Gerbils

If you are thinking of getting a small furry pet, such as a gerbil, you have to remember that this is a long term commitment. Preparing yourself for the responsibilities of pet-ownership is the beginning of a very happy and rewarding time.

But what are the considerations? As this is a partnership and not a one-way relationship you have to consider whether you are suited to your chosen pet and vice versa.

When you are considering whether to offer a home to a gerbil you need to think about the pets' needs. Think about the

Housing
Feeding and watering
Handling
Care

Is a gerbil the right pet for you?

Gerbils are very clean animals, inquisitive, easy to handle and keep. They are nocturnal (active at night) and can tolerate very large fluctuations in environmental temperature. They live for 3 to 5 years, and can produce offspring from about 10 weeks of age, producing between four and six babies each time. They are quite sociable animals, but keep them as a same sex pair unless you intend to breed them. They do fight, but this can be avoided by introducing them to each other before they reach sexual maturity at 10 weeks. An adult gerbil weighs between 50-60g.

PDSA estimates that a gerbil will need about half-an-hour's attention each day, and can provide hours of interesting antics! However, it is the Houdini of the rodent world, and is particularly adept at escaping.