Gerbils are a small, social family of rodents. They originate from the Middle East and Central Asia and are now found throughout much of the Americas.
If you’re looking for a small pet requiring little to no maintenance, you might want to consider getting a gerbil.
Gerbils make excellent pets because they do not require much space or constant attention; they will adjust to their new environment quickly. They tend to be curious, friendly, and outgoing, which makes them great with children.
However, this also means that it can be very annoying and challenging to house trains when not kept in an enclosure or cage with proper toys and training accessories.
Their intelligence is comparable to that of dogs and cats, making them easy to train and socialize once they have been introduced to new people and environments.
Let’s take a look at why you might want to consider taking on a gerbil as a pet:
What should I know before getting a gerbil?
To get a gerbil as a pet, you’ll need to make sure that it is the right size for your home and its environment.
Gerbils can grow up to 2 inches in length, so you’ll want to be sure that your cage or enclosure will accommodate this.
If you have children over the age of six, then a smaller gerbil will be better suited than a larger one because they tend to get into things more easily.
Additionally, if you decide to adopt a gerbil as a pet, they are not usually meant for long-term ownership. They have an average lifespan of two years, and their shorter lifespan requires more attention than other pets.
The time commitment should not deter you from getting a gerbil if you think it makes sense for your situation and lifestyle.
The most important thing when adopting or purchasing a gerbil is ensuring that it has all necessary check-ups and veterinary care before coming into your home.
Proper maintenance ensures these tiny creatures live longer and healthier lives than neglected or mistreated ones.
Are gerbils good beginner pets?
Gerbils are a great small, easy pet to have if you’re interested in being introduced to the world of pet ownership. You can play with and handle them without any fear of harming them.
Gerbils do not require lots of space, water, food, or care, so it is a good choice for someone who doesn’t want to deal with the challenges of owning a more complex pet.
However, gerbils are intelligent and may become too challenging for some people once they grow into adulthood.
Do gerbils like being held?
Gerbils are very social animals and will enjoy their owners’ companionship. They are also curious, active, and intelligent, making them excellent pets for children.
This means that they will be doing things like exploring new environments and learning new behaviors, making them easy to train.
Gerbils are also reasonably easy to hold. An adult hand can easily reach around a gerbil so you can carry it without any problems. ( remember to be gentle to avoid getting a bite)
What happens if a gerbil bites you?
A gerbil bite is not usually a big concern. They are spotless animals, and their teeth don’t have any sharp edges.
They will likely lick the wound to clean it and then release it, but if you want to ensure your area is free of gerbils, then you should use some deterrent like toxic pellets or a wire cage’s too small for them.
