Gerbil Care

Gerbil Care

By: April Metroulas

Section: Overview

Gerbils are friendly, affectionate, and curious rodents. The most common type of gerbil is the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). They are native to the desert regions of Mongolia and northeastern China. Gerbils are non-aggressive creatures that rarely bite. With a life span of 3 to 4 years, they make excellent pets for youngsters interested in minimal commitment.

When choosing a gerbil, always pick one with the clearest eyes, the cleanest hair coat, and the most outgoing personality. Always pick a gerbil up by the nape of the neck, never by the tail, as the skin can easily slough off.

It is currently illegal to own a gerbil in the state of California.

 
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  • 1Choosing a Fat-Tailed Gerbil

    If any pet could play the part of the dormouse in Alice in Wonderland, it would be the fat-tailed gerbil or duprasi, a sleepy, chubby, distant relative of the more common Mongolian gerbil.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2Choosing a Gerbil

    Relatively unknown in the pet world until the 1950s, the gerbil has become the first pet of choice in homes and school classrooms around the world.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Gerbil Behavior

    Gerbils are excellent small pets for children because they are naturally curious and social animals and do not bite people unless scared or mishandled. Gerbils are clean and relatively odorless additions...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4Having Fun with Your Gerbil

    Gerbils are social and curious creatures by nature. If your pet gerbil were a member of your family, he would be your tag-along little brother: the one who’s always interested in what you are doing and...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 5Making a Great Bed for Your Gerbil

    Gerbils love to burrow and, of course, to sleep. It’s up to you to provide them with the best materials, but the choices aren’t easy. Here’s what you need to know to create a fun and cozy environment for...

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  • 1Choosing a Fat-Tailed Gerbil

    If any pet could play the part of the dormouse in Alice in Wonderland, it would be the fat-tailed gerbil or duprasi, a sleepy, chubby, distant relative of the more common Mongolian gerbil.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2Choosing a Gerbil

    Relatively unknown in the pet world until the 1950s, the gerbil has become the first pet of choice in homes and school classrooms around the world.

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Gerbil Behavior

    Gerbils are excellent small pets for children because they are naturally curious and social animals and do not bite people unless scared or mishandled. Gerbils are clean and relatively odorless additions...

    Read MoreRead More
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