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Gerbil

The document provides a comprehensive care sheet for gerbils, including their diet, housing needs, normal behaviors, grooming requirements, health issues to watch for, and signs of a healthy gerbil. It details what a gerbil needs to stay happy and healthy as a pet.

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190 views

Gerbil

The document provides a comprehensive care sheet for gerbils, including their diet, housing needs, normal behaviors, grooming requirements, health issues to watch for, and signs of a healthy gerbil. It details what a gerbil needs to stay happy and healthy as a pet.

Uploaded by

ringpiece
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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shopping list for needed supplies

appropriately sized habitat book about gerbils high quality gerbil food treats bedding nesting uff food bowl/water bottle exercise wheel hideaway place toys wood chews mineral chews dust and dust bath chew tubes vitamins

gerbil

meriones unguiculatus

sources
Speak to an associate about the Petco library of books on gerbils. Speak to an associate about our many private brand items available for the care and happiness of your pet. Because all gerbils are potential carriers of infectious diseases, always wash your hands before and after handling your gerbil and/or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of diseases. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5 and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing and/or caring for a gerbil and should consider not having a gerbil as a pet. For more information regarding gerbils and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/ and petco.com/caresheet.

care sheet
Gerbils are social animals with bold and curious personalities. Gerbils love to burrow and play in tubes and boxes.

gerbil facts:
average adult size: average life span: diet: 4-5 inches long up to 5 years with proper care herbivores

Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please refer to the sources on the following page or contact your veterinarian as appropriate. 2012, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. (03/2012) Developed with and approved by a qualied veterinarian.

care sheet
diet
A well-balanced gerbil diet consists of: High-quality gerbil food and limited amounts of vegetables and fruits. Clean, fresh, ltered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. Do not feed chocolate, caffeine or alcohol as these can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats.

gerbil
housing

meriones unguiculatus
normal behavior
Social animals that enjoy the company of their pet parent. Enjoy an occasional dust bath. Thump their back feet to signal fear.

Developed with and approved by a qualied veterinarian.

once a week, or more often as necessary.

Gerbils acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should never be in direct sunlight or in a drafty area. Habitat should be glass or metal, escape proof with solid bottom; there should be plenty of room for the gerbil to exercise and play. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. 1-2 inches of bedding should be placed in the habitat; proper bedding includes high quality paper bedding, crumbled paper bedding, or hardwood shavings. Cedar-based products are not recommended. Gerbils may be kept in same-sex pairs if they are raised together, otherwise, keep adult gerbils housed separately. Different types of small animals should not be housed together.

grooming & hygiene


Gerbils stay clean and rarely need baths, but can be spot cleaned with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes, if needed. Gerbils enjoy an occasional dust bath;fur may be brushed with a soft-backed brush. Consult with a veterinarian if a gerbils teeth or nails seem too long.

feeding
Things to remember when feeding your gerbil: Fresh food and water should always be available. Limited amounts of vegetables and fruits can be given daily. Vegetables and fruits not eaten within 24 hours should be discarded. Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of total food intake.

Chews on objects to maintain incisor teeth, which grow continuously; ensure have plenty of chew sticks available. Gerbils are voracious chewers and should be kept in glass enclosures as they will chew through plastic cages. Their habitat furniture should be wood as all furniture will be chewed thoroughly.

signs of a healthy animal


Active, alert, and sociable Eats and drinks regularly Healthy fur and clear eyes Breathing is clear and walks normally It is normal for a gerbils teeth to be yellow; cleaning is not necessary.

habitat maintenance
Clean the habitat and its contents at least once a week with mild soap and water, rinse and allow to dry completely before placing the gerbil back into the habitat. Remove wet spots daily; change bedding at least

red ags
weight loss abnormal hair loss diarrhea or dirty bottom distressed breathing lethargic If you notice any of these signs, please contact your exotic animal veterinarian. eye or nasal discharge skin lesions overgrown teeth

common health issues


Health Issue
diarrhea

Symptoms or Causes
loose stool caused by poor diet, stress, internal parasites, unclean housing or other illness. overgrown teeth.

Suggested Action

malocclusion

mites

tumors

consult with an exotic animal veterinarian to determine cause and treatment. consult with an exotic animal veterinarian to have teeth trimmed regularly. external parasites that causes consult an exotic gerbils to lose patches of hair. animal veterinarian for treatment. abnormal lumps. consult with an exotic animal veterinarian.

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