Gerbils are great small pets for you and your family.To keep them happy and healthy, you need to provide a home that meets their needs.Gerbils must be kept in same-sex pairs and have lots of space to play in.They are likely to be fun pets if you provide them with this.
Step 1: A large fish tank is a good idea.
Large fish tanks are the most recommended home for gerbils.A fish tank will allow you to put in plenty of bedding for them to bulldoze and burrow into without worry that they'll kick it out like they would with a wire cage.It is not a good idea to use wire cages for the long term.A gerbil can hurt their noses and muzzles by chewing the wires of a wire cage.A minimum of 6 inches (15.2 cm) of substrate is the most important part of your gerbil's environment.A wire cage can limit the gerbil's ability to dig and tunnel.
Step 2: Don't use plastic cages.
Plastic "hamster homes", or any cages with plastic trays or components, are highly discouraged.A gerbil can chew through the plastic.It is not recommended for a modular system to be used for rodents.In the case of gerbils, you run the risk that one of them will claim a section of the tubes, which can lead to major fighting and even death, as well as causing serious health and enrichment issues.
Step 3: It's a good idea to consider a wire top up.
The gerbil will be secure in its home but the tank will still get the air it needs.If you're buying a wire top hat that isn't made for your tank, make sure it fits securely.Gerbils can jump, so make the top tight.If you only have a topper that is loose, you can place heavy objects on the edge of it to make sure it's secure.
Step 4: If you are going to introduce two gerbils that were not raised together, you should buy or build a divider.
You cannot introduce an adult to a gerbil without a split cage.The gerbils can fight and kill the other if the cage is divided.Getting several gerbils at the same time that they were raised as pups and litter mates is a better way to introduce them.
Step 5: There are sections in the tank.
Food and water should be placed away from bedding.spinners, hammocks and rope toys should not be near water or food.The area where your gerbil takes a dust bath should be far enough away from food and water that it doesn't affect them.Keeping food and water away from activity will make life easier.It will make it a lot easier to clean up spills.
Step 6: Provide your gerbils with appropriate bedding.
This can include recycled paper bedding, shredded paper or corncob.Pine and cedar wood have harmful wood oils that can hurt your pet's respiratory system.Gerbils need at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) of a good substance to burrow in.Adding hay will allow your gerbils to construct an impressive array of tunnels.If you need wood, use aspen.It's a good idea to avoid using sawdust.This should not be used for rodents.
Step 7: The cage has food and water in it.
Buy a food formulated for gerbils.Some pellet foods give your gerbil all the vitamins and minerals it needs.If you want your rodents to eat an appropriate amount of food, you must provide them with enough variety.If you buy this kind of feed, be sure to combine it with another food mix that has more diverse flavors.Every day, give your gerbil some vegetables and fruit.Peas, broccoli, and carrots are included in vegetables.There are apples and bananas in fruits.The gerbils eat a lot of small meals.In order to keep a healthy eating schedule, they should always have access to food.Gerbils need access to clean water.The best way to keep the water out of the cage is to attach a water bottle to it.
Step 8: The gerbil stuff should be chewed on.
The gerbils need a lot of chews.hay and thin cardboard should always be available.A gerbil's teeth will grow for the rest of their lives.If you don't get your gerbil something to chew on and wear down their teeth, they can grow too long and not be able to eat, causing your pet to starve and die.They can put empty paper towel rolls, tissue, and cereals in their cage.They will be shredding the boxes.It's fun to watch them put tissue paper on their cheeks to sleep.
Step 9: Gerbils need toys to keep them busy.
Don't let the busy creatures be bored for the rest of their lives because they need exercise and fun.A gerbil can become aggressive.If you can't afford more expensive toys for gerbils or rodents in general, try a few toy balls, like those you might buy for a cat.It's cheaper to use toilet paper rolls.Be aware, however, that you will need to replace most toys you buy for your gerbil on a regular basis, as they are avid chewers and will eat their way through plastic and wood.
Step 10: A place that gets the right amount of light is where you should put your gerbil's home.
If you place your gerbil in a window it will get too much sun during the day.If you have to put the gerbil in an area that gets a lot of light, give it a shade.
Step 11: The gerbil needs to be at the right temperature.
Gerbils do well in a room that is between 65 and 85 degrees.The gerbil will not get too cold or hot.It should not be exposed to drafts in that place.The gerbil can get sick from this.
Step 12: Be sure to clean your gerbil's cage.
Gerbils cages need to be cleaned daily.The cleaning should remove bedding covered in waste and remove old fruits and vegetables.All bedding should be replaced weekly in a more thorough cleaning.The cage should be cleaned with soap and water, left to dry, and then filled with new items to chew, eat and drink.