Here is a list of things you will need before you buy your new buddy:
1. A Tank Price: $10+ There are many different tanks available for your gerbils, so you have plenty to choose from. Make sure that your pet's new home has a secure top, since gerbils can be crafty escape artists, and that the bottom is not wire, as gerbil feet can easily get caught in these. Plan on spending around $10-$20 for a decently-sized home.
2. Bedding Price: $7+
There are also many types of bedding available on the market, but buyer beware! Gerbils have sensitive noses, so anything scented, like pine shavings or scented Carefresh, can cause your gerbil to get a respiratory infection, which can be potentially fatal. Approved gerbils bedding materials are non-scented paper bedding, corncob bedding, aspen wood chips, non-scented Carefresh, or simply dirt (if you don't mind your pets being a little dirtier). Price varies depending on brand, size, and style, though I have found that a medium-sized bag of recycled paper bedding at $7 a bag lasts some time.
3. Water Bottle Price: $4
Most cages come with a water bottle, but if you do not get one with it, or need a new one, they are relatively inexpensive pieces.
4. Food Price: $6
Food mixes for gerbils come in many varieties, but a mix that is high in protein (about 13% or better), has few sunflower seeds, and many different items in it--from dry food to seed to pellets--tend to be the best.
5. Food Dish Price: $2+
Another addition to a cage that should come with it, but if you are starting from scratch with an aquarium, you will need to buy one. Go for a heavier ceramic-type dish, as this will be harder for the gerbils to chew up or tip over.
6. Exercise Wheel Price: $5+
Being in a cage all day will mean that your gerbil will need an exercise wheel to stay active. Wire wheels may lead to gerbil injuries, since their feet or tails could get caught in the wire. 8" wire mesh wheels are normally the best choice. A "hamster ball" will also help keep your gerbil active, but a wheel is necessary.
7. Nest Box Price: $4+
A nest box is a place where a gerbil can hide and sleep and feel safe. Some cages come with one of these, but if they do not, there are many choices and sizes available to use.
8. Chew Toy Price: varies
No, not quite like a dog's. Gerbils' teeth grow constantly throughout their lifetime, and therefore, gerbils constantly need to chew. There are many different kinds of toys available for this, from wooden ones to ones they can eat. Just make sure you switch them out every once in a while, or the gerbil will get bored and go chew on its tank.
Housing
Pet
stores offer many housing opportunities for your gerbil. These include
anything from the wire cages of Habitrail to the rounded cages of Ovo
to a plain old aquarium! Just make sure your gerbil's new home is able
to be secured, and has a gravity ball water bottle, food dish, nest box
and exercise wheel.
Gerbil bedding is important. DO NOT use
cedar or pine bedding, as this will cause respiratory infections that
can potentially be lethal to your gerbil. Bedding that is recommended
is non-scented paper bedding, corncob bedding, aspen wood chips,
Carefresh, or even dirt. Over that, throw in a wad of unscented toilet
tissue. Your gerbils will enjoy tearing it apart and building with it.
Gerbils
need entertainment. The most popular entertainment for gerbils, aside
from the running wheel, is a cardboard tube, from your used toilet
paper or paper towels. Gerbils will attack these things, chewing them
to tiny bits. It's quite entertaining to watch. Pet stores also
provide wooden toys for gerbils to chew and play with. But this
chewing is important, as it is not only used as entertainment, but to
control the growth of their teeth, which grow throughout their lifetime.
Choosing Your New Friend!
Now it's time to choose your new friend!
Gerbils are best bought from a breeder. Check out the AGS Breeder List for a breeder in your area. Classifieds and rescues, such as Petfinder,
are also places where you can find gerbils. As a last choice, you can
buy from a pet store, but be forewarned that gerbils from these stores
tend to be sick or mis-sexed or even pregnant. When you think that you have found "the one", check them for these signs:
- Be sure that the environment in which the gerbils are living in is clean.
- Signs that the gerbil itself is clean are:
1) No stool on the feet or tail-area- Beware of gerbils who can't keep themselves clean. Gerbils are very clean animals, constantly grooming themselves and their cage mates. When a gerbil can no longer keep itself clean, it is a sure sign of illness and neglect.
2) Smooth, shiny, full fur- A common sign of a respiratory infection and other illnesses is fluffed up fur. Gerbils with patches of fur missing can mean fighting and negative temperaments, or even mites. These bald spots--especially on the tail--can also be a sign of sheer boredom.
3) Bright, shiny, clear eyes- A gerbil's eyes should be shiny and alert. If a gerbil has red discharge around their eyes or if their eyes are constantly half-open when a gerbil is awake, the gerbil could be stressed or sick.
4) Ease in walking- If a gerbil has a strain or broken foot, it will keep that foot up in the air and waddle around it. Also, a gerbil should not be circling or have a head tilt, as these can be signs of an ear infection.