Are you looking for a place to purchase a gerbil to add your pets? Gerbils are excellent pocket pets that require minimal care, and you will love every moment.
You can find gerbils in shelters, breeders, or online pet stores. The best part is the pets are more affordable than most pets and can quickly adapt to most environments.
Before you go for the gerbils, prepare an excellent living area. Let’s check the best places to buy a gerbil and how to identify the best pair. Stick on.
1. Gerbil Breeder
A gerbil breeder in your locality will help you get the best idea of which gerbil to buy. Luckily, breeders have a vast knowledge of their available gerbils.
The breeder ensures that the pup has the best character traits. They invest extra knowledge in researching the gerbil offspring for the best results.
Ensure you don’t go for gerbils kept in the mill since they may have health issues due to overcrowding, not to mention inadequate veterinary care.
Before purchasing a gerbil from a local breeder, ensure it doesn’t come from high-volume pet mills and doesn’t look ill. The breeder should allow you to see the pup’s parents for clarity.
Additionally, don’t take gerbils younger than six months, as they may pose more health issues. Avoid careless breeders by checking customer reviews.
The American Gerbil Society monitors the breeding, and it’s good to ensure that your local breeder agrees with their ethics and is AGS registered.
2. Pet Retail Stores
Most pet stores have gerbils, among other animals. You should ensure that the living condition of your gerbil is good to avoid common diseases and behavioral issues.
The cage should be large and spacious with the best bedding plus some toys like tubes and wheels to make their stay comfortable. The cage should have a pleasant and fresh smell.
Before visiting the pet store, do thorough research about the pet since the pet store employees may not provide valuable information.
The pet should have good feeding areas and food, plus the gerbil should remain active. Since they can live in pairs, it’s good to check that they aren’t fighting.
A reputable store won’t sell their gerbils online since visiting the shop allows you to make the best choice. Plus, your gerbil may get health complications when flown to your location. Here are some reputable pet stores.
Petco: It’s a famous pet supply store with stores all over the country and deals with small pets like gerbils, birds, hamsters, and snakes. Their services require you to visit their physical store, check the gerbils, and make the best choice according to your judgment.
Check the reviews on the Petco store near you for detailed information on their services in selling the best gerbils.
Pet Supplies Plus: These pet suppliers have stores nationwide with most small pets. Visit the physical store in your area and choose the best gerbil. Ask the employees about the pet’s health record.
The pet store has not had so many complaints, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do thorough research before purchasing. Remember to ensure the gerbil has good living conditions when you get there.
PetSmart: The store has almost all live animals, and its nationwide branches ensure you get the gerbil at your convenience. Visit the pet store and make your best choice.
3. Adopt a Gerbil
Adoption shelters have gerbils that need a new home. Check if the rescue center around your area has a gerbil.
Most shelter employees have the relevant information on the gerbils and will answer your questions to help you make the best choice.
Some rescue shelters include Petfinder, leading you to private organizations or rescue centers with gerbils.
The American Humane Society is a non-profit organization focusing on animal welfare and rescue. Contact them and ask about their shelter alongside your thorough research of the available gerbils.
The best part is that rescue shelters have human-friendly gerbils, and you have a higher chance of getting a good pocket friend. Additionally, most of them keep health records for their little friend and know her temperament.
Remember to prepare an excellent living area before visiting the adoption station since most centers have a thorough screening process to ensure that they are placing the pet in a comfortable home. There’s also the possibility of an adoption fee.
Which Gerbil Species Should I Get?
The Mongolian gerbil is the most common, and you can get the fat-tailed species. You will find the Mongolian breed in most pet stores, with only a few breeders producing the fat-tailed gerbils.
Final Thoughts
Gerbils are excellent pocket pets and will offer you the best company. You can get a pair to prevent them from boredom since they can live with each other. Ensure the pet’s environment is always clean and dry.
Buy your gerbil from a reputable pet store or breeder. You can check the reviews on the pet dealer’s page since most customers give honest reviews.
