How to take care of a Gerbil

Here's some handy tips to remember when getting a Gerbil as someone's pet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gerbil

1. Habitat-Gerbils need a well ventilated home with a solid floor, large food dish and a water bottle as well as a hiding area. There should be plenty of room for the Gerbil to move around freely. Place the habitat in a cool, low humidity area, our of direct sunlight.

2. Bedding-Use clean aspen or other appropriate bedding; lining the bottom with 2"-3" of bedding and change it weekly or more often if needed.

3. Nutrition-Gerbils' need a fortified diet full of fruits and vegetables; fill the bowl 3/4 full. Chop about a teaspoon of carrot or apples and feed twice a week for a yummy treat. Treat sticks and chews are essential because they maintain the gerbils' teeth that are constantly growing-doing so keeps the teeth trimmed. Change and fill your Gerbils' water bottle with clean water every day.

4. Health-Gerbils' have clean, bright eyes; soft fur with no bare patches; very active and curious behavior, eat and drink normally as well as well-formed droppings with no diarrhea.

5. Things to watch for-Overgrown front teeth, bare patches in fur, discolored droppings for longer than two days, lethargic behavior, weight loss or not eating/drinking normally and discharge from the mouth, nose or eyes.

[ilovetosk8lol]

on 4/15/2009 i whant to start to babysit animal and now I know more about gerbils

[meacham01]

on 1/2/2009 I often wondered how to take care of these little guys. I have known people that have them and love them. Thanks for the article.