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
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Step 1
Notice places the gerbil could escape from the cage.
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Step 2
Decide how sturdy the cage is. Plastic cages will have to be replaced often due to chewing.
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Step 3
Set the cage up including food, water and toys before you buy your gerbil.
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Step 1
Use your eyes and nose. Cages should have adequate food, water and chewing toys for rodents.
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Step 2
Note the condition of the cages the animals. The cages should not be overcrowded and should be relatively clean.
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Step 3
Ask questions. Staff should know the answers to most of your questions, but keep in mind they may have new employees.
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Step 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.
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Step 2
Hold the gerbil. If their body is not firm, they could be sick.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 1
Hold the carrier firmly to avoid bouncing your gerbil while leaving the store.
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Step 2
Have someone hold the carrier while in the car, or place it on the floorboard of the front passenger area.
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Step 3
Go home immediately. It is strongly recommended that you leave your gerbil in the carrier no more than 1 to 2 hours.
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Step 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.







