Gerbil
Gerbil
Menones unguiculatus
Lifespan: 2 to 3 years.
Size: Mature gerbils will range from 5 to 6 inches long and will weigh 2 to 4 ounces.
Maturity/Breeding: Males reach sexual maturity at 10 - 12 weeks of age; females reach sexual maturity as early as 9 weeks old. The gestation period is 23 - 26 days, but if the female is pregnant while nursing a litter, she will hold for anywhere up to 20 more days. The pups start to eat on their own around 3 weeks old and at 5 - 6 weeks old, they can live on their own. Remember not to breed your gerbils until they are about 1 year old and show no signs of epileptic seizures or ill health.
Enclosure: There are two popular housing methods: wire small animal cages or glass aquariums. With small animal cages, the spacing of the bars must not be more than ½" apart and the size should be at least 18" L x 12" W x 10" H for 1 or 2 gerbils. Bigger is better as gerbils should be kept in pairs and are very active both day and night. Also note that gerbils like levels and deep substrate (shavings) to burrow and build nests. Gerbils are chewers so plastic cages are not recommended or at least should not have plastic door hatches.
Aquariums are popular due to the fact that the gerbil cannot chew through it. If you are going to use an aquarium, you must provide extra floor space, due to lack of levels. Add ramps, shelves and extra toys to provide a more stimulating environment. If you choose to use an aquarium, make sure to use a tight-fitting mesh top.
Heating: Your gerbil's cage should be located in a dry (low humidity), well-lit area with an ambient temperature of 15 °C - 25 °C (59 °F - 77 °F). Avoid direct sunlight or drafts.
Feeding: Food can be left all day in the cage. Pisces recommends a rodent block supplemented by a gerbil seed and grain mixture. You should offer hay and vegetables daily, and occasionally include crickets, mealworms and fruit as a treat. Feed treats sparingly so your gerbil does not gain weight. Gerbils are selective eaters and will pick out their favorites and leave the blocks. Do not feed any raw beans or cabbage. Freshwater should be available at all times. Food and water dishes should be cleaned often, and it is recommended to use a ceramic dish so it doesn't get chewed. Pisces recommends: Living World Extrusion pellets and Versele-Laga Gerbil Nature.
Vitamins, Supplements & Treats: Pisces sells a variety of gerbil treats that your pet will love but these should be fed sparingly. If your gerbil is provided with a varied diet of pellet, seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables then there is usually no need to provide any other vitamin or mineral supplement.
Handling: Gerbils are quick-moving so be careful when handling that you do not drop them. They can be carefully picked up by the base of the tail but keep in mind that gerbils will drop their tails when they are grabbed unexpectedly. Always wash your hands before handling your gerbil in order to remove any food scents that may make your gerbil more inclined to bite, thinking that your hand is food.
Health Care: Gerbils are susceptible to Wet-tail. This can be caused by stress, bad food, damp living environment, dirty drinking water and feeding excessive amounts of fresh greens (iceberg lettuce). Wet-tail is a form of diarrhea that if not treated can spread quickly and eventually lead to death. Pisces Pet Emporium requires that all gerbils go home with Wet-tail drops that are usually administered in their water. Pisces recommends: Oasis Wet-tail Drops.
A gerbil's incisor teeth will continue to grow throughout its life. If not given enough stuff to chew on then they can grow to unnatural lengths, which will prevent your pet from being able to eat. If this happens, a veterinarian should correct the problem. Pisces recommends: Living World Small Animal Mineral Block and 8in1 Block Bites.
Grooming: Gerbils do like the occasional dust bath and a ceramic or glass dish with chinchilla dust should be provided.
Exercise/Toys: Gerbils do require regular exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep them from becoming over weight. A wheel should be provided for exercise, preferably a plastic one safe for their little feet. They should also be allowed time to explore in a gerbil-proofed play area full of toys, ramps, tunnels etc. to satisfy their curiosity. These items should also be in the cage so your gerbil does not get bored when you are away.
An exercise ball may be used, but only for 5 to 10 minutes at a time because the constant motion causes stress. Remember to keep a close eye on your pet while it plays, whether in the ball or in its play area. Pisces recommends: Preview Hendryx EZ-Roller 8" Wheel.
Always:
Recommended Books: This care sheet is designed to provide you with some basic information on your new pet. To learn more about how to care for your pet, Pisces recommends: Gerbils by Barrons Books.
Recommended Supplies:
Your New Pet: It is the responsibility of any pet owner to provide their pet with regular veterinary care to maintain their pet's health and to prevent illness.
Should you experience any problems with your new pet, contact Pisces Pet Emporium. We will make every effort to assist you but we may refer you to a qualified veterinarian if the problem is beyond our ability to treat.
A pet is a large responsibility and should not be purchased without due consideration. Pets should never be released into the wild.
Menones unguiculatus
Lifespan: 2 to 3 years.
Size: Mature gerbils will range from 5 to 6 inches long and will weigh 2 to 4 ounces.
Maturity/Breeding: Males reach sexual maturity at 10 - 12 weeks of age; females reach sexual maturity as early as 9 weeks old. The gestation period is 23 - 26 days, but if the female is pregnant while nursing a litter, she will hold for anywhere up to 20 more days. The pups start to eat on their own around 3 weeks old and at 5 - 6 weeks old, they can live on their own. Remember not to breed your gerbils until they are about 1 year old and show no signs of epileptic seizures or ill health.
Enclosure: There are two popular housing methods: wire small animal cages or glass aquariums. With small animal cages, the spacing of the bars must not be more than ½" apart and the size should be at least 18" L x 12" W x 10" H for 1 or 2 gerbils. Bigger is better as gerbils should be kept in pairs and are very active both day and night. Also note that gerbils like levels and deep substrate (shavings) to burrow and build nests. Gerbils are chewers so plastic cages are not recommended or at least should not have plastic door hatches.
Aquariums are popular due to the fact that the gerbil cannot chew through it. If you are going to use an aquarium, you must provide extra floor space, due to lack of levels. Add ramps, shelves and extra toys to provide a more stimulating environment. If you choose to use an aquarium, make sure to use a tight-fitting mesh top.
Heating: Your gerbil's cage should be located in a dry (low humidity), well-lit area with an ambient temperature of 15 °C - 25 °C (59 °F - 77 °F). Avoid direct sunlight or drafts.
Feeding: Food can be left all day in the cage. Pisces recommends a rodent block supplemented by a gerbil seed and grain mixture. You should offer hay and vegetables daily, and occasionally include crickets, mealworms and fruit as a treat. Feed treats sparingly so your gerbil does not gain weight. Gerbils are selective eaters and will pick out their favorites and leave the blocks. Do not feed any raw beans or cabbage. Freshwater should be available at all times. Food and water dishes should be cleaned often, and it is recommended to use a ceramic dish so it doesn't get chewed. Pisces recommends: Living World Extrusion pellets and Versele-Laga Gerbil Nature.
Vitamins, Supplements & Treats: Pisces sells a variety of gerbil treats that your pet will love but these should be fed sparingly. If your gerbil is provided with a varied diet of pellet, seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables then there is usually no need to provide any other vitamin or mineral supplement.
Handling: Gerbils are quick-moving so be careful when handling that you do not drop them. They can be carefully picked up by the base of the tail but keep in mind that gerbils will drop their tails when they are grabbed unexpectedly. Always wash your hands before handling your gerbil in order to remove any food scents that may make your gerbil more inclined to bite, thinking that your hand is food.
Health Care: Gerbils are susceptible to Wet-tail. This can be caused by stress, bad food, damp living environment, dirty drinking water and feeding excessive amounts of fresh greens (iceberg lettuce). Wet-tail is a form of diarrhea that if not treated can spread quickly and eventually lead to death. Pisces Pet Emporium requires that all gerbils go home with Wet-tail drops that are usually administered in their water. Pisces recommends: Oasis Wet-tail Drops.
A gerbil's incisor teeth will continue to grow throughout its life. If not given enough stuff to chew on then they can grow to unnatural lengths, which will prevent your pet from being able to eat. If this happens, a veterinarian should correct the problem. Pisces recommends: Living World Small Animal Mineral Block and 8in1 Block Bites.
Grooming: Gerbils do like the occasional dust bath and a ceramic or glass dish with chinchilla dust should be provided.
Exercise/Toys: Gerbils do require regular exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep them from becoming over weight. A wheel should be provided for exercise, preferably a plastic one safe for their little feet. They should also be allowed time to explore in a gerbil-proofed play area full of toys, ramps, tunnels etc. to satisfy their curiosity. These items should also be in the cage so your gerbil does not get bored when you are away.
An exercise ball may be used, but only for 5 to 10 minutes at a time because the constant motion causes stress. Remember to keep a close eye on your pet while it plays, whether in the ball or in its play area. Pisces recommends: Preview Hendryx EZ-Roller 8" Wheel.
Always:
- Wash your hands after handling your gerbil.
- Keep your gerbil off any surface on which you would prepare or serve your own food (i.e. kitchen counters, tables etc.).
- Wash your gerbil's dishes separate from your own
Recommended Books: This care sheet is designed to provide you with some basic information on your new pet. To learn more about how to care for your pet, Pisces recommends: Gerbils by Barrons Books.
Recommended Supplies:
- Wire Cage or 15 gallon aquarium
- Pine or Aspen shavings
- Ceramic food dish
- Ceramic dish for chinchilla bath dust
- Water bottle
- Gerbil Nature food
- Living World Extruded pellet for rodents
- Wheel & Hamster ball
- Chew block/Mineral stone
- House for sleeping
- Wet-tail drops
- Timothy hay
- Treats
- Toys/wood chews
Your New Pet: It is the responsibility of any pet owner to provide their pet with regular veterinary care to maintain their pet's health and to prevent illness.
Should you experience any problems with your new pet, contact Pisces Pet Emporium. We will make every effort to assist you but we may refer you to a qualified veterinarian if the problem is beyond our ability to treat.
A pet is a large responsibility and should not be purchased without due consideration. Pets should never be released into the wild.
4921 Skyline Way N.E.
Calgary, Alberta T2E 4G5
Phone: (403) 274-3314 Fax: (403) 275-6296
www.piscespets.com
Email: pisces@piscespets.com
Calgary, Alberta T2E 4G5
Phone: (403) 274-3314 Fax: (403) 275-6296
www.piscespets.com
Email: pisces@piscespets.com
Reprint of this handout only with permission of and full credit to Pisces Pet Emporium.
