Although there are different species of gerbils such as fat tail,giant,jirds,and pocket,I am only referring to the Mongolian gerbils.They started out as pets of the Chinese,but were later sold to gullible Americans and Europeans.They are very similar to the jirds of Europe and have been crossed and sold as fertile hybrid pets in some places.Gerbils are not for everyone and they are not as similar to hamsters as everyone thinks.You should read about gerbils in articles such as this one before you decide to purchase or adopt one.Gerbils are illegal in California,but are easily smuggled in from Arizona.

   There are several requirements you need to know before you purchase a gerbil.Are you ready for one?They are very destructive and will cause unthinkable damage if they escape.Although gerbils are typically healthy,they will need to go to a vet someday.Vets are not very cheap and will cost you.Do you have any predatory pets(e.g. ferrets,cats,dogs,etc)?Most importantly,will the gerbil be happy and healthy at the same time.

Some enclosures sold are,but not limited to:

Wood cages:they are not reccomended because urine will seep through and are easily chewed by gerbils approximately 75 percent faster than most rodents.Another option is wire/mesh cages:they are okay,but if they are rusted they may prove toxic or too weak.Some people assume they can use those small plastic tubs with lids,but are too small and do not provide proper air holes,plus they are easily chewed through.The large,colorful cages sold for hamsters can also be used,but make sure they have thick walls and made of hard  plastic so they do not chew through it.The best possible choice other than metal  cages are aquariums.Aquariums however have one tiny problem,they do not allow for proper ventiltion and do not let them climb on the walls.So your best choice is a metal cage that is made of stainless steel.

  Proper bedding should be used to make sure they are happy and healthy.Pine and cedar are softwoods that should not be used as they contain oils/phenols.A good choice would be to use aspen,but these are a bit dusty sometimes and often contain mites.Just freeze the whole bag or package and good as new.It may also not fit your budget.The easiest and cheapest form of bedding is simply putting unfibery paper towels or better,white printing paper.You will not have to shred it as they will do it themseves.Put a small tray of special volcanic dust sold at pet shops.It is made mainly for chincillas,but it is very important to gerbils to keep their coatts healthy as well.Make sure the bedding does not get wet or else the gerbils will get respiratory failure and such.

   Feeding the right kind of food will affect the health and lifespan of your pet.A good basic diet is lab blocks.They are a balanced diet,but are boring and should be supplemented with seeds.A seed mix(preferably Kaytee brand)is also good,but since it has variety,the gerbils have a choice and no longer receive a balanced diet.Try to reserve sunflower seeds and nuts for treats or rewards.They are too high in fat and protein to be fed on a daily basis.Do not feed too many fruits and vegetables in one day as they will get diarrhea.Good fruits and veggies are dandelion greens,apples,grapes,lettuce,and squash.A quarter of a grape for each gerbil should be enough.

  Being from the desert,gerbils do not need too much water,but they still need it like any other organism.You should never use a water bowl because they are not good swimmers and can drown unlike most rodents.Use a lick it water bottle.

Younger gerbils(6 to 8 weeks old)are of course easier to socialize.You should always let the gerbil approach you rather than you going up to it.Use nuts or sunflower seeds to attract them to you.Handle them everyday to socialize them.

   How you handle your gerbils will affect their mental and physical health.Let them crawl on your palm rather than holding their entire body as they feel way too scared and restricted.Never grab  them by their tails.In the wild,the skin on the tail dettaches when grabbed by a predator.I usually try not to grab them by the neck scruff,but you can

   They are very smart and must excersise their brains by playing with toys.The least you can provide them are hamster balls and wheels.