If you’re looking for a cheap pet, consider getting a gerbil. While they’re not the cuddliest or snuggliest of all animals, they can be a very productive breeder and relatively easy to keep. Gerbils do require a special diet to remain healthy, though. This article will discuss the foods your gerbil should be eating. A few things to remember when buying gerbil food:
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gerbils are productive breeders
Gerbils can be kept together, and you can safely keep a male and a female gerbil in the same cage. Depending on the gerbil’s age, the mother can become pregnant on the third day after giving birth, so you can boost the fat and calcium intake by adding extra sunflower seeds or fresh vegetables. After birth, newborn gerbils have hair and open their eyes. If they are small, you can keep them and rehome the rest. However, if there are too many pups, you may have to find a new home for them.
If you want to mate a gerbil, it is important to wait at least three to four months. A male gerbil will breed with his own mum and a female gerbil will mate with his mate if he is receptive to it. While this is not ideal for the line and species, some people opt to leave the male and female pair together for the life of the gerbil. However, it is important to note that gerbils are not seasonally breeding animals, so they can breed year-round. This means that the female is under tremendous strain during breeding.
Gerbils are affordable pets
When compared to other types of pets, gerbils are extremely affordable. You can easily buy a gerbil for $10 and it will require only about $30 to $100 for the cage and all supplies required for it. You can also get a betta fish for around $5 and pay another $2-3 for food and water conditioner. The aquarium doesn’t need a lot of space and can even be kept in a small fish bowl.
Like all pets, gerbils will require some maintenance and veterinary care. They can contract illnesses, develop infections, and even experience seizures. While gerbils are relatively healthy, veterinary bills may be quite high. Prices will vary, so it is important to shop around for lower prices. A vet’s fee can also vary greatly, so make sure to choose a vet with experience. A vet will have a list of their members.
They aren’t cuddly
If you’re new to owning a gerbil, you might be surprised to learn that gerbils are not exactly cuddly creatures. After all, they are very active and can be a little unnerving for first-time gerbil owners. While this might sound like an issue, remember that your gerbil might not dislike you, and that it just doesn’t like cuddling or affection. Eventually, though, gerbils can be trained to be more friendly and trusting.
Many gerbils are not very cuddly, and they may try to run away from you and bite. This is not the type of pet you should try to get if you have small children. Instead, consider getting a fish or other type of animal for your children. A gerbil may be too much work for your little one, but he or she will eventually grow to love it.
They need a special diet
The Gerbil needs a specific diet for good health, and you can get it from your local pet store or from a reputable retailer. While gerbils do enjoy a few fruits and vegetables, they do not eat large amounts of these foods. In addition to regular vegetables, gerbils should also have fresh water provided to them at all times. Unlike other small mammals, gerbils produce less waste and have lower odors. Cleaning up their cages daily is also crucial.
You should choose a specialized gerbil food that is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins. Gerbils should be fed at least twice a day. Gerbils also need to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, like apple and carrot bits. Try adding a bit of mashed banana to their diet once in a while. Alternatively, gerbils love to snack on small scraps of fruits and vegetables.
They need more magnesium than rats
While gerbils and rats do not have the same nutritional requirements, they share similar dietary needs. Both are omnivores and eat mostly seeds and grains. Depending on their diet, they can consume anything from berries to nuts to seeds. While they are similar in size, they require slightly different nutrients. Gerbils obtain most of their energy from carbohydrates and get about 5% of their daily diet from fat and protein.
Because their digestive systems are not developed, gerbils have a simple and small colon. They eat seeds and low-fiber foods in nature. Pelletized natural-ingredient diets have been fed to gerbils with good results. Supplemental seeds and cereals are not necessary. Gerbils also enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Bits of apple, carrot, pea, and celery are also nutritious treats for gerbils.
They need fresh fruits and vegetables
To provide the best nutrition for your gerbil, choose a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, carrots, and cabbage. While grapes and rhubarb should be avoided, most fruits and vegetables are perfectly safe to feed your gerbil. Seeds are a great source of fiber and nutrients. However, they do pack a lot of fat, so limit their intake. Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and butternut squash seeds are all good sources of fiber. Avoid giving your gerbils grapes, melon seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Always remember to wash your gerbil’s food thoroughly before feeding it. Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly in warm water, and any dirt should be rubbed off with a toothbrush. When feeding them store-bought food, make sure to freeze it for a few hours or overnight to ensure freshness. Bugs can cause disease or even death, so it’s best to avoid contact with them.
