PetSmart – Similar to Petco, PetSmart is a nationwide pet store chain that offers
pet supplies
and
live animals
like reptiles, birds, and rodents. PetSmart does sell gerbils in the store, so you can visit the store in person and see the animals for yourself.
How much does a gerbils 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.
Can you still buy gerbils?
Gerbils. Gerbils cannot be lawfully kept as pets in California.
Should I get 1 or 2 gerbils?
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.
Are gerbils a good first pet?
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.
How much is 2 gerbils?
If you find a reputable breeder, you’ll have a good selection of gerbils to choose from and a knowledgeable source for the information you need. You should also expect your gerbil to cost $10 to $100 Make sure that the breeder you choose is in good standing. You want to see healthy babies in a clean environment.
Do gerbils like to 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.
Do gerbils bite you?
They are fun to watch and don’t smell bad like some other rodents. One of the questions we get most often is from people wondering if a gerbil will bite. Unfortunately, the short answer is yes. Your gerbil can and will bite if provoked.
Are gerbils or hamsters nicer?
Gerbils are ideal pets for children who have little or no experience caring for a small animal This is due to the fact that gerbils are active throughout the day and rarely bite. Hamsters, however, do not like to be petted or held. Hamsters will bite when they are held or if they become irritated.
How do I pick a gerbil?
It should be healthy and of an appropriate age and gender for its living situation. Pick a gerbil that’s energetic, curious, and interested in exploring its surroundings It should have a glossy, clean, and even coat with no signs of matting. A healthy gerbil’s eyes will be shiny and free of discharge.
How do you pick a gerbil?
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.
Do gerbils play dead?
Hiding in burrows is a gerbil’s most effective self-defense strategy. Gerbils stomp their feet to warn each other of nearby predators so that they can escape in time. They can also fight back against predators with their sharp incisors. As a last resort, they can play dead to discourage predators.
Do gerbils cry?
Gerbils can become upset and will behave in a certain way when they are. While they won’t produce tears like humans, you could call this behavior ‘crying’ One thing you will see is a gerbil producing shrill, urgent shrieks.
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 noisy at night?
However, your gerbils will inevitably make some noise during the night They will need to exercise and keep themselves occupied. Sometimes, the gerbilarium itself can contribute to your gerbils’ nighttime noise.
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.
Do gerbils smell?
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.
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.
Can a gerbil live alone?
Can Gerbils Live Alone? A gerbil can live alone Many owners, especially new owners, only get one gerbil at first.
Do gerbils need a bath?
Most gerbils need sand baths roughly once per week But if your gerbil gets dirty more often than this, you can offer the sand bath more frequently. Black and darker-colored fur tend to get greasy more quickly. To give your gerbil a sand bath, fill the container with clean sand and place it in the gerbilarium.
Are gerbils dirty?
1. Gerbils Can Be a Little Bit Messy Gerbils are clean rodents that love to burrow, but this can mean that they kick the sawdust out of their cage, which requires you to constantly clean the floor and surrounding area. For this reason, you may want to consider buying an aquarium.
Which is better gerbil or
guinea pig
?
Guinea Pigs are a more robust and resilient breed of rodent that is often thought to be slightly more intelligent than a Gerbil However, they do need more space because they are so much bigger than a Gerbil. Both these pets need daily interaction and socialization.
What diseases do gerbils carry?
There are disease concerns with both wild (rats, mice) and pet (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) rodents and rabbits. They can carry many diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia and Salmonella.
References
https://patch.com/connecticut/newcanaan/new-canaan-small-business-spotlight-toms-gerbils
https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/small-and-furry-care/gerbil-care/