Pest Library

Characteristics

Gerbils are desert animals that have been now made as pets because of their friendly behavior. They are also known as desert rats that has 110 species of the gerbil subfamily. They are about four to five inches in length, and another four to five inches in length for the tail. Their coat can be found in different colors, such as grayish white to brown with a combination of black.

Habitat

When gerbils are found outdoors, they can be found in the dessert and sandy grasslands. Those that are found in homes are made as pets because they are not costly and easy to maintain.

Behavior

Gerbils are known as pets because they are not dangerous to handle, friendly to humans, and they do not smell like mice. They are sociable creatures that do not like to be alone. They easily become lonely if they do not have a companion. In most cases, pet owners must have 3 to 4 gerbils of the same gender to make them contented. However, they tend to become violent if another gerbil is introduced from a separate litter to the old one, which they may even attack and kill if it does not have the same scent as the pack has.

Gerbils are also active during the day and even at night. They can easily hear those that are around them and will play with them, if they can. They also have a great sense of smell. In the wild, these animals can differentiate other groups of gerbil, just because they can smell them. Since they are territorial, gerbils of different families will avoid each other to avoid confrontation.

Gerbils love to chew. Just like any other rodents, their two front teeth will continually grow. Gerbils that are in the wild are known to be able to control the growth of their teeth because their food allows them to continuously grind down their food regularly.

Food

Gerbils eat a variety of food since they are known to be omnivorous. Gerbil seed mix that contains pellets, grains, seeds and dried vegetables are readily available in pet stores.

Life Cycle

Gerbils are prolific breeders. They can become mature after three months and can produce their litter after that. Males are the dominant species and they can mature after 70 to 80 days. Females will become mature after 86 to 109 days. Once a female has her babies, she can mate right after giving birth and have litters again after 24 days. These rodents can live for two to four years if the conditions are favorable. In some rare cases, gerbils can even live for 8 years.

Other Information and Tips

Gerbils are not considered pests, but are known as pets. And as pets, these animals should be provided with proper care, home and love from their pet owners. Their cage should not be made of plastic since these rodents can chew their plastic container and may even harm them in the process. The most common type of housing for these pets are a glass cage or an aquarium where the aquarium should contain most of what the gerbils need. They need constant stimulation, and attention just like how you will take care of your other pets. Although you can leave these gerbils by themselves in their cage, as long as they have their companions, but they will still need loving care to allow them to live longer.

Photo: Gerbil - Siamese by benmckune, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / resized from original