Traits:The original gerbil was a Mongolian gerbil which was agouti colored (a mixture of brown fur with black tips.) The longer hind legs of this desert animal enable it to leap and also clear away dirt when tunneling. Gerbils are easily tamed and bite less then their hamster cousins. They have a gentle disposition and are comfortable in a busy and noisy household in that they are not easily scared or startled. In fact, rather than hiding, they are more likely to be standing on their hind legs, looking around to see what is happening. Gerbils are social and are comfortable in pairs, but unless breeding is the goal, keep only the same gender together in a cage. Also, if you are going to keep two together they should be purchased at the same time so that they could be brought up together.
Feeding:Feed your gerbil any high quality processed food that is appropriate for small animals. Although they drink only small amounts of water, fresh water should still be available at all times. Small pieces of carrot or apple can be served as treats. Vegetables should be offered only in small amounts since they contain a lot of moisture. Too much moisture for these desert creatures can cause digestive problems. Chew toys and treats should be given to the gerbils frequently.
Housing and Handling:Gerbils will adapt to just about any type of small animal cage. The most critical thing is that the cage allow the gerbil to burrow. This would make a cage with a wire bottom inappropriate. Kaytee Aspen bedding is recommended for use in the cage and place it thick in the bottom so the gerbil can dig and hide. Unlike hamsters, gerbils should NOT have an exercise wheel with spokes in their cage. Gerbils have no control over their long tail and it can easily get caught in the spokes of an exercise wheel. Solid, plastic wheels without spokes can be used. A food dish, water bottle, and small house should also be included.
In common with all small rodents, gerbils require careful handling which must be gentle and at the same time, firm. They should be picked up slowly by cupping the body in both hands. Never grip or pick up a gerbil by its tail as the skin is very fragile. Be aware that gerbils have powerful hind limbs that allow them to leap from your hand.
Special Requirements:Fancy mice, as all rodents, have incisor teeth that constantly grow. In a captive environment, these teeth can grow to a length that makes it difficult to the animal to eat. To prevent this, an abrasive gnawing material (such as a chew stick or chew treat) should be provided at all times to help wear the teeth down. Gerbils are neither nocturnal (active mainly at night ) nor diurnal (active mainly during the day.)
