Gerbil

Description: In the world, there are currently 15 different known species of gerbil. In the pet trade, the Mongolian gerbil is the most common and popular. These desert-dwelling rodents are native to drier regions of Mongolia and Northern China, where they spend their time in elaborately built burrows and tunnels. Inquisitive by nature, gerbils make great additions to the family as they're usually easy to handle and, by rodent standards, they're relatively clean pets! To learn more about your pet Gerbil, check out our Gerbil Care Guide on our learning page!

Species: Gerbil

Normal Pet Size at Maturity: average about 3-6" in length, not including their tail

Average Lifespan: Gerbils live for about 3 to 4 years.

Basic Diet: For detailed feeding information, check out the
Feeding you Gerbil section of our gerbil care guide! A pelleted gerbil diet is the most complete diet option for your pet. Fresh vegetables should be offered every other day in addition to the pelleted diet to increase variety into the diet. Fruit can be offered once a week as a treat, treats should be limited to help prevent risk of obesity.

Habitat Necessities: for full details, see the setting up a Gerbil Habitat section of our care guide! Don't forget to attach the ramps between levels and make sure all pieces are secure and sturdy.

• Place the habitat out of direct sunlight
  
• Line the floor of the habitat with about 3-6" of bedding
  
• Safe bedding includes shredded non-inked paper bedding, hardwood shavings, wood pulp bedding and recycled newspaper bedding
  
• Avoid pine, cedar and corn cob for bedding
  
• Dust⁄Sand baths should be offered 2-3 times a week
  
• For a sand bath dish or tub, you can use a small receptacle approximately 2-3 inches deep and 6-8in wide and fill it with clean specialty bathing sand

Does this Pet Need a Roommate? Gerbils can live in pairs, but we recommend same-sex pairs to avoid unwanted pregnancies. It should be noted that gerbils are easier to introduce to each other when young, or by adopting an established pair together at the same time.

Minimum Enclosure Size: Solid-floored habitat or pen sized 20"x20"x12"or larger (multilevel home preferred)

Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

When to Contact a Veterinarian: In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your small animal veterinarian if you notice the followingsigns:

• cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes
  
• wheezing
  
• sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
  
• overgrown front teeth
  
• drooling
  
• inability to close mouth, food falling from mouth frequently
  
• not eating
  
• bare patches in the fur
  
• sores or swelling⁄changes to the feet
  
• weight loss; not eating or drinking normally
  
• diarrhea or discolored droppings

The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.