Instructions
Take your gerbil to a veterinarian to help you identify the kind of gerbil you have. Some vets may specialize in rodents and can easily recognize the type of gerbil upon looking at it and doing a quick exam.
Contact a gerbil breeder. If you bought your gerbil from a breeder, start with your breeder or find a breeder through the American Gerbil Society's listings. You may have to send the breeder a photo of your gerbil or give a good explanation so she can help identify your pet.
Ask the staff at your local pet store. Locate a pet store that sells gerbils as pets. The pet store may have identification tags on the cages that will give you information about your type of gerbil and caring for your gerbil. The staff should be knowledgeable about the pets they sell and can provide you with basic information.
Search online sites containing information about gerbils. Many websites contain pictures and information to help you identify your gerbil. Not all gerbils are pets, so you can narrow down the type of gerbil by region found and types kept as pets. Additionally, you can find information on how to care for your gerbil type at e-Gerbil and Gerbil Info.
Buy or borrow books about animals, rodents or gerbils from a bookstore or your library. Compare the photos and description of the gerbils in the books to your pet. You may want to take a photo of your gerbil to the library and ask for help in researching gerbil types using the library's resources.
How to Identify Which Kind of Gerbil I Have
Although there are over 80 types of gerbils, the Mongolian gerbil is the most common type of pet gerbil. Gerbils are mammals that are part of the rodent family who typically live 2 to 5 years. Gerbils are social creatures that make entertaining pets and require little care. To identify which kind of gerbil you have, seek out resources such as your veterinarian, breeders and pet store staff to help you. You can also find several online sources and reference books that will guide you to identify your type of gerbil.