Gerbils can be kept in a wire cage with a soid base, but the best option is to construct a "gerbilarium". Never keep them in a wooden hutch as they will gnaw their way out. A good cage will be two tiered and have at least two compartments - one for the day and one to rest and hide in at night. As gerbils are kept in pairs or groups the cage can never be too large. Cages must be cleaned out regularly to eliminate odours, germs and bacteria. Natural barley straw is ideal warm bedding for your Gerbil.

Feeding

In their natural habitat, gerbils eat a selection of wind blown seeds, grain and grasses. Gerbis are often mistaken as herbivores, but they are omnivores and do need good quality protein in their diet to keep them healthy. Ensure there is fresh drinkng water available at all times. Gerbils have continouusly growing teeth so they need to gnaw to help wear down the teeth.  Gerbils are natural foragers so their daily allowance should be spit into two portions, one in the morning and one at night.

Exercise

Gerbils like to keep themselves busy and when they can will spend their time running around, digging tunnels and investigating the surroundings. It only take a few items to create an exciting playground for your pet. Place objects like tubes, tunnels, untreated wickerr baskets and boxes for them to play with. Thick layer of sawduct, wood shavings is needed for burrowing and digging tunnels. Gerbils will chew on natural wood and this will help keep their teeth in trim.

Handling your gerbil

Make sure you always approach carmly once your pet is a wake. Place a closed fist in front of it and allow it to approach. When your gerbil looks confident and appears interested, slowly unclench your fist and open your hand. It may well crawl on to the palm of your hand or you can gently scoop it up. If it appears hesitant, you could gently hold the base of its tail, near its body, and lift up, placing its feet on the palm of your hand, never grab the gerbil by the end of its tail as gerbil can shed the sking to escape, and will be frightened next time you want to hold it.

Common Illnesses

Dental Problems - As with all rodents gerbil's teeth continue to grow throughout their life. Should your gerbil have an injury and a tooth becomes misaligned, the opposite tooth will grow as it has nothing opposing it on which to grind. Gerbils require fibre in their diet and gnawing ensures their teeth are evenly worn, preventing overgrowth. Overgrown teeth can cause a number of problems including abscesses and inablity to eat.

Diarrhoea - Diarrhoea can have several causes including bacteria, parasites and neoplasia. The most common bacterial enteritis is Tyzzer's disease. Other causes are Salmonella and E Coli bacteria or cocoidosis or pin and tapewarms. Take your gerbil to the vet immediately as loss of fluid through diarrhoea can be life threaterning.

Colds - Gerbils can catch colds from humans so if you have a cold, you should keep the handling of your gerbil and is food to the minmum. Your gerbil will get a running nose and sneeze if he has a cold and should be kept in a warm room. Isolate the affected gerbil from the rest of the group as colds can spead through colonies. Take him to the vet if the condition has not cleared in two to three days. or if you have any concerns at all.

Tyzzer's Disease -  This is a very serious conditon and your gerbil will have darrhoea, look tired and weak and will lose his appertite. Take your gerbil to the vet immediately if your gerbil has these symptoms, as this disease is often fatal. Good hygiene in the gerbliarum and using good quaility bedding such as Natural Barley Staw or CareFresh and burrowing material will help prevent this disease.

For more information on Gerbils click Picture below