Gerbils are naturally very active, highly inquisitive and exhibit unique behaviors that make them interesting to observe. For example, they use their powerful hind legs to communicate to other gerbils by tapping them quickly on the ground, loudly if sensing a threat and more quickly yet quietly as part of their mating ritual.
Gerbils Compared to Other Rodents
Characteristics of the pet gerbil include:
- Gerbils are less nocturnal than other rodents, making them a more readily-observable pet.
- As with some other rodent species, gerbils have been bred to create different coat colour varieties. The most popular pet gerbil is the Mongolian gerbil, which is a sandy colour sometimes known as agouti. Others include the albino, the dark-tailed white, the sandy-coloured Egyptian gerbil, the black gerbil, some golden-coloured types and a lilac variety which is blue-grey in colour.
- Gerbils' kidneys are much more efficient than other rodents so that they can both process and store liquids highly effectively in their often arid natural habitat. This means that they produce much less odour and their cage needs cleaning less frequently than other rodent pets.
- Gerbils are also short-haired, which means no tangles in fur to cope with unlike, for example, some guinea pigs.
- Because of their highly active nature, most gerbils, while sociable, are less comfortable being handled for prolonged periods than a pet hamster or pet rat. However, gerbils rarely bite as they are more inquisitive than aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
- Gerbils are very good jumpers so they also escape being held more easily than most rodents. However, if they do, because they spend more time on the surface than in burrows in the wild, unlike pet mice or pet hamsters they are less likely to hide in difficult spots so can be recaptured a little more easily.
Jird: Another Gerbil Type
The jird is generally a larger form of gerbil and though still relatively rare it is becoming more popular as a pet. Shaw's jird is roughly similar in size to a rat, very intelligent and being more amenable than most gerbils to handling, makes a good pet. As well as needing a larger cage than a gerbil, it also eats meat in small amounts though mealworms can be used. Some jird types need to be housed separately.
Gerbil Care
Gerbil cages can be made of wire, plastic or glass, though gerbils will scatter bedding and other debris through open sides. Cage tops need to be ventilated and securely closed to circumvent the gerbil's jumping capability as well as protection against cats. It is practical to keep a small plastic cage as temporary housing for visits to the vet and as a reserve when cleaning the main cage.
Gerbils are sociable and kept in groups of two or three animals will thrive. They are territorial and will not welcome new adult occupants though newcomers can be introduced with care. Sawdust is best avoided in the cage because it can get into the eyes of burrowing gerbils. Especially when young, gerbils love to play in tunnels, and toys are made full use of by these entertaining pets.
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