#pet gerbils

[one-time-i-dreamt]

My stepdad bought like 300 domestic rodents of various species to live in our house and I was worried about accidentally crushing them while petting them.

[oxyg3n-isoverrated]

guys I'm getting some gerbils tomorrow, they're basically going to be therapy pets 'cause I need a reason to keep going and living for, and I desperately need something to care for and nurture, they're probably going to be a pair of girls so if you have any cute names, GIMME 💖💖💖

[plant-in-a-box]

It’s finals week. So what am I doing? Looking at gerbil cages online.

[oxyg3n-isoverrated]

This is my new lil girl, Bandit

[sweetberryworld]

Sleeping gerbils

[pocket-sizedpals]

Caring for Elderly Gerbils

Any gerbil that is over the age of two-years-old is considered to be an “elderly” gerbil.  Not much will change once your gerbil enters his or her retirement years, but here are some things that you may want to consider:

- Older gerbils may chew less, so you may want to start using crunchier treats or harder chew toys that will help wear down your gerbil’s teeth. - Older gerbils may sleep more, so make sure that they are housed in a part of your house where they can nap in peace. - Older gerbils may have a decrease in appetite, so extra protein or fat in their diet can help keep them at a healthy weight. - Get a scale!  If your gerbil is sick, the first sign will be a loss of weight.  Gerbils are prey animals and it is their instinct to hide their illnesses, so the quickest way you will be able to figure out that something is wrong is if you weigh your gerbils regularly!

Common Illnesses to Watch for in Elderly Gerbils: - Tyzzer’s Disease: A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, it can spread rapidly and can kill a gerbil within 24 hours if it is not treated.  Antibiotics are the only solution that helps, but there is no way to cure the disease once it has set in.  Tyzzer’s Disease can occur at any time in a gerbil’s life if they are exposed to the bacteria, but it is particularly dangerous for elderly gerbils that have lowered immune systems.  The only way to prevent this disease is to keep your gerbil cage clean and make sure that your gerbils are not exposed to any foreign bacteria. - Nasal Dermatitis/Respiratory Infections: Sore noses are highly common in gerbils and can make your gerbil look like he or she has a bloody, crusty nose due to the build up of mucus around the eyes and nose.  These sore noses can easily become infected and must be treated with antibiotics.  The risk of infection increases with age.  Respiratory infections are also highly common in gerbils and may become more prevalent with age.  To help prevent this problem, use a bedding that is relatively dust-free and non-irritating to your gerbil’s sensitive nose (I suggest Carefresh or Kaytee Clean & Cozy, NEVER use pine or cedar bedding).  Also make sure that you keep the humidity in your household below 50%. - Tumors: Gerbils of both sexes are prone to tumors along their scent gland, which is the dark strip of fur that runs down your gerbil’s stomach.  These tumors become more prevalent with age, so always check you gerbils for lumps and bumps.  They can’t be prevented, but they can be surgically removed.  Speak with your vet to determine if these tumors are malevolent (dangerous) or benign (harmless) in order to decide how to treat them. - Strokes/Loss of Function in Inner Ear: Some elderly gerbils are prone to strokes and may have difficulty with loss of function in their inner ear.  There’s no way to prevent or treat this, but it can be easily diagnosed - if you see your gerbil tilting it’s head to one side and seeming off-balance, then they likely suffered a stroke or loss of function in their inner ear. - Overgrown Teeth: As mentioned before, elderly gerbils may show a lack of interest in eating or chewing, so their teeth may become overgrown.  Check your gerbil’s teeth regularly to make sure that they’re being worn down naturally.  If you are unable to make your gerbil chew on their own, you will need to speak to your vet about having their teeth sanded down.

[pocket-sizedpals]

Gerbils are amazing, low-cost small pets who are extremely social and interactive. They do great with people of all ages and will entertain you for hours with their antics!

[ainawgsd]

Wild type vs Domestic mutations-Gerbils

Wild Mongolian Gerbils are typically about 9 1/2 inches long and weigh about 50-60 grams. Domesticated Mongolian Gerbils, which are commonly kept as pets and research animals, are roughly the same length as their wild ancestors but can vary in weight from around 55-110 grams and come in about 20 different color mutations.