Polski
The Amazing World of Gerbils: Fascinating Facts and Care Tips
Gerbils, also known as desert rats, are adorable granivorous rodents belonging to the order of rodents. In the wild, they live in close-knit family groups, and as pets, they thrive best in the company of others. These small rodents are active both during the day and at night and have a life expectancy of 3 to 4 years. They grow to approximately 10 to 12 cm in length and weigh between 70 and 130 grams.
Where do Mongolian Gerbils come from?
The Mongolian desert rat, or Gerbil, is found in steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts in Southeast Mongolia, adjacent to Russia and China. They prefer fields and meadows and dig underground homes with nests and storage chambers there.
What are a Gerbil's dietary needs?
Gerbils have specific dietary requirements. Their teeth continuously grow, which means their diet must provide the necessary wear and tear. The type and size of food particles are of great importance.
Their stomach is simple and has a mucous fold that divides it into two parts, one without glands and one with glands.
Gerbils have a small cecum, which means they can process dietary fibers only to a limited extent. Therefore, the optimal fiber content in their diet should be below 10%.
Granivores require animal proteins that contain valuable amino acids essential for cell renewal and various metabolic processes.
They are sensitive to elevated blood lipid levels (fats) and obesity. Hence, a higher content of cereal grains in their diet is important. Nuts should not be part of their complete diet.
How to best house Gerbils together?
Desert rats thrive best when kept as a pair with a neutered male, but two animals of the same sex can also coexist harmoniously. It is crucial to observe their behavior closely, as unexpected aggression and conflicts can occur even in harmonious groups.
What is a suitable habitat for Gerbils?
The habitat should be draft-free and well-lit. Since Gerbils enjoy sunbathing, some sunlight should be allowed to enter the enclosure in the early morning and evening hours. However, there should always be the option to find shade. Elevating the enclosure prevents them from feeling vulnerable.
We recommend a habitat with a minimum bottom size of 100 x 50 x 50 cm (W x D x H) and a wire lid with a minimum height of 30 cm. A spacious and structured habitat provides room for Gerbils to satisfy their natural urge to move. Affectionate animals can even roam freely under supervision.
Gerbils are highly active creatures. They enjoy digging, playing, and exploring for their pleasure. A house with dimensions of 15 x 20 x 15 cm (W x D x H) is ideal. Hay and cellulose can serve as nesting material. For tunnel systems, clay or cork tubes are suitable, and a sandbox is a must-have. Here, the animals use sand to clean their fur and transfer the scent of their family. A closed exercise wheel with a diameter of at least 25 cm can also be added. Food is best offered in sturdy clay or ceramic bowls, while water is provided in a water bottle or dish, both of which should be elevated to prevent digging.
What is the best bedding for Gerbils?
We recommend using bedding material that is both absorbent and odor-absorbing. Bedding materials like a mixture of cotton, wood fiber, and hemp are particularly suitable. This material is ideal for tunnel digging, promotes natural behavior, and offers excellent observation opportunities. To ensure good hygiene in the habitat, we recommend cleaning the toilet area and storage room regularly.
It is not possible to keep Gerbils outdoors.
How do you know if your Gerbil is sick or not feeling well?
It is important to observe your Gerbils daily. Only those who know their pets well will notice if they behave differently, isolate themselves from the group or the owner, eat and drink less. Weight loss and changes in defecation and urination behavior can also be signs of illness.
Sick animals often exhibit reduced cleaning and grooming behavior. This results in a rough coat and a red crust on the nose. Signs of pain include a curved back, a hunched posture, puffed fur, half-closed eyes, and teeth grinding. If any of these symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.
Comments
Be the first to comment...