Cruise Finder - Gerbils Facts

Roots of plants available in deserts, seeds, grains, gerbils feed on grasses. Gerbils live in groups and have a strong sense of smell that helps them in recognizing other members of their clan, in the wild. While most of them are diurnal, few of the gerbils exhibit a crepuscular behavior. The gerbils are commonly known as desert rats due to their adaptability to arid environment. Gerbil is a subfamily of around 110 rodents found worldwide, a mammal belonging to the order Rodentia.

Gerbils Facts

The gerbils life span ranges from 2-3 years. Heart rate of these rodents ranges between 260-600/minute. The average body temperature of 39 ?C can vary by 0.5?C. Families of gerbils living together in chambers is also one of the features of these tunnel networks. Gerbils live underground and they create a network of tunnels. The hind legs are characterized by a furry surface which protects them from hot and dry surfaces of deserts. They have larger hind legs which help them in movement by hopping. The gerbils weigh around 2? oz, species like Rhombomys opimus are as long as 16 inches; however. The average body length of gerbils ranges from 6-12 inch.

Gerbils as Pets

The following points would help in understanding about how to care for gerbils. Gerbils with their clean odor are amongst good household pets, thus. Mongolia gerbils are commonly used in the pet industry. The body of gerbils is adapted to survive arid/dry climatic conditions and their kidneys produce little amount of waste for body fluid conservation. Just like hamsters, the gerbils are considered to be good household pets.

It would be wise to follow the advise of people from the pet store, these creatures are known to fight violently and therefore. Which are familiar with each other, * It is important to keep those gerbils together.

The gerbil should be taken to a veterinarian, for proper teeth care. There are chances of the mouth roof getting injured, if clipping is not carried out regularly. It is important to clip them off regularly, * Growth of teeth in gerbils takes place continuously and hence.

* The pellet form of food is given to gerbils.

Their habit of gnawing/chewing could pose a danger of ingesting plastic. Plastic materials should never be used for housing gerbils. The gerbils can bury themselves in cotton; * A metal gerbil cage and cotton bedding is recommended for housing a gerbil.

The creature can die from tyzzer's disease, in worst cases. Diarrhea, hunched posture, poor appetite, ruffled fur, symptoms of the tyzzer's disease are lethargy. Due to stress, it is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and in some cases. In gerbils, * Tyzzers' disease is the health problem to watch out for.

Read more on gerbils as pets. Gentle handling should keep them under control. * Handling the gerbils properly is important for their health as well as controlling the violent behavior.

Fun Facts About Gerbils

These gerbils facts would reveal some interesting information about gerbils. Here are few fun facts about gerbils.

* The gerbils are fond of sunflower seeds.

* A gerbil marks his territory by rubbing stomach on nearby the objects.

So that they get a feel of security, * A nest box is needed by gerbils.

They generally pound their hind legs on ground, when the gerbils feel excited or are stressed. * An interesting form of gerbil behavior is thumping.

Even if they are not stressed, * Thumping in young gerbils can be seen.

Gerbils facts provided in the article should give enough information about these rodents. Their docile nature and other features help the owners to take care of the gerbils easily. The gerbils are amongst the most preferred pets in the world.