to use cardboard tubes to shred into nesting material, and they use them as tunnels to hide and play in.
Providing your gerbil with a balanced diet, a clean environment, and regular exercise will improve its chances of remaining healthy. Gerbils will provide lots of entertainment, and they are a pleasure to care for.
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