What do gerbils look like?

General Appearance

* Body: Gerbils are small rodents with compact, cylindrical bodies.

* Size:Adult gerbils typically measure 8 to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) in length, excluding their tails.

* Weight: They typically weigh between 50 to 120 grams (2 to 4 ounces).

Fur:

* Coloration: Gerbils come in a variety of coat colors, including brown, reddish brown, agouti (a mix of brown, black, and gray), and albino. Some gerbils may have white markings on their feet, belly, and tail.

* Texture: Their fur is soft and dense.

Head and Facial Features:

* Eyes: Gerbils have large, protruding eyes that are black or dark brown in color. Their excellent vision allows them to navigate their surroundings effectively.

* Nose: Their noses are small and pink or dark-colored, located at the tip of their snout.

* Ears: Gerbils have large, round ears that are located on the sides of their heads. Their ears are highly sensitive, enabling them to detect a wide range of sounds.

* Whiskers: They possess long, sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) around their nose and above their eyes. These whiskers help them sense their surroundings and navigate in dimly lit areas.

Tail:

* Length: Gerbils have long tails that are almost as long as their body.

* Shape: Their tails are thin and covered with fine hair.

* Function: Gerbils use their tails for balance and agility, helping them maneuver quickly and maintain stability while jumping and climbing.

Paws and Limbs:

* Front Paws: Gerbils have four small front paws with five toes each.

* Hind Paws: Their hind paws are larger and more powerful compared to their front paws, which aids in jumping and climbing.

* Claws: Their paws have sharp, retractable claws that assist gerbils in gripping surfaces, climbing, and digging.

Note: Gerbils come in various species and breeds, with slight variations in their physical characteristics based on their specific genetics.