Post by Katt on Nov 13, 2011 3:48:01 GMT -9
Facts:
Scientific Name: Varies by species Most common pet is: Meriones unguiculatus
Weight: about 400g (varies according to type)
Size: 6-12 inches (150-300 mm) including the tail (tail is approximately ½ of total length)
Life expectancy: 3-4 years
Sexually mature: 5-9 weeks (varies by species)
Estrus Cycle: Every 4-6 days
Gestation period: 24-28 days
Size of litter: 3-7
Weaning age: 4-6 weeks (separate genders at this time as well)
www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care.aspx
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerbil
www.gerbilcare.org/
agsgerbils.org/Learn/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/index.php
www.twinsqueaks.com/guide.php
molly.kalafut.org/animals/gerbil-care.html
exoticpets.about.com/cs/gerbils/a/gerbilcare.htm
www.dogbreedinfo.com/pets/gerbil.htm
Care:
Cage: A 10 gallon tank is appropriate for a group of up to 2 gerbils, though more space is preferable. Larger groups require more space - a good rule of thumb is 5 gallons per animal added. Keep in mind that it is the floor space of the cage that counts, not how tall it is (unless you plan on adding shelves). Avoid barred cages as most gerbils can easily escape these; avoid plastic cages as gerbils are notorious chewers and can be destructive, chewing holes in plastic cages rather quickly. Thanks tend to work the best - be sure to use a screen lid to allow for sufficient ventilation.
Bedding: Many substrates are appropriate for gerbils, but there are some that are dangerous. The top two recommended bedding materials are Aspen or Carefresh. Other appropriate bedding materials include: newspaper or paper towel (good for monitoring sick gerbils), toilet paper, shredded paper fiber beddings, etc. NEVER use pine or cedar bedding as these woods have oils that are toxic.
Food: (see Diet board) IN PROGRESS
Hideouts: It is very important that your gerbils have places to hide so that they can feel safe in their home. Hides can be things like: small cardboard boxes, igloo, chew huts, wooden dens, etc. It needs to be a place where your gerbils can build a nice nest; gerbils sleep for most of the day, so the hide should be nice and dark.
Wheel: Having a wheel for your gerbil is absolutely necessary. In the wild they will run around looking for food and shelter for hours. They can’t do this in a cage, so they need another way to get a lot of exercise. The best wheels are plastic wheels such as Silent Spinners. Wire wheels can be dangerous as your gerbil can get its foot stuck in the grating. Also, metal wheels tend to become squeaky over time and can be noisy when you are trying to sleep! Plastic wheels are safer for the gerbil, quieter, easier to clean, last longer (no rust!), usually come with a stand and a way to attach it to the cage bars (more versatile and saves space), and come in fun colors.
Toys: While gerbils will not "play" with toys like a dog or cat, they do need enrichment like any other animal to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Chew blocks are important to help maintain healthy teeth. Various shaped objects to run on, under, or through will provide mental stimulation and exercise. A critical "toy" to have is a wheel to ensure that the mice are getting enough exercise. Various hiding-huts, mazes, and different sizes and shapes of chew toys will provide enrichment for your gerbils. Letting them explore your room in a rodent ball gives them exercise and entertainment as well.
Water: Water bottles should be available, full of fresh water, at all times. Bowls are not recommended as they easily spill or become contaminated.
Exercise: Exercise is very important to keep your gerbil healthy. In the wild they can run miles a day. Providing a wheel in the cage will allow your gerbil to exercise on its own time. You can also purchase a small rodent ball and allow your gerbil to explore your house. This will give them physical exercise, as well as mental stimulation as they explore different surroundings.
Ball: Your gerbil will love to come out of its cage and explore, but there are a lot of places for a gerbil to get lost. Having a ball is a great way to give your gerbils exercise, and mentally stimulate them so they do not become bored. Clear plastic balls are the best. Another way to give them good exercise is to set up a large Rubbermaid tub (no lid or screen top) with some things to climb on and a chew toy or two. This will let them run around outside of the cage while keeping them safe and contained, and gives them interesting things to explore.
Handling: How you handle your gerbils depends on what they are being kept for. Even if your gerbils are breeders or feeders, regular handling is important. We recommend a minimum of 15-20 min every other day. This will keep them used to handling and make it easier for you to check for injuries, move for cage cleaning, check nests, etc. If your gerbils are pets you will want to handle them even more – at least a few minutes a day. The more you handle and spend time with your pet gerbils, the friendlier and more social towards humans they will be.
When picking up your gerbils, reach in with both hands and scoop it up from underneath. In the wild birds and other predators snatch gerbils up from above, so if you reach for your gerbil from above you will scare it. Hold the gerbil gently but firmly – careful to not let it escape! You can let your gerbil run across your hands by putting one hand in front of the other repeatedly. This is called Hand Walking.
Tunnels: Gerbils like to tunnel and burrow. If you don’t have any plastic tunnels, you can offer your gerbils toilet paper and paper towel rolls to play in. They will also chew these to use for bedding.
Chew Toys: Having chew toys will help your gerbils keep their teeth in good shape, as well as decrease the chance that they will bite and chew on the cage bars, which can be noisy, and will scratch the paint on the cage. It is also mentally stimulating for your gerbil, especially if you get different types of chew toys.
Treats: While giving your gerbil treats is not strictly necessary, they really enjoy them. Be sure not to feed treats too often though of you will spoil their dinner! Healthy treats like fresh veggies and greens are okay to offer on a daily basis in small amounts (see food list).
Nesting Material: It’s nice to offer your gerbil material to build a soft nest with; however, DO NOT buy the nesting material sold in pet stores. Rodents have been known to get tangled in the material and several have died. It is better to offer a little bit of toilet paper, paper towel, or newspaper.
Friends: Gerbils are social animals, but they are also very territorial. It is best to keep gerbils in small groups, and introduce them to cage mates at a very young age. Small, same-sex groups from the same litter tend to do well. Introducing new gerbils to each other when they are adults can be tricky, and in some cases impossible. Groups should be kept small, ranging from 2-3 animals per cage. Females tend to be territorial, so an ideal group should consist of no more than 2 females. Ideal groups might consist of: 2 males, 1 male 2 females, 2 females. Remember, all individuals of a group should be introduced at a young age to avoid fighting. Separating gerbils (even after being housed together for years) for too long can cause you to have to go through a new introduction process so it is best to avoid separating group members if possible.
Cleaning: The cage will need to be cleaned once a week. The best cleaners are: baking soda and water, vinegar and water, liquid dish soap, Nature’s Miracle, or a dilute (10%) solution of bleach in water. Do NOT mix cleaners as this produces dangerous fumes. Also, be sure to rinse your cage VERY well before putting the gerbil back in – you want to remove any dangerous residues.
Important Notes: Some more important notes on care… Be sure not to place your cage in a spot that gets direct sunlight as your gerbil can overheat quickly. The more you give your gerbil attention and exercise, the happier and healthier it will be – and the friendlier! Gerbils like to run on their wheels at night, so if the noise bothers you, you might want to find a place other than your bedroom, to put the cage.
When you first bring your gerbils home, you will want to let them settle in and get used to the new surroundings for a week or two before handling. They may be jumpy and nervous for a little while, this is normal – they are in a new place and stressed out. Keep talking gently and handling in short bursts and your new gerbils will settle into life with their new family.
Scientific Name: Varies by species Most common pet is: Meriones unguiculatus
Weight: about 400g (varies according to type)
Size: 6-12 inches (150-300 mm) including the tail (tail is approximately ½ of total length)
Life expectancy: 3-4 years
Sexually mature: 5-9 weeks (varies by species)
Estrus Cycle: Every 4-6 days
Gestation period: 24-28 days
Size of litter: 3-7
Weaning age: 4-6 weeks (separate genders at this time as well)
www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care.aspx
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerbil
www.gerbilcare.org/
agsgerbils.org/Learn/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/index.php
www.twinsqueaks.com/guide.php
molly.kalafut.org/animals/gerbil-care.html
exoticpets.about.com/cs/gerbils/a/gerbilcare.htm
www.dogbreedinfo.com/pets/gerbil.htm
Care:
Cage: A 10 gallon tank is appropriate for a group of up to 2 gerbils, though more space is preferable. Larger groups require more space - a good rule of thumb is 5 gallons per animal added. Keep in mind that it is the floor space of the cage that counts, not how tall it is (unless you plan on adding shelves). Avoid barred cages as most gerbils can easily escape these; avoid plastic cages as gerbils are notorious chewers and can be destructive, chewing holes in plastic cages rather quickly. Thanks tend to work the best - be sure to use a screen lid to allow for sufficient ventilation.
Bedding: Many substrates are appropriate for gerbils, but there are some that are dangerous. The top two recommended bedding materials are Aspen or Carefresh. Other appropriate bedding materials include: newspaper or paper towel (good for monitoring sick gerbils), toilet paper, shredded paper fiber beddings, etc. NEVER use pine or cedar bedding as these woods have oils that are toxic.
Food: (see Diet board) IN PROGRESS
Hideouts: It is very important that your gerbils have places to hide so that they can feel safe in their home. Hides can be things like: small cardboard boxes, igloo, chew huts, wooden dens, etc. It needs to be a place where your gerbils can build a nice nest; gerbils sleep for most of the day, so the hide should be nice and dark.
Wheel: Having a wheel for your gerbil is absolutely necessary. In the wild they will run around looking for food and shelter for hours. They can’t do this in a cage, so they need another way to get a lot of exercise. The best wheels are plastic wheels such as Silent Spinners. Wire wheels can be dangerous as your gerbil can get its foot stuck in the grating. Also, metal wheels tend to become squeaky over time and can be noisy when you are trying to sleep! Plastic wheels are safer for the gerbil, quieter, easier to clean, last longer (no rust!), usually come with a stand and a way to attach it to the cage bars (more versatile and saves space), and come in fun colors.
Toys: While gerbils will not "play" with toys like a dog or cat, they do need enrichment like any other animal to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Chew blocks are important to help maintain healthy teeth. Various shaped objects to run on, under, or through will provide mental stimulation and exercise. A critical "toy" to have is a wheel to ensure that the mice are getting enough exercise. Various hiding-huts, mazes, and different sizes and shapes of chew toys will provide enrichment for your gerbils. Letting them explore your room in a rodent ball gives them exercise and entertainment as well.
Water: Water bottles should be available, full of fresh water, at all times. Bowls are not recommended as they easily spill or become contaminated.
Exercise: Exercise is very important to keep your gerbil healthy. In the wild they can run miles a day. Providing a wheel in the cage will allow your gerbil to exercise on its own time. You can also purchase a small rodent ball and allow your gerbil to explore your house. This will give them physical exercise, as well as mental stimulation as they explore different surroundings.
Ball: Your gerbil will love to come out of its cage and explore, but there are a lot of places for a gerbil to get lost. Having a ball is a great way to give your gerbils exercise, and mentally stimulate them so they do not become bored. Clear plastic balls are the best. Another way to give them good exercise is to set up a large Rubbermaid tub (no lid or screen top) with some things to climb on and a chew toy or two. This will let them run around outside of the cage while keeping them safe and contained, and gives them interesting things to explore.
Handling: How you handle your gerbils depends on what they are being kept for. Even if your gerbils are breeders or feeders, regular handling is important. We recommend a minimum of 15-20 min every other day. This will keep them used to handling and make it easier for you to check for injuries, move for cage cleaning, check nests, etc. If your gerbils are pets you will want to handle them even more – at least a few minutes a day. The more you handle and spend time with your pet gerbils, the friendlier and more social towards humans they will be.
When picking up your gerbils, reach in with both hands and scoop it up from underneath. In the wild birds and other predators snatch gerbils up from above, so if you reach for your gerbil from above you will scare it. Hold the gerbil gently but firmly – careful to not let it escape! You can let your gerbil run across your hands by putting one hand in front of the other repeatedly. This is called Hand Walking.
Tunnels: Gerbils like to tunnel and burrow. If you don’t have any plastic tunnels, you can offer your gerbils toilet paper and paper towel rolls to play in. They will also chew these to use for bedding.
Chew Toys: Having chew toys will help your gerbils keep their teeth in good shape, as well as decrease the chance that they will bite and chew on the cage bars, which can be noisy, and will scratch the paint on the cage. It is also mentally stimulating for your gerbil, especially if you get different types of chew toys.
Treats: While giving your gerbil treats is not strictly necessary, they really enjoy them. Be sure not to feed treats too often though of you will spoil their dinner! Healthy treats like fresh veggies and greens are okay to offer on a daily basis in small amounts (see food list).
Nesting Material: It’s nice to offer your gerbil material to build a soft nest with; however, DO NOT buy the nesting material sold in pet stores. Rodents have been known to get tangled in the material and several have died. It is better to offer a little bit of toilet paper, paper towel, or newspaper.
Friends: Gerbils are social animals, but they are also very territorial. It is best to keep gerbils in small groups, and introduce them to cage mates at a very young age. Small, same-sex groups from the same litter tend to do well. Introducing new gerbils to each other when they are adults can be tricky, and in some cases impossible. Groups should be kept small, ranging from 2-3 animals per cage. Females tend to be territorial, so an ideal group should consist of no more than 2 females. Ideal groups might consist of: 2 males, 1 male 2 females, 2 females. Remember, all individuals of a group should be introduced at a young age to avoid fighting. Separating gerbils (even after being housed together for years) for too long can cause you to have to go through a new introduction process so it is best to avoid separating group members if possible.
Cleaning: The cage will need to be cleaned once a week. The best cleaners are: baking soda and water, vinegar and water, liquid dish soap, Nature’s Miracle, or a dilute (10%) solution of bleach in water. Do NOT mix cleaners as this produces dangerous fumes. Also, be sure to rinse your cage VERY well before putting the gerbil back in – you want to remove any dangerous residues.
Important Notes: Some more important notes on care… Be sure not to place your cage in a spot that gets direct sunlight as your gerbil can overheat quickly. The more you give your gerbil attention and exercise, the happier and healthier it will be – and the friendlier! Gerbils like to run on their wheels at night, so if the noise bothers you, you might want to find a place other than your bedroom, to put the cage.
When you first bring your gerbils home, you will want to let them settle in and get used to the new surroundings for a week or two before handling. They may be jumpy and nervous for a little while, this is normal – they are in a new place and stressed out. Keep talking gently and handling in short bursts and your new gerbils will settle into life with their new family.
