ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

Keeping a Gerbil as a Pet

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

gerbil as a petWith over a hundred different recognised gerbil varieties, the great gerbil, Rhombomys opimus, is the largest and the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, is the most common gerbil breed kept as pets, they are what you will see in most pet stores.

Though the gerbil’s history is surrounded by myths as the small-clawed warrior, records reveal that it originated in Mongolia. It was kept as pets since the 1960s and it wasn’t until 1964 when it was imported to the UK.

Myths and all, the gerbil is a mammal under the order Rodentia. Read on to find out how gerbils are as pets.

1. Some gerbils are nocturnal and some are diurnal.

gerbil playing inside a mini wood houseSome gerbils are metaturnal. This means they have random intervals of activity. These mammals may be active, whether it is day or night. However, the Mongolian gerbil, the most common breed, is known to be diurnal, which means they are active mostly during the day.

2. Gerbils are active creatures.

As active creatures, they require a large habitat that will allow them to run around. One of their favourite activities is digging. This is a habit instilled from being a prey animal. They find safety by digging and living under deep burrows, away from potential predators. With that in mind, it is best to provide them with an enclosure with a solid bottom.

Gerbils are entertaining to watch doing any set of activities especially digging. However, the downside of digging is that you would most likely find dust, food, or wood flakes being kicked out of the cage. It requires regular cleaning and vacuuming around their aquarium.

3. Gerbils yearn for companionship.

gerbils sleeping togetherIn the wild, gerbils thrive in large family groups. They have an inclination to mark each other with their own scent, which often referred to as ‘family scent.’ They use their stomach to rub on objects that they have taken a liking to. This is also how they mark their territory as gerbils have a gland in their abdomen that leaves behind their own distinctive scent.

4. Gerbils have a unique way of greeting each other.

Gerbils have a special way of greeting and getting to know each other. They rub their noses on other gerbils like the Eskimo kiss and at times they will give a nose kiss to their owners.

5. Gerbils can procreate fast.

two young gerbilsYes, we may have stated that gerbils need company. However, it is advisable to keep the same genders of gerbil together to prevent unplanned mating. This animal multiplies at an amazing rate. Females can produce twelve litters in one year, with one to eight young in each litter.

6. Gerbils lick when they are thirsty.

If you see your gerbil licking their habitat or tank walls, this signifies that you have a thirsty gerbil. Make sure to provide fresh water in their sipper bottle at all times.

7. Gerbils are serious gnawers.

gerbil gnawing on foodThis is a common behaviour of rodent pets. They love to chew, and cardboard is amongst their favourite. Your gerbil can easily dismantle cardboard as quick as lightning. Watching them munching on anything can be quite entertaining. Other appropriate chewable items include untreated wood and chew toys designed for gerbils. Just need to clean up afterwards.

8. Gerbils wink and purr.

Eye-winking and purring are indicators that you have a satisfied, happy gerbil. These are their ways of showing gratitude. Feel free to wink back when they wink at you. Winking is a sign of happiness in the eyes of your gerbils.

Similar to cats, gerbils purr when they are feeling comfortable. It is likely that your gerbils will start purring while you are petting them.

9. A gerbil’s tail can actually come off.

a white gerbil in a womans handIt is very important to learn how to properly pick a gerbil up. Never pick up a gerbil by his tail. Part of his tail can actually fall off and will never regrow. This is part of their self-defence instinct that will buy them time to flee from a predator. Watch this video to know how to properly handle a gerbil:

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Emily Taylor

Related Stories

Sugar Glider as a Pet
Sugar Glider as a Pet
Man Finds a Not-So-Ordinary Baby Squirrel on His Bed
Man Finds a Not-So-Ordinary Baby Squirrel on His Bed
The Pros and Cons of Having Ferrets as Pets
The Pros and Cons of Having Ferrets as Pets

Featured Story

The Fascinating Variety of Syrian Hamster Colors
The Fascinating Variety of Syrian Hamster Colors

The Syrian hamster is a popular pet due to its small size and adorable features. However, many people are unaware of the various coat colors and … [Read More...]

Latest Pets for Sale
3
Dogue De Bordeaux For Sale in Lodon
Kc Dogue De Bordeaux pups

Newcastle upon Tyne

2,500

3
French Bulldog
French Bulldog puppy for sale

Solihull

900

4
Mixed Breeds For Sale
Mixed bengal kittens for sale

Maidstone

325

7
Persian For Sale
Gccf persian kittens for sale

Gateshead

750

View All
Post Pet Advertisements
For Free!
Sign Up Now
UK Pets Tools Dogs
  • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
  • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
  • Dog Breed Groups
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Dog Names
Cats
  • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
  • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
  • Compare Cat Breeds
  • Cat Names
   Services
  •    Pet Sitters
  •    Pet Transport
  •    Pet portraits
  •    Pet Cremation
  •    Dog Walker
  •    Dog Training
  •    Dog Grooming
  •    Dog Photography
  •    Dog Kennels
  •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
  •    Catteries
Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
      Other Pets for Sale
      • Birds for Sale
      • Rabbits for Sale
      ukpets logo
      • About Us
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Terms of Service
      • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise
      • Pet Insurance
      • Post Free Pet Ads
      Copyright © 2023 UKPets. All rights reserved.