How to take care of a Gerbil

Gerbils are highly energetic and relatively clean, easy-to-care for rodents. Proper care involves not only housing and feeding them, but also ensuring that these little creatures have plenty of mental and physical stimulation in order to live long and happy lives. Relatively low-maintenance, gerbils can be first-time pets for respectful children and they do well in apartment environments where larger pets might not be possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Bedding
  • Gerbil diet
  • Water bottle
  • Toys
  • Nesting box
  • Chew sticks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide proper housing. This can be as simple as a glass aquarium with a mesh screen on top, but because gerbils are small and agile creatures it is important to be sure the top is completely secured to prevent escape. Layer the bottom with hardwood shavings for bedding, and change this bedding regularly to prevent it from becoming soiled and unhealthy.

    • 2

      Provide a well-rounded diet. A commercial gerbil seed can be a good start, but a truly healthy gerbil will also need variety of other things. Offer fresh vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and lettuce and fresh fruits such as apples. Many gerbils love sunflowers seeds, so these can be given as treat -- but like any treats, they should always be fed in moderation as they are extremely high in fat.

    • 3

      Provide fresh water at all times. This is best done with a water bottle that attaches to the side of the cage, as a bowl inside the cage can be easily overturned.

    • 4

      Provide a way to socialize. Gerbils do best in pairs, so when adopting them consider two.

    • 5

      Give them plenty of toys. Much like hamsters, gerbils will use exercise wheels to run in. Some of the best toys are items that are already around the house, such as paper towel tubes and empty cardboard boxes. A few rocks from the backyard will give them an area to climb on, and most pet stores have plenty of small animal toys.

    • 6

      Provide a place to sleep. A plastic nesting box will ensure them privacy when they want it, as well as a good night's sleep.

    • 7

      Provide chew sticks to gnaw on. Gerbil's teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetimes, so providing them with something to chew on grinds teeth down and prevent health problems associated with overgrown teeth.

    • 8

      Have a veterinarian on standby. Like any other animal, gerbils can get sick and require medical attention. K;p.Proper care involves not only housing and feeding the gerbil, but also ensuring that these little creatures. Keep an eye on them, and call a veterinarian if you notice any lethargy or ill appearances.