Gerbils are small rodents that belong to the subfamily Gerbillinae. They are often kept as pets due to their friendly and social nature.
Gerbils are native to arid regions of Asia and Africa, including parts of the Middle East and Mongolia.
There are over 90 different species of gerbils, but the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is the most common species kept as a pet.
Gerbils are highly social creatures and thrive in pairs or small groups. They are known for their playful interactions with each other.
They have long, tufted tails that help them balance and communicate with each other through tail movements.
Gerbils are excellent burrowers and are known for their complex underground tunnel systems in the wild. In captivity, they enjoy digging and should be provided with suitable substrate for this behavior.
Gerbils are herbivores and primarily feed on seeds, grains, and vegetation in the wild. In captivity, they are typically given a diet of gerbil pellets and fresh vegetables.
: Gerbils are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night and sleep during the day.
The average lifespan of a gerbil is around 2 to 4 years, although some individuals can live longer with proper care.
Gerbils are known for their rapid reproduction. They can have litters of 4 to 6 pups approximately every 25 to 30 days. It's important to separate males and females if you don't want them to breed.