i was wondering

[Rachel247]

:p i have a few questions about gerbils rigght now im trying to find a small pet that i could get and u was windering what gerbils need. also i have a 35g tank and a screen lid is that big enough for 2 ? plus what are some pros and cons about gerbils? what are their characteristics?

[Kiska]

Yes, a 35 gallon is big enough for two. (It's actually big enough for 4 - 5)

Though you posted in the rat forum before, and said you can't afford vet bills, and your mom doesnt want you having them.. Just remember, it costs as much for vets with gerbils as it does for rats.

As for pro and cons, some one else may need to reply with that, I'm still new to gerbils myself. And my gerbils are still just trying to get used to me. They wont let me pick them up or hold them yet, though they will come up to my hand as long as Im not trying to grab them, which they didnt do before, so they're coming along slowly. XD

[Rachel247]

i know but im saving up for either a rat or a gerbil and rats have alot of illnesses and im wondering if gerbils do too also my mom wouldnt mind a gerbil but she just doesnt like the thought of having a "RAT" in the house because she thinks they are gross

[gerbieluver]

Gerbils are alot like rats only their tails have fur on them. With my gerbil i haven't found that illnesses are that common. Illnesses should only come along if they weren't taken care of before or after you bought them or of course were born with it. Just make sure you take proper care of them and change their bedding as often as needed so they don't get mites(small bugs sort of like fleas).
Also if you can when you get a gerbil or a rat you should get two to keep each other company. I do no that rats and gerbils are pretty clean animals compared to ferrets and mice so they shouldn't smell or anything( just in case that was a problem).
Some cons to gerbils are that they are nocturnal, they do or should have a buddy(best that they are both from the same litter) and that it can take awhile for them to get used to human hands picking them up.
i hope this helped alittle.
Gerbieluver

[gerbilgirl92]

A 10 or 20 gallon aquarium would be better. Somtimes gerbils can get territerial with that big of a cage. I would stick to just 2 gerbils. For bedding I use carefresh. Its good for nest making and not many gerbils are allergic to it. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

[ratbrat21]

yeah gerbils are social just like rats. One of the things i like about gerbils better then rats is gerbils dont usually have much trouble with respitory illnessess. I have owned gerbils longer then ANY rodent and i must say they are my favorite. If you only want 1 animal i suggest a hamster.

[Rachel247]

yea. im pretty sure im getting one soon after i get all their supplies etc. and i dont really prefer hamsters because i dont mind getting 2 gerbils :D also i think im going to call the vets to see if they treat gerbils or ask the place where im getting them from which im not sure of where im getting them my last place i can think of is petsmart and the one near me is pretty good.