GERBIL ADOPTION - See my ABC Gerbils Facebook page for news about and pictures of and news about available gerbils
GERBIL CARE
Top ten Gerbil basic do's and don'ts
1. Do keep gerbils in pairs -- gerbils need to have a gerbil companion.
2. Do not put stranger gerbils together without careful and gradual introduction; they will fight violently. Two gerbils separated for more that 24 hours are strangers and must be re-introduced. And never let your gerbil "play" with your hamster, bunny, or other pet (someone will get hurt).
3. Do check the water bottle every day to make sure it has not run dry.
4. Do feed a quality seed mix specifically for gerbils that has oats as a main ingredient, not any/much corn, 15% protein, some sunflower and pumpkin seeds and lots of variety. I feed 1/2 oats (rolled or old fashioned oats NOT quick oats!!) and 1/2 cockatiel food with peanuts or other nuts added. Add some ferret food or rat mix to bump up the protein for nursing moms and growing pups.
5. Do give your gerbil plenty of cardboard and wooden toys to climb on and gnaw up, otherwise their teeth will become overgrown and they will get bored.
6. Do not keep your gerbil's tank in direct sunlight or exposed to drafts. Provide a small box or other place to hide and sleep in.
7. Do make sure the tank is covered and clipped at all times. Gerbils are great climbers and jumpers and love to come out.
8. Never hold or pull your gerbil's tail! it could break off. Do not use a wheel with open slats, as it could catch your gerbil's tail and break it off.
9. Do use for litter about 3 inches of Carefresh or Aspen or corncob. For bedding add unscented toilet tissue. Avoid materials or anything with fibers (including the "fluff" sold in pet stores! or paper towels) which can get caught in their toe nails. Cedar shavings which have harmful oils. Pine isn't good either for gerbils (may cause allergies).
10. Do clean out the cage every two weeks; do a daily check and spot clean any soiled bedding. Many people use vinegar or a bit of bleach & rinse well with hot water.
There is a lot of controversy about tank size - recommend the biggest tank size that you can keep clean - a 20 long with opportunities to burrow and a wheel to run on is a nice option.
1. Do keep gerbils in pairs -- gerbils need to have a gerbil companion.
2. Do not put stranger gerbils together without careful and gradual introduction; they will fight violently. Two gerbils separated for more that 24 hours are strangers and must be re-introduced. And never let your gerbil "play" with your hamster, bunny, or other pet (someone will get hurt).
3. Do check the water bottle every day to make sure it has not run dry.
4. Do feed a quality seed mix specifically for gerbils that has oats as a main ingredient, not any/much corn, 15% protein, some sunflower and pumpkin seeds and lots of variety. I feed 1/2 oats (rolled or old fashioned oats NOT quick oats!!) and 1/2 cockatiel food with peanuts or other nuts added. Add some ferret food or rat mix to bump up the protein for nursing moms and growing pups.
5. Do give your gerbil plenty of cardboard and wooden toys to climb on and gnaw up, otherwise their teeth will become overgrown and they will get bored.
6. Do not keep your gerbil's tank in direct sunlight or exposed to drafts. Provide a small box or other place to hide and sleep in.
7. Do make sure the tank is covered and clipped at all times. Gerbils are great climbers and jumpers and love to come out.
8. Never hold or pull your gerbil's tail! it could break off. Do not use a wheel with open slats, as it could catch your gerbil's tail and break it off.
9. Do use for litter about 3 inches of Carefresh or Aspen or corncob. For bedding add unscented toilet tissue. Avoid materials or anything with fibers (including the "fluff" sold in pet stores! or paper towels) which can get caught in their toe nails. Cedar shavings which have harmful oils. Pine isn't good either for gerbils (may cause allergies).
10. Do clean out the cage every two weeks; do a daily check and spot clean any soiled bedding. Many people use vinegar or a bit of bleach & rinse well with hot water.
There is a lot of controversy about tank size - recommend the biggest tank size that you can keep clean - a 20 long with opportunities to burrow and a wheel to run on is a nice option.