Gerbils do not make a suitable
pet for children under school age.

Gerbils are sociable animals
and live
happiest in groups or pairs.

Gerbils are very inquisitive
animals providing
great entertainment.

Gerbils have very strong
back legs enabling them to
jump several times
their own height.

An aquarium filled with
fine peat to a depth of
25 - 30 cm’s gives the
gerbils a great deal of
freedom and a natural outlet
for their burrowing instinct.

Droppings & urine become biologically degraded
and the whole set up can
remain for several months
without being disturbed.

Cages should have the
wheel removed as this can
damage their feet & tail.

Plenty of nesting material
along with suitable toys
such as tunnels or see saws.

Gerbils can get addicted
to sunflower seeds - these
should be given in small
quantities only as they can
cause digestive problems.

Gerbils teeth continue to
grow throughout their life
Gerbil chews or a mineral
stone helps to keep them
worn down.

A healthy happy & fit gerbil
should be bright, alert,
inquisitive & active.

When kept in the correct
conditions with the correct
diet Gerbils suffer from
very few ailments.

Colds can be caught
from humans, sign are
coughing, wheezing
and sneezing. Other
signs of illness are
diarrhoea, listlessness,
lack of appetite or lethargy.

Gerbils will eat approx
9 grams of a
proprietary gerbil food per day.

Gerbil treats, fresh carrot
or apple may be given in small quantities.

Water must be made
available from a
water bottle with a
stainless steel tube.

Vitamins should be
added to the water
if fresh food is not
given regularly.

Gerbils require careful handling
which should be gentle but firm
at the same time.

They should be picked up
slowly by cupping the
body in both hands.
DO NOT grip the animal
around the tail as the skin
may strip off.

Occasionally a gerbil may
have a fit when handled
this is normal & temporary,
you should return them to their
cage to recover, they will return
to normal in a few minutes.

Gerbils can live from
2 to 4 years