There are surprisingly few different gerbil colors. If you live somewhere that
unusual colors
are rare, you may have only seen
golden agouti gerbils
. The most common gerbil color is the golden agouti, but you can also find white, blue, lilac, and gray There are also different patterns, like spotting and piebald.
What’s the rarest Colour of gerbil?
It is followed by Argente Fawn, the most common of the three, and Argente Cream , the rarest and lightest in the shade.
Can gerbils be albino?
True albinism has been seen in gerbils, but it is rare It was first documented in a laboratory setting in 1989, according to Experimental Animals. But the gerbils in that study were confined to the laboratory and not bred as pets. Since then, albino gerbils have still not been introduced to the pet trade.
What is an agouti gerbil?
If you’d find a gerbil in the wild, agouti is the color you’d likely see. Its coat is a combination of white and brownish hairs The advantage of this pattern is that it provides excellent camouflage. After all, it is a
prey species
and benefits from being less obvious.
Will gerbils cuddle?
One of the nicest things about having pets is cuddling, stroking, and holding them close to you. But because gerbils get easily nervous and scared, they may not seem to be as affectionate. Most gerbils enjoy petting or sitting in your hand. Some gerbils will allow you to cuddle or hug them once trust is established.
How long do albino gerbils live?
Their average lifespan is approximately 2-4 years , around 3 years being typical. However, some gerbils have been reported to live for up to 5 years.
Are hamsters or gerbils better?
Gerbils don’t smell bad as they urinate less frequently than hamsters. Gerbils can learn commands, while hamsters are clever escape artists. Their care needs are about the same, but gerbils usually cost more as they need a companion. Both pets have their advantages and disadvantages, so there isn’t a better pet perse.
Are there black gerbils?
Originally, they were once known as desert rats. There are actually many species of gerbil – over 100 in fact. However, there is only one species that comes in a black coloration and is commonly kept as a pet – the Mongolian gerbil.
Do gerbils bite?
Gerbils don’t bite to be mean Biting is usually a sign that your gerbil is scared. Shouting or flinching can make the gerbil more scared and more likely to bite again. Gerbils are good readers of emotion.
How much does a gerbil cost?
A gerbil costs $5-10 Its cage costs $50-60, plus $50 for a
water bottle
, chew toy, and exercise wheel. Each gerbil eats $50-60 of food per year, and the tank needs $50-100 of bedding. Vets bills cost $40 for a checkup, $10 for medication, and $200 for surgery.
Are gerbils color blind?
Gerbils can see clearly but have better long-distance vision than near vision. Gerbils can see in color but are likely red-green colorblind and can see UV light like other rodents. Gerbils have poor depth perception but a wide field of vision, so they can see threats or predators coming.
How many colors of gerbils are there?
Number Of Gerbil Colors There are approximately 40 different gerbil coat colors in the world today, but there are only a few that are very common. These coat colors include argente golden, black, golden agouti, gray agouti, lilac, and slate.
Are gerbils cannibalistic?
Cannibalism can occur in nature for a variety of reasons. In most small mammals (gerbils, hamsters, rats, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs) cannibalism is most likely to occur when food and water are scarce, and the drive for self-preservation kicks in.
Why do gerbils have tails?
Gerbils use their tails for balance and for losing heat during the scorching daytime in their native habitats The fat-tailed gerbil uses the tail for storing fat reserves too.
How long do gerbils live in captivity?
Gerbils can live for up to 3-4 years – some even live longer.
Are gerbils good pets?
Gerbils make great pets They are active, sociable and intelligent, but they’re best suited to children and adults who do not want to hold their pets. For older children, gerbils can make entertaining pets but it’s important that an adult is responsible for overseeing their care and wellbeing.
Do cats eat gerbils?
Wild cats largely prey on
small rodents
like gerbils As discussed above, Pallas’s cat lives in Mongolia and hunts gerbils to survive. But all wild cats feed on rodents. Some house cats were even bred to be better at hunting mice than their wild cousins (mouser cats).
Are gerbils smart?
In comparison to dogs, no, gerbils are not super-intelligent However, in rodent terms they are clever little critters. Gerbils are inquisitive – always a sign of a bright mind in any animal – and dig complex tunnel systems with lots of different entrances and exits.
Do gerbils need flea treatment?
Gerbil fleas don’t go away on their own, so you’ll need to get rid of them with the right type of treatment Spot on treatments kill gerbil fleas with pesticides, and anti-flea shampoo and anti-flea powder are also effective. Sand baths and cleaning your gerbil’s enclosure will help to control an infestation.
Can gerbils eat rat and mouse food?
The formula is a complete diet that is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of rats and mice. However, hamsters and gerbils can be fed this free of choice.
Can gerbils cohabitate?
Gerbils are social animals and need the constant company of their own kind. The only exception to this is the Fat-tailed gerbil, as females of this species can be kept alone, and will often fight with other females Otherwise, it is always advisable to get a pair of gerbils, either two males or two females.
Why is my gerbils eye red?
In gerbils, in times of stress, the unbound porphyrin can leave deposits in the tear ducts, causing red colored stains around the eyes and nose as the tinted tear fluid leaves the eyes These stains are often mistaken for blood, and must be differentiated.
Do gerbils mate for life?
Female gerbils reach mating maturity at approximately 9 to 12 weeks of age. They experience spontaneous ovulation and breed year-round. Male and female gerbils pair and mate for life and will co-parent their brood once babies are born.
Are there wild gerbils?
Gerbils build extensive networks of tunnels and rarely surface other than to find food and water. Over 100 different species of gerbils live in the wild.
Are there different breeds of gerbils?
There are lots of different gerbil colours, but there are only two species of gerbils commonly kept as pets: Mongolian gerbils and fat-tailed gerbils.
How fast can gerbils run?
The study showed that gerbils were relatively slow sprinters, with a maximum sprint speed of 10.8 km/ph (6.7 mph) , as we’ve already mentioned. Runs also lasted less than one minute. This was compared to a mean speed of 13.4 km/ph (8.3 mph) of 14 other species of quadrupedal North American rodents.
Why does my gerbil squeak when I pet him?
A sharp squeak from a gerbil, therefore, most likely means that the rodent is hurt If your pet makes that sound when you pick it up, it means that you have probably held them too tight.
Do gerbils like to swim?
Gerbils dislike swimming They won’t play games in water like other animals, although they can swim in an emergency. There aren’t many streams and lakes in the gerbil’s natural habitat, so they aren’t good swimmers. They use the doggy paddle to swim, and they’ll do anything they can to get out of the water.
How often should I play with my gerbil?
Generally, gerbils should spend no more than an hour outside of their enclosure. An hour can give gerbils a decent amount of time to play, explore, and get used to the new environment that they’re in.
Do gerbils get lonely?
Almost all single gerbils get lonely and bored Gerbils can socialize either with other gerbils or with you, or both. If you must have a single gerbil, spend plenty of time with it and give it affection. This will keep your pet happy and contented.
Do gerbils need a friend?
Pet gerbils need friends just as their wild counterparts do Left on their own, gerbils become stressed and unhappy – playing with humans will not satisfy the full range of their instinctive needs. So, always opt for a pair, or buy your solitary gerbil a friend of the same species as soon as possible.
How long can gerbils be left alone?
With preparation, gerbils can be left alone for up to a week Leave at least one tablespoon of food per gerbil per day. Attach two water bottles in case one leaks or gets blocked.
Do gerbils need a wheel?
A wheel is important, enabling gerbils to get plenty of daily exercise However, it needs to be a gerbil-friendly variety. A hamster wheel is dangerous for gerbils, as they can trap their tails in its rungs, which is very painful and can lead to swelling and infection.
Are gerbils smelly?
Gerbils don’t smell anywhere near as bad as other rodents Rodents have a typical and distinctive smell. The smell is variously described as musty, like ammonia or like urine. However, gerbils don’t smell anywhere near as bad as other pets like mice or hamsters.
Do gerbils make noise?
Gerbils can make a variety of noises, from squeaks to chirps If you notice that your gerbil is making a peculiar noise it’s natural to be a bit worried, but there are lots of different reasons for vocalisations, and some of them are perfectly normal.
What is the friendliest gerbil?
Fat-tailed gerbils make a convenient pet to keep because although they are social, they are also quite happy to live alone. They are not aggressive and will rarely bite, adjusting quickly to being handled. They have earned a reputation as being one of the most docile species within the gerbil family.
What is the biggest gerbil?
characteristics. …of the largest is the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), which inhabits the deserts of Central Asia and is 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 inches) long, with a slightly shorter, densely haired tail.
What is the best gerbil to get?
Fat-tailed gerbils have longer lifespans, are more docile, and don’t need as much space. They can be kept alone, whereas Mongolian gerbils must live in pairs. But fat-tailed gerbils are rare in the pet trade. Most vets are only experienced with Mongolian gerbils, so they are widely seen as the best pet gerbil.
Do gerbils pee on you?
Yes, it is basically a way of her saying “I own you, you are mine, and no one else’s.” She is putting her smell all over you, so if any other gerbils come along they’ll know: you’re taken!.
What foods are toxic to gerbils?
Beware! Don’t give your pets grapes or rhubarb , as these are poisonous to rodents. Avoid excessive amounts of certain seeds (such as sunflower), as they’re fatty and can cause obesity.
How do you pick up gerbils?
To grasp a gerbil, the over-the-back grip is recommended. To pick up a gerbil, the base of the tail should be gripped Never attempt to pick up a gerbil by the end of the tail because the tuft and tail skin may pull off. The hamster should be fully away before attempting to pick it up.
Are gerbils illegal?
Gerbils aren’t illegal under Federal law in the United States The law can ban ‘exotic’ pets, which come from other parts of the world. These pets can be dangerous, either to people or wildlife, which is why they’re banned.
What size cage Do gerbils need?
“A single gerbil is a sad gerbil.” While previously 5-gallons per gerbil was considered adequate, now the rule of thumb is 10-gallons of space per gerbil So, if you have a pair of gerbils, a 20-gallon cage—or an average base of 12 inches by 30 inches—is a good minimum, she adds.
How old are gerbils in pet stores?
Remember, you’re aiming to find a pair of gerbils that are at least six or seven weeks old DO NOT PURCHASE if your potential pets have any of the following characteristics: Eyes that have not yet opened (this happens at about the three week mark).
Citations
https://www.shutterstock.com/search/white-gerbil
https://www.gerbilwelfare.com/gerbil-colors-and-patterns/
http://www.thegerbils.com/colors1.htm