What should i know about gerbils

A regular checkup each year is certainly recommended. Most health issues are a result of improper care but there is also genetics that comes into play. As gerbils grow up the likelihood and severity of seizures decrease.

They do still need to get a regular annual checkup by a vet. A specialized vet will not be necessary in most cases. Write the telephone number down and keep it where you can find it easily for example, on the fridge.

You can also just save the number in your phone. The entire cage should already be set up with everything in it substrate, bedding, water bottle, food dish, toys,…. As you bring your gerbil home you need to take the first big step in caring for your gerbils: letting them adjust to you and their new environment.

This is an easy but also an extremely important step. Just like any animal that you bring home you should let your gerbils adjust to their new environment before interacting with them. However, you should have already put in food in the cage before you put them into the cage. The water bottle should already be filled. This way you only have to place them in their new cage the first day and can leave them exploring their cage the next few hours.

If they already form a clan they can be put in the cage together. Always ask the seller if the gerbils are used to each other and have bonded. Gerbils are animals that depend a lot on their senses.

You can fasten the process of adjusting to their new home by getting a little bit of the bedding in their old cage. Place this old but not dirty bedding in their new home and mix it with fresh bedding.

This might not always be possible and is not a necessity as most gerbil owners will just use fresh new bedding. The first day should only consist of placing your gerbils into their new home and letting them explore it. In the next few days, you should establish a routine that your gerbils can get used to.

Limit the interaction to feeding your gerbils and giving fresh water each day. You should softly speak to your gerbils while replacing their food and water so they can get used to your voice.

If you notice that your gerbils are interested in you, you can start the next steps in bonding with your gerbils. The first signs of interests will be:. Gerbils are curious pets and are friendly in nature.

You can easily take the first steps in bonding within the first two weeks. To start bonding and getting your gerbils used to close interaction with you , you should:. You can also use treats such as sunflower seeds to improve the bonding process: give a treat with your hand. If you want to give the best care to your gerbils I would highly recommend the following products:. This is just a short list of the recommended supplies for your gerbils.

For a full and comprehensive list of all supplies including cleaning supplies , you should take a look at our shopping list for gerbils. Gerbils are crepuscular and are active both during the day and at night.

It can give them a sense of safety, but this is debatable. The only benefit you could get from covering the cage is that soft sounds will be less audible. Since gerbils are curious they can venture outside the cage in such instance. Gerbils are not high-maintenance pets. They do require basic care such as daily feeding and refreshing the water, and they do need a cage, bedding, and some cage accessories.

Like any kind of pet, they need to be taken to a vet when sick. I had gerbils since I was a child and started breeding them a few years ago. I want to share my experience with gerbils as a breeder, owner, and veterinary assistant. California has strict policies for keeping pet rodents when it comes to the protection of agriculture.

So, are gerbils illegal in California? Hamsters and dwarf hamsters need substrate to walk on and dig. They also need bedding to create nests. Skip to content Hey there! This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. List of Partners vendors. Small Pets. How to Care for Gerbils Get tips on how to care for your gerbil. From health and nutrition, to supplies and toys, you'll learn everything you need to know to care for these small, friendly mammals.

Spruce Up Your Inbox! Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Email Address Sign up. There was an error. Evan Ware is a veterinary practitioner in Phoenix, Arizona. His areas of expertise include orthopedic medicine and surgery, veterinary oncology and chemotherapy, and general and advanced soft-tissue surgery. This content is intended for counseling purposes only. No claims are made as to the safety or efficacy of mentioned preparations.

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