Do you have a gerbil as a pet, or are you thinking of getting one? If so, you might be wondering how long they live. The answer may surprise you – gerbils can live for up to 5 years! That’s pretty long for such small creatures. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what affects the lifespan of a gerbil, and how you can help your pet to live a long and happy life. Read on to find out more!
How long do gerbils live as a pet?
On average, gerbils can live for up to 4 years when domesticated as pets, though some have been known to live much longer. To ensure a long and happy life for your gerbil companion, it’s important to provide good nutrition and rest. A balanced diet combined with regular exercise is key; always make sure you are monitoring your daily intake of food, water, and vitamins.
Additionally, a clean living space is essential for keeping your gerbil healthy and comfortable; keep their cage or enclosure clear of dirt and debris, as well as properly ventilated. Ultimately by taking proper care, you can help foster an environment conducive to extending the lifespan of your pet gerbil.
Why do gerbils have a short lifespan?
Although gerbils are known as one of the hardiest, low-maintenance pets, they tend to have a shorter lifespan than most other rodents. Gerbils typically live anywhere from 3-5 years, while mice and rats can make it to 8 or 9 years on average.
One reason why are that wild gerbils would often fall prey to their predators due to their smaller size and high energy level. Their wild counterparts have an even shorter lifespan, only about 1-2 years in the wild.
Additionally, due to their relatively small size, development can happen faster and age much more quickly in comparison with larger animals. As always, providing your pet with a healthy diet and a stress-free environment can help increase its longevity by quite a few years!
Do gerbils enjoy being held?
Gaining the trust of your gerbil is essential if you hope to build a bond with it, and having physical contact is a great way to do so. Of course, it’s important to let your gerbil get accustomed to your presence first – but once they recognize you as someone they can trust and depend on, they may seek out physical contact.
Depending on the individual gerbil, they might allow themselves to be held in cupped hands or even perched on your arm; the latter being especially awkward if your gerbil starts exploring further! Even though holding a gerbil isn’t always easy, most pet owners will agree that the moment their gerbil starts seeking out their comfort and warmth is incredibly rewarding.
How smart are gerbils?
Gerbils are considered some of the smartest small animals in the world. They can both recognize their owners and even learn tricks such as running through mazes or jumping over obstacles when trained well. Not only are gerbils smart, but they also have an incredible memory that has been demonstrated by their ability to remember how to navigate paths and quickly find food sources.
Scientists have found that within just 24 hours of being exposed to a new environment, gerbils can precisely remember which paths lead to areas with food and which do not. On top of that, they are incredibly nimble and agile creatures, able to deftly scamper across obstacles and squeeze into crevices others can’t reach. It comes as no surprise then, why gerbils generally rank high among pet owners looking for an intelligent critter companion!
Do gerbils recognize their owners?
Most pet owners become very close to their pets and form strong attachments, so it’s no wonder that they’re curious to know if their beloved animals recognize them. Though gerbils don’t shed or bark, they can still be wonderful and loving companions. Studies suggest that gerbils are capable of recognizing their humans.
Some research has shown that when presented with two strangers, the gerbil will usually go towards the familiar face more often than not. When it comes to other interactions with their human counterparts, these cute and cuddly pocket pets seem to respond best when handled multiple times by the same person. Ultimately, it’s likely your gerbil will recognize you if you take care of them regularly, and combine a healthy diet with plenty of playtimes, and love.
The Final Word: How Long Do Gerbils Live?
Gerbils are interesting animals that make great pets. They are easy to care for and can live a long time if they are well cared for. If you are thinking about getting a pet gerbil, do some research to make sure you are prepared to take care of one. They may be small, but they still need plenty of food, water, and exercise. Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped learn more about how long gerbils live.
