The first gerbils were imported into the United States in 1954. They came from Mongolia. Their original colour is brown-grey, but many mutations exist: black, yellow, cream, bicolour.
Its tail is shorter than its body. An abdominal gland with sebaceous secretion allows it to mark its territory.
Living environment:
- It is a diurnal animal, originally living in desert areas. The cage must be of a suitable size: minimum 60x35x35. An aquarium tank can also be used. The bedding should be changed every week, or even twice a week.
- Substrate: wood shavings, hemp bedding, hay, straw.
- A sand box is necessary; they will roll in it to remove the excess sebum on their skin.
- Ambient value: 20-22 degrees
Diet:
- A vegetarian diet with omnivorous tendencies
- Commercial pellets (18 to 22% protein)
- Seed mix
- Complementary food: vegetables, moist or dried fruit, cheeses.
- Avoid fruits rich in vitamin C (citrus, kiwi)
Care:
- No particular care needed.
Common diseases
The gerbil may present skin and parasite problems, digestive and dental disorders, as well as brief nervous seizures.
Some gerbils have short seizures during which they freeze or tremble (nervous seizures, a form of epilepsy). This is often harmless, but should always be reported to your veterinarian.
Its teeth grow throughout its life. If the incisors wear down poorly (malocclusion), the animal drools, eats less and loses weight. The skin can also be affected by parasites or a fungus (ringworm), with itching, rough fur and hair loss.
A scab or a sore around the nose (nasal dermatitis) is common and should be shown to a vet. A lump may appear at the gland located under the abdomen. Finally, never pick up a gerbil by the tail: its skin comes off very easily.
When to see a vet promptly a nervous seizure, a scab on the nose, an animal that drools or loses weight, a lump on the abdomen, itching or hair loss.
When to see a vet urgently a seizure that goes on or recurs, a very listless animal that stops eating, marked diarrhoea.
The veterinarian's advice never hold the gerbil by the tail; support its whole body in your hand.
Key points brief seizures are often harmless but deserve to be reported. This information does not replace a consultation.