How to Buy a Gerbil

Gerbils are fun, active pets that are good for any age. They are not as expensive as other pets and work well in any type of living situation. If you want to buy a gerbil, decide if you want to buy or adopt and if you would like to get two gerbils from the same group. You will also have to set up the right living environment.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Buying Your Gerbils

  1. There are many gerbils that have been rescued or abandoned that need good homes. Instead of going to a pet shop right away, consider looking for gerbil rescues in your area. You can start by contacting your local humane society or animal shelter. Many shelters end up with abandoned, lost, or surrendered gerbils. [1]
    • Websites like AdoptAPet , Petfinder and American Gerbil Society Online Rescue Center can provide you with available gerbils that need homes.
  2. Try finding a gerbil breeder in your area. Gerbil breeders usually breed gerbils because they love them and not for profit since there is very little money in gerbil breeding. Many breeders are cheaper than pet stores. [2]
    • A breeder should be knowledgeable about gerbils and be able to tell the difference between a male and female.
    • Good breeders spend time with their gerbils and handle them often.
    • To find a breeder in your area, check online gerbil breeder registries.
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  3. Pet shops are the most common way to buy a gerbil. Make sure to research the pet shop before buying gerbils from there. You can do this online before buying from them. Read any reviews to see if the pet store sells quality gerbils. [3]
    • Some pet shops will sell inbred or sick gerbils. They may also misidentify the sex of your gerbil, which could lead to problems. Use caution when buying from pet shops.
    • Signs that a gerbil is sick include discharge from the nose, fur loss around the eyes and nose, skin problems (especially on the belly), difficulty breathing, lethargy, and diarrhea or wetness on the bottom.
  4. Gerbils are not extremely expensive pets, but they do cost money at first. You will have to pay to buy or adopt the gerbil. You will also have to buy a gerbil cage or aquarium for your gerbils to live in, along with food. [4]
    • You should also buy extras for your gerbil’s house that provide entertainment. These structures may include wheels, housing structures, or crawl tubes.
    • You should expect to spend about $300 per year on supplies including the cage, bedding, water bottle, food bowl, food and treats, toys, and veterinary checkups. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Picking Healthy Gerbils

  1. No matter where you get your gerbil, you want to buy a healthy one. When you are looking for a gerbil, check the eyes. A healthy gerbil has eyes that are bright and wide. [6]
    • Make sure the gerbil doesn't have squinty eyes, which could mean the gerbil is sick or unhappy.
  2. When choosing a gerbil, check over the gerbil's body. Look the gerbil over for any wounds, which might indicate that the gerbil is not well. Pay close attention to the rump, tail, and mouth areas. [7]
    • When you go to pick up the gerbil, note where the gerbil is sleeping. Gerbils who sleep away from tank mates are usually sick.
  3. The last healthy sign to check for is the gerbil's coat. The coat should be undisturbed and shiny. If the gerbils don’t have shiny, sleek fur, or they have ruffled or disturbed fur, there are likely medical problems. [8]
    • Also check the gerbils' tank mates. If they show any of these signs, then all the gerbils may have health problems.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Choosing the Right Gerbil Pair

  1. Gerbils are very social and don’t like being alone. If you are planning on getting a gerbil, you need to get two. Placing a gerbil by itself can cause problems that lead to shorter life spans. [9]
    • With more than two gerbils, the gerbils may start fighting.
  2. When choosing your gerbils, you should choose ones that are from the same group. This connection will ensure that your gerbils get along. Pick gerbils that are either from the same litter or that have been together since they were around eight weeks old. [10]
    • Mixing gerbils from different groups can lead to fighting.
  3. The best pairs of gerbils are usually same-sex gerbils. They get along great and have no problems if from the same group. If you buy a male and a female, you will end up with baby gerbils, which can be a problem if you don’t want to breed them. [11]
    • Gerbils can have up to 10 litters per year, which can be up to 40 babies. Breeding gerbils for money is generally a bad idea since even pet shops can lose money on gerbils.
  4. Gerbils are generally playful and curious, but each one is different. When choosing the gerbils you want, watch how they interact with each other. Also notice how the gerbils interact with you. [12]
    • Some gerbils may be fast and love to scamper around, while other are more calm and likely to stay in one place. Some gerbils may also like to bite or nibble on things in their surroundings, while others won’t do so as much. [13]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Taking Care of Your Gerbil

  1. . When you bring your gerbils home, you need to make sure that you have a cage ready for them. Use appropriate bedding, such as wood pulp or aspen. Buy a gerbil cage that is sturdy enough that your gerbils won’t chew through it, such as one made of wire or glass. [14]
    • You can buy a gerbil cage or enclosure or use an aquarium with a ventilated cover.
    • Avoid using pine or cedar shavings, which can cause respiratory problems in gerbils. [15]
  2. Gerbils are social animals and need to spend time with their humans. Schedule time out of each day to handle your gerbil. Daily interaction helps your gerbil stay happy and stable. [16]
  3. Feeding your gerbil the right food can help keep them healthy and ensure they live a longer, fuller life. Commercial foods designed specifically for gerbils are best and provide for their dietary needs. Refer to the label or ask a sales associate or breeder how much and how often to feed your gerbil based on its size and age. [17]
    • You can also give them vegetables, fruits, plain cereals, and seeds as supplements and treats. They should be given to your gerbil only occasionally, such as a few pieces of plain cereal once per week.
    • Avoid giving your gerbil citrus fruits, lettuce, or spinach. [18]
  4. Your gerbil should always have access to fresh, clean water. Install a water bottle on the side of the cage with a small stopper on it. Be sure to refill the water before it completely runs out to prevent your pets from becoming dehydrated. [19]
  5. Gerbils like playing with toys, but you need to make sure they are made of the right material. Only buy wooden chew toys for them and not plastic ones. Gerbils can chew up plastic toys, which will be harmful to them if they swallow the plastic. [20]
    • Gerbils also love things made out of cardboard, such as paper towel and toilet paper rolls.
  6. Though gerbils keep their cages pretty clean, they burrow, which can result in a big mess. They have a tendency to throw their bedding out of their cage, which can result in a mess on the floor and around the cage. [21]
  7. Gerbils can be great pets for kids, but you will need to help them learn how to take care of them. Help your children remember to feed them, provide water, and change their cage. [22]
    • Children may not be able to properly handle gerbils. You should watch them to make sure they don’t drop the gerbils or squeeze them too hard.
  8. Gerbils have a lifespan of around four to five years. Since the gerbils will live this long, you will have to commit this much time to them. If you do not want to deal with your pet for this long, don’t buy one. [23]
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      References

      1. ↑ http://agsgerbils.org/Find/
      2. ↑ http://www.twinsqueaks.com/care/select.html
      3. ↑ http://www.twinsqueaks.com/care/select.html
      4. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/gerbils/tips/gerbils_as_pets.html
      5. ↑ http://pets.costhelper.com/gerbil.html
      6. ↑ http://www.twinsqueaks.com/care/select.html
      7. ↑ http://www.twinsqueaks.com/care/select.html
      8. ↑ http://www.twinsqueaks.com/care/select.html
      9. ↑ http://gerbilsaspets.com/before-you-buy-a-gerbil-things-to-consider
      1. ↑ http://gerbilsaspets.com/before-you-buy-a-gerbil-things-to-consider
      2. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/rodents/9-Things-To-Consider-when-Buying-a-Gerbil
      3. ↑ http://www.cpr-nc.org/pet-care-info/gerbils
      4. ↑ https://www.pbspettravel.co.uk/blog/gerbils-vs-hamsters/
      5. ↑ http://gerbilsaspets.com/ten-things-you-need-to-know-before-adopting-a-pet-gerbil
      6. ↑ http://pets.costhelper.com/gerbil.html
      7. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/gerbils/tips/gerbils_as_pets.html
      8. ↑ http://gerbilsaspets.com/ten-things-you-need-to-know-before-adopting-a-pet-gerbil
      9. ↑ http://petgerbils.org/food-diet/
      10. ↑ http://petgerbils.org/food-diet/
      11. ↑ http://gerbilsaspets.com/ten-things-you-need-to-know-before-adopting-a-pet-gerbil
      12. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/rodents/9-Things-To-Consider-when-Buying-a-Gerbil
      13. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/gerbils/tips/gerbils_as_pets.html
      14. ↑ http://gerbilsaspets.com/before-you-buy-a-gerbil-things-to-consider

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To buy a gerbil, start by deciding if you want to adopt one from a rescue center, buy one from a breeder, or purchase one from a reputable pet shop. In order to find a reputable breeder in your area, check online gerbil breeder registries. Alternatively, look for positive online reviews to find a pet shop that sells quality gerbils. When picking a healthy gerbil, make sure its eyes are bright and wide, and that its body is free of wounds. Additionally, check that its coat is shiny and unruffled. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to purchase the right toys for your gerbil, keep reading!

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