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Buying Gerbils
How and Where?
Gerbils can either be bought from a Pet Store or from a breeder. I have found that Pet store gerbils are more aggressive because their living conditions are below what a healthy and happy gerbil needs; while gerbils from a breeder are perfectly happy and healthy. You can also get some gerbils from a friend or newspaper adsvertisments. No matter where you get them they should be checked to see if they are healthy. Look for curiosity and liveliness, a listless gerbil is usually a sick gerbil, and don't buy a gerbil that is in the same cage as a sick gerbil! It too may have the same problem! If you want a pair try to already buy a pair that is already living together because it saves the time that you would have to go through to introduce unfamiliar cage mates with the Split Cage Method (Introducing Strange Gerbils). Make sure that the gerbils are kept in a clean cage with plenty of toys. Toys are very important because they stimulate the gerbil both physically and mentally. The gerbils should be perky and alert when they are taken out for you with their eyes bright, clear, and open. Make sure that their coat is bright, soft, and shiny with no bald spots or skin problems. Make sure that they don't have any parasites because they can spread them to your other gerbils or even the cage mate that you pick out as well. To do so watch for excessive scratching. Check their anal area for signs of diarrhea, like soiled hindquarters. Also check for wounds and injuries. Never buy a hurt gerbil because it only leads to problems. Check their teeth to make sure it closes properly and has no broken teeth. And finally make sure that they are at least 6 weeks old because if they are weaned to early then they will die no matter what you do. You best bet is 8 to 10 weeks! In conclusion be sure that you go to a reputable Pet Store or visit a reputable breeder to get your gerbils!
How many?
Gerbil love company! Gerbils not only make great family pets but also enjoying living in family groups themselves. It is a very good idea to provide gerbils with companions of their own species. If you wish to breed get a one male and a one female per cage, but if breeding is not your goal get a same-sex pair, siblings will live together better plus you don't have to go through the Split Cage Method (Introducing Strange Gerbils). Brothers get along better than sisters! But remember the more gerbils you get the more space you need to provide.
2 gerbils- 10 gallon tank, or 1 level wire cage of equal floor space
3 gerbils- 15 gallon tank, or 2 level wire cage of equal floor space
4-5 gerbils- add 5 gallons and 1 level and some floor space for each gerbil (Remember that 3+ gerbils will fight!!)
No more that 5 gerbils should be kept in one cage!
*A plastic habitat complete with tubes is suitable for 4+ gerbils if it had numerous compartments and lots of tubes.*
