People often have a lot of questions about gerbils before they decide if they want to get one.
You might be on the fence about whether or not to get a gerbil because you’re not sure what the benefits are. You might be worried about taking care of a gerbil or think that they’re too high maintenance.
We list out all the pros of owning a gerbil- like how low maintenance they are, how easy it is to take care of them, and how much fun they can be. After reading this article, you’ll know that getting a gerbil is definitely the right decision for you!
Let’s start with the pros of owning Gerbils!
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Gerbils are low-maintenance pets
When it comes to low-maintenance pets, gerbils are often overlooked. Dogs and cats require daily walks or visits to the groomer, while fish simply need to be fed and have their tanks cleaned occasionally.
But gerbils are just as low-maintenance as any of these other popular pets! In fact, they might even be lower-maintenance than some of them. Here’s why:
Gerbils Don’t Need to be Walked
Dogs need to be walked at least once a day, and sometimes twice a day if they’re particularly high energy. That’s not the case with gerbils, who are content to stay in their cages most of the time.
If you let them out to run around for a few hours each week, that’s usually enough exercise for them.
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Gerbils Don’t Need Much Grooming
Cats need to be brushed regularly, and dogs need to be bathed or taken to the groomer every few weeks. Gerbils, on the other hand, don’t need much grooming at all.
The occasional bath is fine, but since they don’t have fur that mats or tangles easily, you can usually get away with just wiping them down with a damp cloth every now and then.
Gerbils Don’t Need Special food or Supplements
Some pets require special food or supplements that can be expensive. Gerbils, however, are perfectly happy eating standard pet store pellets that are relatively inexpensive.
You might want to supplement their diet with the occasional treat of fruits or vegetables, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Gerbils Have Fun Personalities
Every gerbil has its own set of characteristics. Some gerbils are more daring than others, and they enjoy exploring and going on adventures! Their personalities make them unique and special! Here are some fun facts about gerbils that you may not have known!
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Gerbils are adventurous!
Some gerbils are more daring than others, and they enjoy exploring and going on adventures.
Their personalities make them unique and special. Gerbils love to explore their surroundings and will often go on “adventures” with their friends. If you’re looking for a pet that is always up for a good time, then a gerbil is a perfect choice!
Gerbils are social creatures!
Gerbils are social animals and love to interact with their fellow gerbils. They are very playful creatures and love to play games with their friends.
Gerbils also enjoy being around humans and will often seek attention from their owners. If you’re looking for a pet that is both fun-loving and social, then a gerbil is a perfect choice!
Gerbils are friendly
Gerbils are wonderful pets that are full of energy and affection. These friendly little creatures love to play and can be easily trained to perform simple tricks.
Whether it’s exploring their environment or playing with toys, gerbils are always on the go and full of life. In addition, they require very little maintenance, making them ideal pets for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spend taking care of animals.
Overall, there is no doubt that gerbils are one of the best choices for a pet, due to their friendliness, playful nature, and ease of care. So if you’re looking for a pet that will provide endless entertainment and companionship, then a gerbil is definitely the right choice!
GErbils are Fun to Watch
When you bring home a gerbil, it’s natural to be excited by its playful and inquisitive nature. These little creatures love to dig, burrow, play and climb, providing hours of entertainment for their human owners.
Whether they’re scampering up the side of a tank or nibbling on their favorite toy, gerbils are always energetic and curious.
And if that’s not enough to make you smile, just wait until you see them in action – those tiny paws and fluffy tails are simply adorable! So if you’re looking for an entertaining pet that will keep you smiling, look no further than gerbils – they’re surely the most fun little critters around!
Gerbils are gentle creatures!
Despite their adventurous nature, gerbils are actually quite gentle creatures. They are very loving animals and make great pets for families with small children.
Gerbils are also very active creatures, so they make great playmates for kids! If you’re looking for a pet that is both gentle and active, then a gerbil is a perfect choice!
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They Don’t Smell
When it comes to finding the perfect pet, one of the most important considerations is whether or not that pet will stink up your home. After all, no one wants to breathe in musty, foul odors day after day!
If you’re in the market for a pet that doesn’t have an odor, gerbils are an excellent option. These little creatures don’t produce any noticeable smell, and their cages can be easily cleaned so they don’t start to stink either.
Plus, with their fun and playful nature, gerbils are a great choice for both kids and adults alike. So if you’re on the lookout for a pet that won’t stink up your home, look no further than the adorable and non-stinky gerbil!
They Don’t Need Much Out-of-Cage Time
When it comes to tiny pets, gerbils are often thought of as one of the most low-maintenance animals out there.
Unlike many other small animals, they don’t need to be taken out of their cage much at all – in fact, they only need to spend an hour or so a week in a spacious playpen!
This is because they are incredibly social creatures that thrive on lots of contact with their human caregivers.
To make sure that your gerbils have a safe and comfortable playtime outside their cage, you’ll need to choose a good-quality playpen that is well-secured with no tiny gaps for them to get through.
Once you’ve ensured this kind of security, though, your gerbils will love exploring their new space, scampering around, and exploring all the nooks and crannies in their enclosure.
So if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for pet that doesn’t need a ton of out-of-cage time, gerbils are definitely the way to go!
Gerbils are inexpensive
As a pet enthusiast and animal lover, I have always been drawn to small furry animals like gerbils. While other pets, such as cats and dogs, can be quite expensive to purchase and care for, gerbils are relatively affordable.
Not only is the initial cost of buying a gerbil usually quite low, but the supplies needed for housing and caring for it are also very reasonably priced.
Beyond that, gerbils do not require much in the way of care or maintenance; they are easy to feed and clean out, and tend not to make too much noise.
In short, gerbils offer all the joys of pet ownership without the high price tag. Whether you’re looking for your first pet or are on a budget but still want a cute companion, a gerbil might just be the perfect fit!
There are Several Varieties to Choose From
When it comes to choosing a gerbil as a pet, the first thing to consider is what kind of gerbil you want.
Some people prefer colorful and bubbly varieties like Meriones or great gerbils, while others may be drawn to more discreet-looking types like the fat-tailed or Mongolian breeds.
Of course, your choice will also depend on factors like size and temperament, so it’s important to do your research and consider all of your options before making your final decision.
Regardless of which type of gerbil you choose, though, one thing is certain: these little creatures are adorable, social animals who make wonderful pets for anyone who loves spending time with their furry friends!
You Do Not Need to Clean Their Cage as Often as You Would for Some Other Pets’
When choosing a pet, one of the most important factors to consider is how much time and energy you will need to dedicate to caring for it. For many people, this means that a gerbil is the perfect choice – unlike other small pets like guinea pigs, they don’t require frequent cage cleanings.
Typically, you only need to fully clean a gerbil’s cage every other week, which makes them ideal for those with busy schedules or limited space.
If you notice that the cage starts to smell after a couple of weeks of being empty, this is typically an indication that more regular cleaning is required.
So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that still requires plenty of attention and care, a gerbil might be the perfect animal for you!
Gerbils are Adorable
As a kid, I was always fascinated by gerbils. Their tiny size and cute appearance made them seem like little cartoon characters come to life.
And I loved watching them scurry around their habitats, frantically burying food or chasing each other in play. The way they bounced around on their little feet and wiggled their whiskers was simply adorable.
Today, I still enjoy watching gerbils and even have one of my own as a pet. These little creatures never fail to put a smile on my face and leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Whether they’re just sitting quietly or playing around with toys, gerbils are among the most adorable animals out there! So next time you see one, take a few minutes to admire its sweet face and captivating charm – you’ll be sure to agree that gerbils are truly irresistible.
Gerbils are diurnal
I have always been a big fan of gerbils as pets, and I think there are many reasons why these little rodents make great pets. For one thing, they are diurnal animals, which means they are active during the day.
This is good news for those of us who lead busy lives or simply want an animal that we can enjoy watching throughout the day. Furthermore, since gerbils are social animals, it is easy to take two or more of them home to live together in a habitat.
Plus, they require only simple care and maintenance, making them a great option for pet lovers on any budget. In my opinion, there is no doubt that gerbils are one of the best choices for any aspiring pet owner.
Gerbils Don’t Bite
For many people, a beloved pet is a key part of the family. Whether they are furry or scaly, long-lived or short-lived, companionship animals like dogs and cats tend to be at the top of most people’s lists.
But for others, there is something uniquely appealing about small, harmless rodents like gerbils. Not only do these little animals form strong bonds with their human owners, but they are also comparatively low-maintenance and non-aggressive.
In fact, unlike many other pets, gerbils will rarely lash out and bite humans unless they feel threatened or afraid. This makes them an appealing choice for families with young children or for anyone who simply prefers an affectionate critter over a large dog or cat.
So if you’re looking for a fun and cuddly companion without all the drama of pricked fingers and injured toes, then why not consider taking home one of these soft and mischievous little creatures?
At the end of the day, your heart will surely warm at the sight of your smiling face in its gerbil habitat!
They Don’t Require Very Much Space
Gerbils are small, adorable pets that require very little space to thrive. Contrary to popular belief, they only need a couple of square feet of living space in order to be happy and healthy.
So even if you live in a small apartment or condo, it is possible to keep gerbils as pets without having to worry about being cramped for space. Additionally, since gerbils are so active and playful, they can easily provide hours of entertainment all on their own.
Whether you spend your time watching them frolic or simply allowing them to play with their toys, these animals are sure to bring plenty of joy and fun into your life without taking up too much room in your home.
Thus, if you’re looking for the perfect pet that won’t take over your entire living space, look no further than a gerbil!
So, What Are the Cons of Owning Gerbils?
Although gerbils make great pets, there are a few things to consider before bringing one home.
Gerbils may Keep you Awake at Night if They Live in your Bedroom
Gerbils are popular pets that are known for being playful and energetic. However, these small rodents can also be quite noisy at night, which can be disruptive for anyone who shares a bedroom with them.
Whether it’s their squeaking and chirping, or the rustling and scurrying of their busy little feet, gerbils are infamous for making a lot of noise in the middle of the night.
And if you happen to be particularly sensitive to sound or have trouble sleeping, then having gerbils as a household pet may keep you awake at night.
To avoid this problem, many people choose to keep their gerbils in another part of the house during nighttime hours.
Some people even build specific enclosures so that they can house several gerbils together while they sleep. Whatever strategy you choose to manage your pet, one thing is clear: having these little creatures running around your bedroom is definitely not ideal if you’re trying to get a good night’s rest!
But with some thoughtful planning and care, it is possible to enjoy having these fun-loving animals around without losing out on much-needed shut-eye.
After all, who wouldn’t want adorable furry balls following them around all day? Just remember to give yourself some quality rest time too!
Gerbils Could Make a Bit of a Mess
Gerbils are definitely one of the messier pets out there. These small rodents love to burrow and dig, which means that strings of bedding and little bits of gravel often find their way out of their cages and onto the floor.
Compared to other animals like cats and dogs, gerbils are surprisingly low-maintenance. Their constant activity helps to keep their enclosures fairly clean in between cage cleanings, and they don’t track as much dirt or food around the house as larger pets often do.
So even though those stray bits of bedding can be frustrating, they’re no match for the overall tidiness of having a gerbil as a pet.
Gerbils Are Very Small
Although gerbils are typically viewed as cute and cuddly pets, their small size can also be problematic. Because they are so tiny, they can easily escape and get lost or hurt in their surroundings.
Furthermore, their small stature makes them vulnerable to predators like cats or birds of prey, which may perceive them as prey. Ultimately, the small size of gerbils comes with both advantages and disadvantages, making it imperative for owners to exercise caution when handling these animals.
Gerbils can escape easily
Gerbils are well-known for their tendency to escape and explore their surroundings. These small rodents are agile and energetic, and they are talented at finding ways to slip out of their cages and venture into new territory.
Although this can be problematic for a pet owner, it is also an important survival mechanism that allows the gerbil to find food, mates, and shelter.
Because of this, it is essential for gerbil owners to take measures to prevent escapes by constructing sturdy cage doors, using anti-chew products on parts of the cage, and constantly checking on the animal in order to spot any attempts at escape.
With proper care and attention, gerbils can flourish both as pets and as wild creatures.
You will need to Buy Two or More Gerbils
If you are considering getting a gerbil, it is important to keep in mind that these animals typically do best when they are kept in groups. Due to their naturally sociable nature, gerbils will become lonely and may develop health problems if they are kept on their own. Because of this, it is generally recommended that you buy at least two gerbils at a time.
Gerbils May Drop Their Tails
When it comes to gerbils, it is well known that they are prone to dropping their tails if they feel threatened or in danger. This instinctive response helps them to escape quickly and avoid getting caught by predators.
While this behavior may seem counterproductive, there is actually a method to their madness. By dropping its tail, the gerbil is able to distract the predator and give itself time to get away.
You Should Only House Gerbils of the Same Sex Together
While gerbils are generally considered to be low-maintenance pets, it important to only house them with others of the same sex in order to minimize potential behavioral problems.
This is because neutering is not always readily accessible, which can make it difficult to control a gerbil’s reproductive behavior. If two males are housed together, they may fight for dominance, but if a male and female are kept together, they will likely mate and produce offspring.
You May Need to Take your Gerbils to the Vet
While gerbils are fairly easy to care for and tend not to get sick or injured very often, there may be times when you need to take your gerbil to the vet.
If your gerbil shows signs of illness or injury, such as lethargy, weight loss, or a change in behavior, then it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, not every vet has enough experience with treating gerbils, which can make it difficult for you to find the right care for your pet. Therefore, if you value the health and well-being of your gerbil, it is important to be prepared and know when and how to take your gerbil to the vet.
While you may not *need* to take your gerbil to the vet at all times, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking care of your pets.
Gerbils do not like to cuddle
Contrary to popular belief, gerbils are not big cuddlers. While they are typically friendly and sweet-natured, they do not enjoy being touched or held for long periods of time.
This is likely due to the fact that gerbils are prey animals in the wild, so their natural instinct is to stay alert and be ready to run or defend themselves at all times.
While it may seem like a cute and harmless activity to snuggle up with a gerbil, these small rodents would much rather be left to their own devices! If you want a pet that loves to snuggle and spend time with you, there are plenty of other options out there – just not gerbils!
But if cuddly companionship is not your top priority when it comes to picking out a pet, then by all means go ahead and adopt one of these adorable little creatures! They will certainly add some enthusiastic energy to your home.
You Need to Ensure Predators Can’t Get your gerbils
While gerbils can certainly be a lot of fun to keep as pets, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that they are always safe. This means keeping them in their cage or tank whenever another animal or predator might be able to access them.
You should never leave your gerbils unattended near an open window or door where a cat or other predator could easily get inside.
You should make sure there are no holes in the enclosure that could allow these predators access. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your gerbils protected from potential harm and ensure that they can live happy and healthy lives.
Gerbils Don’t Live Very Long
Gerbils are small, adorable rodents that have long been a popular choice for both pet owners and research scientists. However, their relatively short lifespans make them a less-than-ideal choice for those looking for long-term companionship.
On average, gerbils only live for 2-4 years, although some may survive up to 6 years. This is significantly lower than many other common types of pets, such as dogs and cats, which can often live 10-18 years or more.
Final Words
So, in conclusion, there are both pros and cons to owning a gerbil. Some of the pros include their small size, ease of care, and high energy levels.
On the other hand, some of the cons include their short lifespan, tendency to reproduce quickly, and dislike of being cuddled. Overall, gerbils can make great pets for those who are prepared for all that comes with taking care of them.
