How much time do you have?
Although gerbils are fairly independent and can entertain themselves for extended periods of time, a happy, well-adjusted gerbil is one who receives daily handling and interaction. Furthermore, you should take them out in your playpen for 30 mins everyday if possible, and if you can't, as much as you can. ALso consider that cleaning the cage takes about 1h30 mins.
What's your budget?
Owning gerbils is not as expensive as owning a cat or dog, but that doesn’t mean you won't spend money. The adoption fee or purchase price for gerbils (they should generally be housed in same-sex pairs and be bought from breeders preferably) will typically be minimal, but there are startup costs and ongoing needs to anticipate.
The initial investment in your gerbil's supplies is likely to cost more than $100. A new 10- or 15-gallon aquarium with a fitted cover can run $25 to $40 (you may be able to find a gently used aquarium online for a lower price), and you'll want to outfit your gerbil’s house with the basics plus some fun extras.
The initial purchase of equipment and supplies includes:
It's also important to budget for unanticipated veterinary costs related to medical emergencies or minor but fairly common services such as tooth trimming.
Consider lifespan:
A gerbil's lifespan is about 3 to 4 years. Gerbils live longer than mice, not as long as guinea pigs, and about the same number of years as hamsters and rats.
Gerbils and other small animals have a much shorter life expectancy than dogs and cats, but they still require a commitment. Three or four years is a significant period of time; make you sure you children are willing to take care of gerbils for 4 years.
Is my child prepared for this commitment? Do you have young children?
Are you willing to assume responsibility for the gerbil's daily care if your child loses interest? If you have young children (under 7), make sure they don't approach the gerbils.
Do you live in California or Hawaii?
It's not legal to own gerbils as pets in these states. Why? The climate is very similar to a gerbil's natural desert habitat, and agricultural and environmental officials have expressed concern that released or escaped gerbils could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants and animals.
PS: This list may sound complicated, boring, or strict but in the end, it's only spending 30 mins a day taking care of your gerbil and spending 100 $ per year. Compared to all they joy gerbils will provide you, it's nothing !
Although gerbils are fairly independent and can entertain themselves for extended periods of time, a happy, well-adjusted gerbil is one who receives daily handling and interaction. Furthermore, you should take them out in your playpen for 30 mins everyday if possible, and if you can't, as much as you can. ALso consider that cleaning the cage takes about 1h30 mins.
What's your budget?
Owning gerbils is not as expensive as owning a cat or dog, but that doesn’t mean you won't spend money. The adoption fee or purchase price for gerbils (they should generally be housed in same-sex pairs and be bought from breeders preferably) will typically be minimal, but there are startup costs and ongoing needs to anticipate.
The initial investment in your gerbil's supplies is likely to cost more than $100. A new 10- or 15-gallon aquarium with a fitted cover can run $25 to $40 (you may be able to find a gently used aquarium online for a lower price), and you'll want to outfit your gerbil’s house with the basics plus some fun extras.
The initial purchase of equipment and supplies includes:
- An aquarium that's at least 15 gallons large with a well-fitting mesh cover
- Bedding and nesting material
- Nesting box
- Water bottle and holder
- Food dish
- Gerbil chow
- Exercise wheel
- Sand bath
- Toys
- Treats
It's also important to budget for unanticipated veterinary costs related to medical emergencies or minor but fairly common services such as tooth trimming.
Consider lifespan:
A gerbil's lifespan is about 3 to 4 years. Gerbils live longer than mice, not as long as guinea pigs, and about the same number of years as hamsters and rats.
Gerbils and other small animals have a much shorter life expectancy than dogs and cats, but they still require a commitment. Three or four years is a significant period of time; make you sure you children are willing to take care of gerbils for 4 years.
Is my child prepared for this commitment? Do you have young children?
Are you willing to assume responsibility for the gerbil's daily care if your child loses interest? If you have young children (under 7), make sure they don't approach the gerbils.
Do you live in California or Hawaii?
It's not legal to own gerbils as pets in these states. Why? The climate is very similar to a gerbil's natural desert habitat, and agricultural and environmental officials have expressed concern that released or escaped gerbils could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants and animals.
PS: This list may sound complicated, boring, or strict but in the end, it's only spending 30 mins a day taking care of your gerbil and spending 100 $ per year. Compared to all they joy gerbils will provide you, it's nothing !