How old are gerbils in pet stores?
Remember, you’re aiming to find a pair of gerbils that are at least six or seven weeks old. DO NOT PURCHASE if your potential pets have any of the following characteristics: Eyes that have not yet opened (this happens at about the three week mark).
How old are Petsmart gerbils?
Lifespan: They live for about 3 years. Behavior: Gerbils are nocturnal and most active during the night.
How long does a pet gerbil live?
Gerbils may live for up to 3-4 years, although some may live longer.
How do you take care of a gerbil for beginners?
Remove soiled bedding, droppings, and stale food daily. Thoroughly clean the cage with warm, soapy water once a week. Gerbils love to play! Exercise wheels (solid, no rungs), cardboard tubes, PVC pipes, and plastic igloos provide them with opportunities to run, climb, hide, and tunnel.
How do I keep my gerbil healthy?
Remove soiled bedding, droppings and stale/uneaten food daily. Clean and refill the water bottle every day. Clean cage completely once a week by replacing dirty bedding and scrubbing down the cage with warm, soapy water. Bring your gerbils to the veterinarian annually for check-ups.
What does a gerbil need in its cage?
Gerbils need: A comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean place to live, in a quiet place where they can rest undisturbed. Make sure they are not exposed to draughty or damp conditions but also do not keep them in direct sunlight or next to a radiator. Gerbil housing advice (PDF 101 KB). Gerbils naturally build nests.
How deep can a gerbil be?
A bedding depth of 20-30cm is recommended. The gerbilarium should ideally be around 50cm high to allow your gerbils to dig and still have room to emerge above ground and stand fully upright (an adult gerbil is approximately 12cm tall).
How much bedding should you put in a gerbil cage?
Fill the cage with 4 inches of bedding. Because gerbils like to dig and burrow, a cage that is filled with at least 4 inches of bedding is ideal. In some areas, you may want to fill half of the cage with bedding, if not more. A large amount of bedding will also allow your gerbil to bury its food.
How big of a cage does a gerbil need?
One or two gerbils require an area that measures at least 18 inches wide, 24 to 30 inches long and 12 inches high. They also do well in a 15 gallon tank (or larger). As a pet parent, you will want to keep your gerbil safe. Ensure your gerbil’s habitat does not have any sharp edges.