Gerbils , Low Maintenance Pets

You won't let the kids get a dog or a cat because you don't think they will be responsible enough to take care of one. But since they begged and promised they would, you reached a compromise regarding pets. You will let each child get a gerbil with the understanding that the kids will take care of the little rodents. Yes, a gerbil is in the rodent family. They are native to Asia and Africa .

What colors are gerbils and how much do they weigh?

A gerbil weighs in anywhere between 3 to 7 ounces. A gerbil's tail is 3 to 9 inches long. They come in a variety of colors such as orange, gold and cream and their eyes are either dark black or ruby red.

Do gerbils require a lot of work?

Unlike most pets, gerbils are low maintenance. You won't spend a fortune at the vet and the little guys are friendly and very seldom bite. They do not require a lot of work and are easy to take care of.

What can you do with a gerbil?

Gerbils can be taught to walk up your arm or sit on your shoulder. The most entertainment you will get from a gerbil is watching the little guy in his cage. It would be a stretch to put one a leash and go for a walk around the block!

Can I get just one gerbil?

The short answer, no. Gerbils are social critters and don't like to be alone.

How long is a gerbil pregnant?

Not long at all, just 3 weeks. Wow, better plan the baby shower fast!

How many babies can a gerbil have?

Each pregnancy can produce 1 to 8 babies.

What do gerbils eat?

Pet gerbils love lettuce, carrots and banana peels. If you give your gerbil banana peels, make it just a small piece. Check with your pet shop to see what kind of gerbil food they sell

What should I use for a cage for my gerbil?

A gerbil can eat through plastic in a flash. You need something sturdy such as an old aquarium and a mesh top to make sure they don't climb out! Use aspen shavings or pulp, at least two inches thick, for the floor. The cage needs a water bottle and a feeding bowl.

What kind of toys do gerbils like?

Gerbils love to run through tubes. You can find tubes for your gerbils at pet shops on-line or at a retail store. If you want to be creative (cheap), you can make a gerbil play set out of empty paper towel rolls. Cut a few holes in various places in the tube so the gerbil will have options. You can also make play sets for your gerbil from empty boxes. Again, cut out holes in various places so the gerbil can get in and out. They can't read, so they won't know they are running through the box your new sneakers came in.

Diseases

Quite amazing is that 20 to 50 percent of all pet gerbils have epilepsy. A seizure can be brought on by fear, too much handling or being introduced to a new environment. The seizures, for the most part, have no long term effects on the gerbil.

Summary

Gerbils make good pets. Gerbils have been considered pets since 1964 when Mongolia gerbils were first introduced into the pet industry. Oh, their kidneys have adapted to produce a minimal amount of waste. Lucky them!

Gerbils won't walk on a leash or wag their tails when you talk to them, but their antics will make you laugh. They are also a good foundation for teaching your kids how to be responsible pet owners.

Source:

Thinkquest.org

Gerbilcare.org

Wikipedia.org