How to Buy a Gerbil

So you want to buy a gerbil. Gerbils are cute creatures and are fun to watch. But buying one can be confusing. There are several different things to keep in mind when buying a gerbil. Here are some tips to help the process of choosing a gerbil.

Things You'll Need

• Cage
• Food
• Gerbil care instructions (PetSmart will give you this for free when you buy your gerbil)
• Treats
• Toys (A gerbil needs at least two toys, for exercise and chewing)
• Veterinarian experienced with gerbils and willing to treat them regularly.
• Bedding

Instructions

Prepare the Gerbil's Home

1. Notice places the gerbil could escape from the cage.

2. Decide how sturdy the cage is. Plastic cages will have to be replaced often due to chewing.

3. Set the cage up including food, water and toys before you buy your gerbil.

Find the Right Pet Store

1. Use your eyes and nose. Cages should have adequate food, water and chewing toys for rodents.

2. Note the condition of the cages the animals. The cages should not be overcrowded and should be relatively clean.

3. Ask questions. Staff should know the answers to most of your questions, but keep in mind they may have new employees.

What to Look for and Avoid

1. Check the store's policy on care of sick animals. Sick animals placed with healthy animals could infect the others so they should have a room where sick animals are quarantined. The store should offer exchanges or refunds on sick animals.

2. Hold the gerbil. If their body is not firm, they could be sick.

3. Look for bright eyes, alertness when awake (they are sometimes a little groggy as they first wake up) and lack of nervousness. The gerbil should be inquisitive.

4. Avoid gerbils with runny or sticky eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wet or dirty bottom, matted fur or gerbils that seem lethargic. These are all signs of illness.

Bringing Your Gerbil Home

1. Hold the carrier firmly to avoid bouncing your gerbil while leaving the store.

2. Have someone hold the carrier while in the car, or place it on the floorboard of the front passenger area.

3. Go home immediately. It is strongly recommended that you leave your gerbil in the carrier no more than 1 to 2 hours.

4. Place your gerbil in their home immediately after returning home and avoid handling the gerbil for a few hours. This will help reduce stress levels.

Tips & Warnings

• Plastic aquariums are the best for pregnant or baby gerbils.

• Gerbils under 5-6 weeks old should not be for sale.

• Remember that it is illegal to have a gerbil in California. You cannot buy one there, nor can you buy it in another state and bring it back. You also cannot transport a gerbil through California.

• Watch how the person preparing the gerbil to go home is handling it. Ask questions about proper handling. Practice if needed and if allowed to do so.