Gerbils

gerbils

Gerbils are great little pets for pet owners who don't have room for a dog or cat. They're friendly and fun to watch, but they do take a moderate level of care and investment. If you're thinking of getting a gerbil, here's what you'll need to know to keep him happy and healthy, including giving him a mate.

Health

Your veterinary team will be happy to help guide you in the care and feeding of your pet gerbils, including making regular appointments for check-ups. As long as bedding is kept clean and diet is sufficient, gerbils are relatively easy to keep. Make sure you have at least two gerbils because they don't do well in isolation. You'll also need to make sure your gerbil habitat provides everything your pets need, including bedding and walls high enough to prevent them from jumping out.

Care

Caring for your gerbil requires a suitable habitat that allows your pets to dig and burrow as it comes naturally to them. In most instances, this includes enclosures such as a glass aquarium tank or gerbilarium. You'll want to add soft, cozy bedding such as organic peat, timothy hay, and shredded paper that they can dig into and use for nesting. Gerbils will chew on anything wood or plastic, so nesting boxes and food dishes should be made of clay or metal.

Feeding

Your veterinarian can help you devise a nutritional diet plan for gerbils. It should include vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, apples, and carrots, along with a commercial food formulated for gerbils. This will give your pet all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to stay healthy. You'll also need a watering bottle for small pets that can hang from the cage. Gerbils like to tunnel and bury, which is why a watering bowl inside the enclosure won't work.

Training

Gerbils are very smart and can be taught to come when called, beg for food, and navigate mazes. To train your gerbil, give him lots of love and cuddling, and reward him with treats such as raisins or pumpkin seeds for desired behavior.

Your First Visit is FREE

Sign up now

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA
  • "Fabio wasn’t eating the food I was giving him and I didn’t feel he was getting the nutrition he needed. Thanks to Dr. Anderson, he evaluated Fabio and his current diet to make some recommendations and now Fabio has gone from barely eating to finishing his meals and he looks healthier than ever. You clearly are an expert in your field...thanks so much!"
    Tara Brown / Kansas City, MO

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles