29

ESSENTIALS                                                                                                            EXTRAS
CAGE                                                                                                                          WHEEL(supervised)
BEDDING                                                                                                                  TOYS
DISH                                                                                                                           TREATS
WATER BOTTLE & HOLDER
FOOD
SALT LICK
VITAMINS
CHEW STICKS
     The gerbils natural curiosity and high energy level make them one of the most entertaining and visual of pets .  Their antics  can keep even the youngest child enthralled for hours.
     The gerbils life span is approximately 3-4 years.  Their gestation period is approximately 3 1/2-4 weeks, with an average litter size of 4-5 babies.
     Gerbils prefer to be kept in pairs because the are social and very active.  Mixing gerbils from different cages or litters is not recommended as they recognize each other be scent.  If you are wanting to mix 2 gerbils that do not know each other this is best done by dividing the cage in half by a metal screen for at least 2 weeks.
     THE CAGE The cage should be large enough that the gerbils will have enough room
to eat and sleep and also to play.  WIRE CAGES are durable and easy to clean with good ventilation but urine can corrode the metal, litter can be kicked out and fingers can
be mistaken for food when stuck through the wire.  GLASS OR PLASTIC CAGES WITH SCREEN COVERS keep shavings in and fingers out but do not have enough ventilation during hot weather, plus plastic scratches and is easily chewed.  It is a matter
of choosing what will work best for you.  Hamsters are very susceptible to heat, make sure the cage is not placed in sunlight and that during hot weather that it has proper ventilation.  NEVER use cedar bedding in the cage.  Cedar oil is very irritating to the respiratory system of most small animals.  The bedding should be changed at least once a week and the cage cleaned with bleach and water and then rinsed thoroughly.  NEVER use household cleaners.
     THE DIET The diet should be well rounded, varied and fresh.  Pelleted and premixed foods should always be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables,
vitamins, treats, chew sticks and even insects.  FRESH, CLEAN WATER AND FOOD SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
     HANDLING Remember that gerbils are very fast moving and can very quickly jump or be squeezed to hard by little hands trying to hold them.  When you wish to handle your pet, talk softly and move slowly.  Always wash your hands before and after handling to remove any food smells and to reduce the risk of giving an illness to your pet or possibly catching something from your pet.