What are gerbils like??

[katerobson2003]

I want a gerbil as they look cute and seem friendly. I was wondering what they were like ie, effectionate, playful etc. Also are they best kept in pairs. How do u look after them. Thanks.

[Peachybrown]

Yes, they are certainly best kept in pairs unless of otehr reasons like one isn't social, etc.

They are very inquisitive, like digging in deep woodshavings, also a roll about in chinchilla sand. Also a good diet is gerri gerbil food.

[katerobson2003]

Thanks when i finish unie i may get one but my place aint big anough for 7 rats 2 mice and 2 gerbils as i would want to get them a big big cage.

[soltanifamily]

Hi Kate,

Gerbils are great! They're little, lively, always glad to see you and playful. I usually describe them as "2 inch tall puppies." They're so friendly when they've been tamed and when they haven't, a good gerbil is still social, if a bit timid.

They don't require a great deal of space. In fact, instead of thinking of a "big, big cage", how about a long fishtank? Here in the States, I buy 20 gallon long (75 cm Long x 30 cm tall) fishtanks for my gerbils and a reptile and/or mesh lid. Two gerbils only require a 10 gallon fishtank, but I like to give mine more room in which to run and play. I'm not sure about the U.K., but here, the tanks are a great deal less expensive than the bright wire cages and they're actually better for the gerbs.

If you have a chance, please check out www. rodent.demon.co.uk (National Gerbil Society of U.K.). The website is fantastic and offers all kinds of information. They might, in fact, help you to find a breeder. Before buying your gerbs, though, be sure you know how sex them! :) There's a lot of accidental breeders around the world...LOL Many regards, Dana

[katerobson2003]

Thank u so much for the help yer a big fishtank sound good to me!! i will check out the sites cheers.

[spud13]

Hi I am thinking about gerbils too so I have three questions:
a. do I have too get two to make a happy gerbil? Because I can play with them alot seeing as I am homeschooled.
b. If i do have to get two how do I tell one sex from another? My dad'll kill me if we end up with babies
c. would it be really wrong to get one from apet store? Because I don't know of any breeders in dover, de.
Thankyou for your time. :D

[Gerbilistic Pal]

Gerbils are wonderful!
You'd be best getting them from breeder and ALWAYS buy 2 gerbils. I can't stress that enough.

You'll need:

One 15 gallon Aquarium ( 20 gallon if you want to offer them more space )
Gerbil food ( Limited sunflower seeds - ONLY treats )
Fresh water supply in a water bottle
Bedding

MOST IMPORTANT! Loads of love!
They'll be the best friends you'll ever have as long as you treat them right

[Slj84]

If you get one from a breeder they will know how to tell them apart. Pets shops are known for the reputation of saying they are both male or both female and being wrong. I have learned from experiance :agree: but I can't say I regret it. I love all 8 of my little guys. I also stress to get them in pairs. Gerbils are extremally sociable creatures, and even though you would be playing with it alot it is not able to compare the companionship that the gerbils will share. It is also great fun to watch them groom, play and cuddle with each other, sometimes I wish I could join in with them.
~Slj84~

[Gerbilistic Pal]

And ignore anyone who says 'Gerbils can be kept on their own as long as you give more attention than a pair' This isn't true..
The lone gerbil dies quicker is miserable and is always lonely.
You can be the world's best owner and lavish attention on it and it would still be very lonely and very unhappy.
Nothing can compare to another gerbil who can groom them, care for them and be their friend. So buy in pairs or more
Males 2 + cagemates (only males) Females keep only in pairs.
Only 1 male and 1 female if breeding. No more than 1 of each sex if breeding. Seperate pups from parents and sex them after 5 weeks.


Jo

[PyscoFalcon]

It's a huge myth that females can't be kept in more than pairs.

As long as they have pleanty of space there fine.

I have several colanies of females and most females are in trios.

The only females that have fought have been rescues kept in small cages/tanks.

As soon as they have a bigger tank (at least 20 gallons for females) then they get along as well as the males do.

[Gerbilistic Pal]

Hello PyscoFalcon,

I know it's a myth about females only being kept in cages but my lot (my trio of females) quarrel all the time I've thought about seperating them but there hasn't been any fights where it hasn't been play.

I just mentioned that incase it happens to someone on here because I was told it was unadvisable to put 2 or more together.

Sorry,
Jo