Caring for your... Pets and Pet Supplies
Hemel Hempstead
Mongolian Gerbil Welwyn Garden City
Lifespan: 3-4 years
Average size: 8cm in length (excluding tail)
Average Weight: 40 grams
General Information Gerbils are very social rodents and can make very rewarding pets for the right person. Their high activity levels and curious nature make them great pets for a wide range of people.
Feeding Gerbils will require a specialised gerbil concentrate (muesli) diet. This will ensure that they get all the vitamins and minerals that they require. Muesli should not be fed in a metallic bowl as this removes the Vitamin C from the diet. Very small amounts of vegetables such as carrot and swede can be given as treats and will also help to keep their teeth clean. Chew sticks and chew toys should be given to help wear their teeth down and keep them busy. Vitamin C drops should also be added to the water and various gerbil treats can be used to give further vitamins and minerals. Fresh hay should be available at all times.
Gerbils can easily be provided with water by a water bottle. You will need to make sure it is at the right level so your gerbils can get to it. Fresh water should be provided daily.
Housing Gerbils need to be kept inside at room temperature. A number of different styles and models of cage are available to meet personal preference and requirements. A large glass tank with an escape proof lid is ideal to allow natural digging and tunnelling. Gerbils are very social animals and should never be housed on their own. Living in groups or pairs will help them with their grooming and social requirements.
The housing should be layered with dust free wood shavings or other suitable absorbent bedding. This will absorb the urine and ensure that it is easy to keep clean. A nesting area will also be required that can be filled with soft, small mammal bedding. It is important to keep away from direct heat and sunlight.
Maintenance Your gerbils will require a dry, draught free home. A deep layer of wood shavings should be used on the floor and a nest area should be filled with soft animal bedding in order to allow your gerbils security and a place to sleep. All old food should be removed daily and gerbil muesli should be replenished daily.
Your gerbils will need a full clean out at least once a week. This will ensure that their home is kept clean and dry. Their home should also be disinfected regularly to stop disease “Ensure that a variety and keep your gerbils in good health. This should be done using a pet safe disinfectant. of wooden and hard treats are available to help keep teeth trim” Health It is important that your gerbils are kept in good health. Any change in behaviour or condition needs to be looked at and veterinary treatment may be required. A healthy gerbil will have bright eyes, good fur condition, walks normally and feeding and drinking regularly.
Below is a table to show some common health problems which can affect gerbils.
Health Issue Symptoms and Causes Suggested Action
Diarrhoea Loose stools caused by bad diet, Consult with an animal veterinarian to stress, unclean housing or other determine cause and treatment illness. Malocclusion Overgrown teeth. Consult with an animal veterinarian to possibly have teeth trimmed regularly.
Mites External parasite that causes Regular treatment with ivomec guinea pigs to loose patches of hair. treatment (available in store) Ringworm Skin infection caused by fungus. Contact an animal veterinarian for treatment.
Tu m ou r s a n d Large lumps on the body that can If untreated, can be fatal; consult with growths cause irregular movement and an animal veterinarian. discomfort.
Mongolian Gerbil Checklist... It is important that you have everything that your gerbils will need to make sure that they stay happy and healthy. These items are listed below:
✓ Appropriately sized glass tank ✓ Vitamin supplement
✓ Escape proof vented lid ✓ Food Bowl
✓ High- quality gerbil food ✓ Salt/ mineral lick
✓ Hiding places/ Nest boxes ✓ Chew sticks and toys
✓ Small Mammals Soft Bedding ✓ Pet safe disinfectant cleaner
✓ Wood shavings (cedar free) ✓ Tu n n e l s a n d t u b e s
✓ Water bottle (small) ✓ High quality hay
The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional Information, please ask a member of staff or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.