1 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

2 CHAPTER Gerbils 11

3 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Introduction to Gerbils Four subgenera and fourteen species Best known type: Mongolian desert mouse or Mongolian gerbil –In China, former Soviet Union, and Mongolia –Live in colonies and dig burrows for shelter –Are active day and night –Eat seeds, leaves, roots, stems, and insects First bred in captivity in 1935

4 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Basics of the Mongolian Gerbil From 6 to 8 inches long nose to tail Weighs 3 to 4 ounces Short, thick body and hunched appearance Walks on all fours, stands on hind legs –Short forelegs with hand-like forepaws –Kangaroo-like hind legs and feet –Fur-covered tail provides support Reddish brown to dark brown

5 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Characteristics of Gerbils Scent gland on stomach –Most visible on mature males –Slide stomach to leave scent Very quiet nature –Shrill squeak as alarm or female mating call –Squeaks of young diminish with age –Drumming as alarm or male mating call Short life span (2 to 4 years)

6 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Gerbil Housing and Equipment Similar to that of hamsters –Gerbils more active, adept at escape/jumping –Need more cage space and cage cover Cage desirables –Each type (plastic, metal, wood) has pros/cons –Wood chips/shavings for bedding –Sand area for digging and playing –Safe, solid toys for entertainment

7 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Basics of Gerbil Feeding Small-rodent commercial pellets easiest option Can prepare mixed rations –Grains like corn, oats, wheat, and barley as base –Linseed, millet, canary, and other seeds for variety –Green foods like cabbage and carrots for minerals –Vitamin/mineral supplements when vet recommended Keep water constantly available

8 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Handling Methods for Gerbils Little skill needed –Gerbils are gentle and curious, seldom bite –Slow, gentle movements are effective Technique –Place hand over gerbil’s back, encircle body with thumb and forefinger –Calm gerbil before lifting –Avoid squeezing or lifting by tail –Be extra cautious with young gerbils –Exercise patience to hand feed

9 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Gerbil Diseases and Ailments General –Gerbils are very hardy –Seldom affected by disease Possible afflictions –Respiratory infections (most common) –Nasal dermatitis –Tyzzer’s disease –Fleas, lice, mites –Seizures

10 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Gerbil Reproduction Sexual maturity between 9 and 12 weeks Introduce mating pairs as soon as possible –Generally monogamous animals –Pair bonds may last lifetimes Gestation takes from 24 to 26 days –Young born naked, blind, completely helpless –Three to four in average litter