Gerbil Behavior

Gerbils are small rodents that originate from the deserts of Africa, Asia and India. These animals make great pets because of their friendly disposition, small size and ease of care. Gerbils weigh about 100 grams and feed mostly on vegetation such as leaves, roots, stems and seeds. They have a lifespan of about 3 to 4 years but are prone to health problems such as renal disease and cancer.

  1. Communicating

    • When gerbils greet other gerbils they are familiar with, they will often rub noses, according to the Doctors Foster and Smith website. Gerbils may even try to rub noses with their human owner. Gerbils will also thump their hind legs on the ground to warn other gerbils of danger, although this behavior is sometimes used as a courting ritual as well, according to PetSource.org. Other gerbils often join in and mimic the thumping. Another way gerbils warn other gerbils of danger is by squeaking very loudly. Gerbils often demonstrate that they feel content by producing a soft vibration like a purring kitten.

    Aggressive Behavior

    • Gerbils are generally not aggressive but will sometimes display aggressive behavior if they are threatened or stressed. This aggressive behavior includes fighting and attacking or running from other animals or their human owner. Gerbils will sometimes physically butt heads before they fight. Causes of this behavior may be frequent encounters with threatening pets such as cats or uncomfortable cage conditions such as drafts or hot temperatures. Gerbils that are frightened will also stand up on their hind legs with their paws folded and remain still.

    Disposition

    • Gerbils are considered very friendly, curious pets that are well-suited for households with children, according to the book "Top 10 Small Mammals for Kids." These animals enjoy living with other gerbils, although it is advisable to raise gerbil companions together from a young age so they are familiar with each other. Gerbils enjoy grooming, chasing and wrestling with their gerbil companions. When a gerbil wants to be cleaned, it will often roll on its back in front of another gerbil.

    Territorial Behavior

    • Gerbils are somewhat territorial, which is why it is best to select gerbils from the same litter or raise them together from a young age so they are familiar with each other's scent, according to Petco.com. Gerbils mark their territory by rubbing their abdomen on surfaces around their cage. These animals have scent glands located on their abdomen that they use to mark their scent on surfaces or objects. This behavior is similar to when a cat rubs its face against surfaces to mark its scent.