Gerbils, like hamsters, are small rodents that are active at night. Personally, I think the plump, furry hamster is a tad bit cuter than the gerbil, but hey, who am I to judge!? Gerbils are inexpensive, easy to care for small pets that can be purchased at most pet stores.
Like the hamster, gerbils require a cage with a tight lid (trust me, if there is a way to escape, the active, clever, gerbil will find it!). Gerbils are one of the easiest rodents to keep as a pet. They are desert animals that have the ability to use almost every drop of water they take into their bodies. What this means for you is less waste…which in turn means less smell! Less smell is a good thing! If you supply your gerbil with enough bedding (at least 1 ½ inches) then you should only have to clean their cage one time per month. A glass tank is an ideal container to house your gerbil. The glass walls will keep bedding from flying out (gerbils are diggers) and they won’t be able to climb up the slippery sides.
Like hamsters, gerbils enjoy running on an exercise wheel. Just remember…gerbils have long tails so you should get a wheel that is solid (not open bars) so that their tail does not get caught. Ouch! Gerbils are active animals but not nervous (like mice!). They are not as grouchy as hamsters…so no need to worry about biting…unless of course you provoke your little friend.
Gerbils eat inexpensive commercial gerbil food (pellets) that can be found at local pet supply stores. They also love to eat raw oatmeal, peanut butter, dry breakfast cereal and of course, raw, fresh vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, apples and even broccoli. Gerbils live approximately two to three years…some a little longer if well cared for. As with the hamster, you will not be able to teach your gerbil any cool tricks such as fetch or speak, however they will become calm with handling and will eat eventually eat from your hand.
If you are interested in a small pet that is energetic and friendly, then the gerbil just may be the perfect pet for you.
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