Gerbil Cages:
There is many options for gerbil cages. Let's start with plastic cages:
Plastic cages may not hold your gerbil for long as your gerbil may be able to chew through the plastic. So this brings us to the topic what do I use then wire or glass?
Wire cages are good but can be expensive and small. A cheaper option is a 10 Gal. Glass Aquarium this is very inexpensive option and is usually sold for 20$ Use common sense DON'T ADD WATER!!!! But I expect your smarter then that. If you buy just the aquarium it is 20$ but if you buy one with a filter and air pump then it will cost more.
(Bedding):
Types of bedding you may want to use is:
Care Fresh, Aspen or Critter Care or other types of recycled paper bedding.Pine and Cedar are not good choices as they can lead to respiratory problems.
Gerbils don't urinate as much as other other animals. Cleaning the cage when needed is necessary there isn't an exact time line for when the cage needs to be cleaned so just trust your nose to know when they need cleaning.
Cleaning the cage:
-Dump old shavings
-Clean tank with pet-safe cleaner or non-toxic cleaner
-replace with new bedding
(Clean water bottles and food dishes with warm water (no soap!)
What to feed your gerbil:
Be sure any commercial brand food you buy for your gerbil has 16 to 20 % protein. Be sure to feed only a handful of food per day any more and they can become obese.In the wild gerbils don't drink water because they get it from plants and roots but like any other small pet water should always be available. Gerbils like seeds and fruits and vegetables monitor the amount you give them because your gerbil will eat the treats instead of their commercial diet also always provide crunchy chew toys for your gerbil so they can wear their teeth down. So the teeth don't become over grown.
Handling:
Never ever pick them up by their tail or scruff this will cause them to stress out and possibly hurt their eyes or lose their tail which will never grow back. If this is your first time holding your gerbil. Try holding them in a towel this will protect you from getting bitten and your gerbil will feel safer. Hold them in cupped hands. Gerbils are social animals and bond quickly with their owners which makes them a fun pet.
Ideas to bond with your gerbil:
You can put your gerbil in the bathtub (no water) and sit in the tub with him and let your gerbil climb on you.
There is many options for gerbil cages. Let's start with plastic cages:
Plastic cages may not hold your gerbil for long as your gerbil may be able to chew through the plastic. So this brings us to the topic what do I use then wire or glass?
Wire cages are good but can be expensive and small. A cheaper option is a 10 Gal. Glass Aquarium this is very inexpensive option and is usually sold for 20$ Use common sense DON'T ADD WATER!!!! But I expect your smarter then that. If you buy just the aquarium it is 20$ but if you buy one with a filter and air pump then it will cost more.
(Bedding):
Types of bedding you may want to use is:
Care Fresh, Aspen or Critter Care or other types of recycled paper bedding.Pine and Cedar are not good choices as they can lead to respiratory problems.
Gerbils don't urinate as much as other other animals. Cleaning the cage when needed is necessary there isn't an exact time line for when the cage needs to be cleaned so just trust your nose to know when they need cleaning.
Cleaning the cage:
-Dump old shavings
-Clean tank with pet-safe cleaner or non-toxic cleaner
-replace with new bedding
(Clean water bottles and food dishes with warm water (no soap!)
What to feed your gerbil:
Be sure any commercial brand food you buy for your gerbil has 16 to 20 % protein. Be sure to feed only a handful of food per day any more and they can become obese.In the wild gerbils don't drink water because they get it from plants and roots but like any other small pet water should always be available. Gerbils like seeds and fruits and vegetables monitor the amount you give them because your gerbil will eat the treats instead of their commercial diet also always provide crunchy chew toys for your gerbil so they can wear their teeth down. So the teeth don't become over grown.
Handling:
Never ever pick them up by their tail or scruff this will cause them to stress out and possibly hurt their eyes or lose their tail which will never grow back. If this is your first time holding your gerbil. Try holding them in a towel this will protect you from getting bitten and your gerbil will feel safer. Hold them in cupped hands. Gerbils are social animals and bond quickly with their owners which makes them a fun pet.
Ideas to bond with your gerbil:
You can put your gerbil in the bathtub (no water) and sit in the tub with him and let your gerbil climb on you.