What happens when a gerbil has a stroke?
Stroke. These are commoner in older gerbils. The affected gerbil will develop paralysis or weakness down one side. Make the animal as comfortable as possible, keep it warm, and seek immediate veterinary treatment.
How far can gerbils hear?
While in most rodents, including rats and mice, hearing starts above 1 kHz, gerbils have an unusually low-frequency hearing range (down to ∼200 Hz).
Can gerbils be kept alone?
Appropriate company for gerbils To live with other gerbils, they should never be kept alone. They are happiest in same-sex pairs or small groups. Gerbils are sociable animals and, in the wild, group sizes range from two to 15 animals of all ages and sexes.
Where should a gerbil be kept?
A suitable environment for gerbils 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. An ideal temperature range is 20-24°C.
How big does a gerbil cage need to be for 2?
Two gerbils need a minimum floor surface of 70cm long, by 35cm wide, by 50cm tall because they are great jumpers. In the wild, gerbils live in underground tunnels up to 3m long. The best way to mimic their natural habitat and keep them happy is to buy a gerbilarium or tank with cage additions.
Do gerbils chew through plastic cages?
Creating a Gerbil Habitat Gerbils may chew through the plastic bottom of a wire cage or the plastic habitat. Gerbils need a few inches of small pet bedding to dig in and to absorb waste. Do not use cedar chips or corncob.
What is the natural habitat of a gerbil?
Gerbils, or jirds, live in clay or sandy deserts, grasslands, scrub, arid steppes, and mountain valleys. They live in family groups in small burrows dug into soft soil.
What do I need to care for a gerbil?
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.