How to Care For Your New Pet Gerbil

Gerbils are furry, cute mammals. They are among the easiest pets to care for, and are a good first pet. You can even teach gerbils tricks!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10-gallon aquarium
• Gerbil food
• Gerbil wheel
• Small pet water bottle
• Aspen wood shavings
• Small pet house

1. Before you get your pet, set up your tank. Don't fill it with water :P. Fill the bottom with 2-3 inches of aspen bedding. Use this much because gerbils love to burrow. Don't use cedar or pine, as this is poisonous to all small pets. Use a screened lid that clamps down, as I've had gerbils lift a lid and escape.

2. Put in the wheel, house, and water bottle. Press the bottoms of the wheel and house into the shavings so they wont tip over when the gerbils dig. Gerbils need to chew to keep their teeth ground down. Be sure to provide a dry stick for gnawing.

3. Go out and adopt or buy your gerbil. Get one that looks frisky and healthy. The eyes should be clear, and the nose shouldn't be red. Bring home your new pet as quickly as possible.

4. Introduce your gerbil to its new home. Don't feed your gerbil the first day. The next day, give your gerbil food as directed on the package.

5. Clean out your gerbil's tank about once a month by putting the animal in a small escape-proof cage and replacing the bedding. Replace the water about once a week. Have fun with your new pet!

Tips & Warnings

• If you can, give your gerbil your empty toilet paper rolls. They love to chew these. Rip the rolls lengthwise so your gerbil won't get stuck in the roll (which I've had happen to one of my gerbils!).
• Gerbils will nibble your fingers if you put your fingers too close.