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Gerbils are social rodents, enjoy being in pairs or groups and make good pets. More active than hamsters, gerbils require stimulation such as toys, exercise wheels and time outside the cage. Territorial by nature, gerbils have a scent gland on their abdomen that is not covered with fur. This bald spot over the scent gland is usually bigger in males than females. Bald spots can also be caused by nervous chewing of the fur, called barbering.
Gerbils are a typical first pet for many children. While gerbils do not require a lot of maintenance, they do require some. Checking a gerbil's teeth is essential for the health of the gerbil. Gerbils, like all rodents, grow teeth their entire lives. If your gerbil is handled frequently, it should have no issue with you checking its teeth.
Gerbils are generally healthy, hearty animals and rarely require medical attention. With good care, the frisky rodents can live three or four years, say the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Many common illnesses can be treated without a costly trip to the veterinarian.
