Gerbil care: information on choosing,housing,feeding.
When choosing a gerbil, it's best to take your time and find one that is healthy and alert. They should have bright clear eyes and have a smooth coat. A good gerbil should be interested in coming up to see who you are. Gerbils are very friendly creatures that like to be picked up and held. Gerbils that have been exposed to loving care generally bond with their owners over time.
Before bringing your new pet home, you will need a cage and some recommended bedding. Do not use cedar or pine. A sturdy chew-proof food bowl and a water bottle are also necessary. You can also purchase a little house for the gerbil to make his nest in and some toys. An exercise wheel is a good choice for a gerbil. They get exercise and are fun to watch. When setting up the cage make sure to line the bottom of the cage with enough bedding for the gerbil to rearrange it and make a nest without using up all the litter available. Set the water bottle so that it's high enough that it doesn't leak into the litter, yet low enough for the gerbil to reach without straining for a drink.
Feeding your gerbil a healthy diet is important. Look for a mix that is made for gerbils to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Always make sure there is fresh water available at all times for your gerbil. You can also feed dry oatmeal, raisins, peanuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkinseeds as treats for your gerbil. Peanuts are good treats to feed your gerbil by hand. You can also give them fresh vegetables.
Gerbils typically groom themselves and therefore need no bathing. They will need some sand to roll in to absorb the excess oils from their fur. You can use regular clean play sand like what you would use in a child's sandbox. Put some sand in a container for your gerbil so he can roll around and shake the sand off.
Gerbils are very affectionate rodents and enjoy giving and receiving love. You will need to spend time with your gerbil on a daily basis. Taming a young gerbil is easy if they were cared for in a non-abusive manner. Most well cared for gerbils will not bite. If you have a busy life and know that you aren't going to be able to spend every day with your gerbil, you can get a second gerbil so they can keep each other company.
