What Are Gerbils?
Gerbils are small animals that are part of the same group as mice, rats, and hamsters.
They are known for having long tails, big back legs, and they are always full of energy.
Size: Most gerbils are between 6 and 12 inches long, including their tail.
Weight: They are very light, weighing about 50 to 100 grams, which is about the same as a slice of bread.
Looks: Gerbils have soft fur, long whiskers, small ears, and a tail that is also covered in fur.
Example: Think of a hamster but with a longer tail and a bouncy personality—that’s a gerbil!
Where Do Gerbils Come From?
Gerbils are found in many parts of the world.
The type most people keep as pets is the Mongolian gerbil.
Wild Gerbils: They live in dry places like deserts, grasslands, and sandy areas.
Pet Gerbils: These are specially bred to live with humans.
Countries: Wild gerbils can be found in Asia (like Mongolia and China), Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Fun Fact: In the wild, gerbils dig long underground tunnels to keep safe from the sun and predators.
Gerbil Homes – Burrows and Tunnels
Gerbils are expert diggers.
They make burrows, which are underground homes that have different rooms.
Burrows have:
Sleeping areas
Storage areas for food
Escape tunnels if they feel in danger
At home, pet gerbils need cages with tunnels, bedding, and toys so they can dig and explore.
Example: Imagine a gerbil’s burrow as a mini underground city with many exits and rooms!
What Do Gerbils Eat?
Gerbils are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and small amounts of animal-based foods.
Wild Diet: Seeds, grasses, nuts, roots, and insects.
Pet Diet: Special gerbil food mixes, fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats.
Healthy foods for gerbils include:
Carrots
Apples (without seeds)
Sunflower seeds
Small pieces of lettuce
Never give gerbils:
Chocolate
Onions
Junk food
Example: Just like kids need healthy food to grow, gerbils need seeds and veggies to stay strong and playful.
Social Life of Gerbils
Gerbils are very social animals.
In the wild, they live in groups called colonies.
They play, groom each other, and sleep together.
Pet gerbils should always have at least one companion, because they can get lonely.
Fun Fact: A gerbil without friends can feel sad.
That’s why they are happier in groups or pairs.
Gerbil Behavior and Habits
Gerbils are full of energy and always active.
Digging: Their favorite activity!
Gnawing: They chew on wood or cardboard to keep their teeth short, as their teeth never stop growing.
Thumping: Gerbils drum their back feet on the ground to signal danger or excitement.
Exploring: They are curious and love to investigate new things.
Example: If a gerbil hears a strange noise, it might stand on its hind legs, twitch its whiskers, and thump its feet to warn others.
Gerbil Lifespan
In the wild, gerbils live 2 to 3 years because of predators.
As pets, with good care, they can live 3 to 4 years.
Some very lucky gerbils can live up to 5 years.
Example: If you get a gerbil when you’re 8 years old, it might still be with you until you are 12!
Gerbil Senses – How Do They See the World?
Gerbils have special senses to help them survive.
Eyesight: They can see well in dim light, but not in complete darkness.
Hearing: They have excellent hearing and can hear tiny sounds, even high-pitched ones humans can’t.
Smell: They have a strong sense of smell to find food and recognize friends.
Touch: Their whiskers help them feel their way around.
Example: A gerbil might not see a seed in the dark, but it can sniff it out and grab it easily.
Different Types of Gerbils
There are over 100 species of gerbils, but not all are pets.
Mongolian Gerbil: The most common pet gerbil.
Fat-Tailed Gerbil: Stores fat in its tail, like a camel stores fat in its hump.
Pallid Gerbil: Lives in deserts in North Africa.
Great Gerbil: Much larger and found in Asia.
Fun Fact: Just like there are many dog breeds, there are many types of gerbils too!
Gerbil Colors and Coats
Pet gerbils come in many colors.
They can be brown, gray, white, golden, black, or spotted.
Some have short smooth fur, and others have fluffier coats.
Example: One gerbil might look like golden sand, while another might look like a little ball of snow!
Gerbils vs. Hamsters – What’s the Difference?
People often confuse gerbils with hamsters.
Tails: Gerbils have long furry tails, hamsters have short ones.
Activity: Gerbils are more active and playful, hamsters are more solitary.
Living Style: Gerbils like company, hamsters often prefer to be alone.
Tip for Kids: If you see a small pet with a long tail playing with friends, it’s probably a gerbil!
Enemies of Gerbils in the Wild
Gerbils are small, so many animals hunt them.
Predators include snakes, foxes, owls, and hawks.
That’s why gerbils dig burrows to stay safe.
Example: An owl might swoop down at night, but the gerbil quickly escapes into its tunnel.
Special Abilities of Gerbils
Gerbils may be small, but they have amazing skills:
Jumping: They can leap high using their strong back legs.
Digging: They dig fast and make tunnels.
Surviving without water: Gerbils don’t need to drink much.
They get water from food like seeds and vegetables.
Fun Fact: In deserts, gerbils can survive for days without drinking water!
Gerbils as Pets
Why do people love gerbils as pets?
They are friendly, playful, and fun to watch.
They don’t smell bad like some pets.
They are easy to take care of with the right cage, food, and toys.
Example: Kids love watching gerbils dig tunnels in their bedding, chew toys, and run on wheels.
