Nine Tips to Keep Your Gerbil Happy, Healthy and Safe

Gerbils are extremely friendly, adorable little creatures that make marvelous pets. As a gerbil lover and former owner, this author provides nine tips to help to keep your beloved little friend happy, healthy and safe.

Make sure that the cage that you select for your gerbil is secure and is large enough to provide room for him or her to play.

Gerbils are expert escape artists, so you want to make sure that the cage in which you place them has a door that cannot be easily opened. If you open the door to place something within the cage, make sure that you fasten it back immediately afterwards. Also, if your gerbil's cage has any tubes or other attachments, be sure and check that they are properly attached and do not provide a way of escape.

Gerbils need exercise in order to stay healthy and happy, so you will want to place them in a cage where they will have sufficient room to play and run. Gerbils also love various toys that you can purchase for them from pet stores.

Feed your gerbil food that is intended for his or her consumption.

Gerbils need a balanced diet of fresh vegetables and grains in order to stay healthy. Some of the best vegetables to give your gerbil are carrots, broccoli, peas, and nutritious lettuces like romaine. For the whole grains, this author's gerbil loved Cheerios and puffed millet, but other sources of grains include Total cereal and puffed wheat cereal.

Foods that you should not feed your gerbil are chocolate, citrus fruit, onions, or too much human snack food. If you have any concerns about what to feed or not feed your gerbil, consult your veterinarian.

Keep your gerbil's cage clean.

Unlike a rabbit's cage that requires cleaning almost daily, a gerbil's cage may only need cleaning once every two weeks. This author highly recommends using white vinegar to clean the cage followed by a thorough rinse with water.

As far as bedding for your gerbil, this author suggests using the Carefresh brand which is made from reclaimed cellulose and is biodegradable. Super Pet Sweet Dreams Bedding, which is made from nontoxic cotton, is a great addition to your gerbil's cage during the winter months in order to help your gerbil stay warm.

Always check to make sure your gerbil's water bottle is full and contains clean, fresh water.

Although gerbils do not consume much water on a daily basis, you should keep their water bottle full of fresh, clean water in order to keep them healthy. This step is particularly important during the hot summer months.

Give your gerbil many different items to chew.

Provide a number of gerbil-safe items upon which your beloved pet can chew. Gerbils' teeth grow, and if gerbils do not have a way to chew and file down their teeth, health problems can occur.

Make sure your gerbil's cage has places for him or her to hide.

Gerbils love to play hide and seek, so make sure that their cage contains areas or items in which they can hide. You will be surprised how your gerbil will peek out at you as if to get your attention.

Provide a dust bath for your gerbil.

In order to stay healthy and happy, gerbils need to take dust baths. Just as humans enjoy going to the spa to be refreshed, your gerbil will love taking a dust bath. Super Pet Critter Bath Powder is made from volcanic mountain pumice and is nontoxic, and you can also purchase a Super Pet Ceramic Bath House in which to place the powder and give your gerbil some privacy while he or she takes his or her bath.

Once your gerbil's bath is complete, remove the bath house and powder. Be sure and use fresh powder each time your gerbil takes a bath.

Allow your gerbil to crawl into your hand.

As you take care of your gerbil, your gerbil may begin to sniff your hand or come when you call his or her name. To handle your gerbil, lay your hand flat inside the cage, and allow your gerbil to come and sniff your hand. Talk to your gerbil, and eventually, he or she will crawl into your hand. Gently cup your hand and lift your gerbil out of the cage. This author recommends allowing your gerbil to sit in both of your hands and making sure that he or she feels secure.

Never pick up a gerbil by his or her tail. It is painful for the gerbil, and you may cause harm to your beloved pet.

Purchase two gerbils at the same time rather than at separate times.

If you are planning to purchase more than one gerbil, you should select two gerbils from the same group (or kyro). If you plan to place a new gerbil with one that you already own, this author recommends that a gradual introduction to the new friend be used. This step helps to avoid the chances of gerbil aggression and conflict.

Gerbils are pleasant and lovable pets that can brighten your life. Please keep these tips in mind, and enjoy your little furry friend.

Sources:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2816210/how_to_properly_care_for_and_house.html?cat=53

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