Table of Contents
How do you prepare a gerbil cage?
To set up a gerbil cage, buy a 10-gallon aquarium cage with a wire lid for ventilation and clamps to secure the wire lid on the cage. Next, find a shady, cool spot indoors, since direct sunlight can cause heatstroke in gerbils, and place the aquarium on a stable table or shelf.
What does a gerbil need in its cage?
Gerbils need: A gerbilarium large enough to provide shelter, opportunities to dig and space to exercise, with adequate bedding and nesting material. Wild gerbils live in dry climates, in large, deep burrows that they dig themselves to protect them from extremes of weather and from predators.
Is it cruel to keep gerbils in a cage?
Keeping gerbils as pets isn’t cruel if you take care of them and provide them with everything they need: other gerbils, a large enough cage and deep bedding layer, enrichment to keep them from getting bored, and a nutritionally well-balanced diet.
Where should I put my gerbils cage?
You should place your gerbil cage somewhere warm and dry, away from draughts. This means that you must keep it away from radiators and other heat-producing or air conditioning units. Even though gerbils hail from hot, dry African and Asian deserts, direct sunlight will cause them to overheat and become unwell.
Do gerbils need hay?
Gerbils love to burrow, climb, dig and explore. Gerbils love to chew on the hay and move it around during playtime. Keep at least two of these Oxbow varieties of grass hay on hand: Western Timothy, Orchard Grass, Alfalfa Hay, Brome Hay, Botanical Hay and Oat Hay.
What do I need to own a gerbil?
Shopping list for needed supplies: appropriately sized habitat. high quality gerbil food. treats. bedding. nesting fluff. food bowl/water bottle. exercise wheel. hideaway place.
Do gerbils need a sand bath?
Instead of bathing gerbils in water as you would a human, gerbils need ‘sand baths’. Sand baths involve the gerbil rolling around in a small pot of sand, an activity which looks rather strange but actually gives the animal a chance to give its fur a good scrub and to free itself of dirt.
Are boy or girl gerbils better?
Males score ‘better’ in three categories: they’re more trusting, friendlier with owners, and friendlier with other gerbils. Females score ‘better’ in two categories: their scent gland is smaller (smell better), and they’re more playful. In other areas, like lifespan and size, males and females are equal.
What can I put in my gerbil tank?
What do gerbils need? A suitable gerbilarium or tank – this is different to a hamster cage – with lots of tunnels to explore and some bedding. Access to regular food. A constant supply of water. Something to chew on such as a gerbil toy.
Can you keep gerbils in your bedroom?
You can keep gerbils in your bedroom and it’s recommended that you put their cage in a place that isn’t close to loud noises like a TV. Keeping your gerbils in your room can be a really great experience for you and them.
Is a hamster or gerbil a better pet?
Gerbils are ideal pets for children who have little or no experience caring for a small animal. This is due to the fact that gerbils are active throughout the day and rarely bite. Hamsters, however, do not like to be petted or held. If you have young children, a hamster may not be the right pet choice for your family.
What is the lifespan of a gerbil?
Gerbils/Lifespan.
Should I cover my gerbils cage at night?
Unlike covering a bird cage, covering a gerbil cage at night won’t help your gerbil sleep. Gerbils are active throughout the day and night, so darkness doesn’t act as a sleep cue. However, covering the gerbilarium can help to muffle any noise coming from within. This may make it easier for you to sleep.
What type of cage is best for a gerbil?
While previously 5-gallons per gerbil was considered adequate, now the rule of thumb is 10-gallons of space per gerbil. So, if you have a pair of gerbils, a 20-gallon cage—or an average base of 12 inches by 30 inches—is a good minimum, she adds.
How much do gerbil cages cost?
Cost of Gerbil Ownership Item Cost Cage (gerbilarium) $50 to $60, plus $50 for ‘furniture’ like wheels, toys, and a water bottle Food $10 per bag, 5-6 bags per year per gerbil Bedding (substrate) Roughly $50-100 per year Vet care $40 for a checkup, $10 for medication, or $200 for surgery (varies between different vets).
Can gerbils play in grass?
One of the most recommended ways to let your gerbils play outside is to let them run around inside of a good playpen. You shouldn’t put the playpen in the grass because your gerbils will start to chew and eat the grass. Grass has a high moisture content and it’s not healthy for a gerbil to eat grass.
Can gerbils go on grass?
Gerbils can play outside, although allowing them to do so can easily go wrong. As such, you can’t let your gerbil outside to do whatever it wants. The grass may not be safe to play on or eat. It may be treated with pesticides, which aren’t safe to ingest.
How do you take care of a gerbil for beginners?
Give your pets appropriate chew toys to help wear down their teeth, which grow continuously. Remove soiled bedding, droppings and stale/uneaten food daily. Clean and refill the water bottle every day. Clean cage completely once a week by replacing dirty bedding and scrubbing down the cage with warm, soapy water.
