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For more information on gerbils
check out these websites:

• National Gerbil Society 

• The American Gerbil Society

• Animaland - gerbil care

• ASPCA - gerbils

• RSPCA - gerbil care

Gerbil Care

Life Span -- 2-3 years

Picking up a Gerbil

Never pick a gerbil up by his tail.  Scoop them up from underneath with two hands. Be careful not to squeeze them. Gerbils can be picked up if they get used to it but do not like it as much as other rodents. 

Food

Gerbils are omnivores, which means they eat plants and animals protein.  A small amount of a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds every day along with rodent food from the pet store will keep your gerbil healthy.

Water

All animals need water to live.  Gerbils don’t drink a lot but should always have water available to them through a sipper bottle.  Change the water every day and clean the bottle completely once a week.

Shelter

An aquarium filled with shavings (cedar and pine are not recommended) is a great home for a gerbil.  Male gerbils can live together if they are under 8 weeks old .  Never keep female and male gerbils together because they will quickly breed.  There are too many small animals already without homes.   Gerbils should have lots of room to burrow. 

Clean the cage once a week.  Their bedding should be dry and clean.  A tissue box, paper tubes or other objects so your gerbils make a great hiding/resting place. 

Exercise

Gerbils need exercise like all animals.  Making a large enclosure with tubes, an exercise wheel, ladders and burrowing material will give him plenty of exercise. 

Grooming

Gerbils are clean creatures that groom themselves so they don’t require grooming by their guardian

Health Care

The best way to keep your gerbil healthy is to keep his cage clean and take out any food that has spoiled.

Friendship

When you first get your gerbil let him get used to his new home before you start playing with him.  Feed him by hand and let him get used to your smell.  Soon he will start coming closer and when he does this several times, try letting him crawl on to your hand.  Once he gets used to being held, play with him every day.