Gerbils : The best friend that you didn't know you had

GERBILS

The best friend you never knew you had.

Being as I live in a 2nd story apartment, getting a dog was out of the question. 

At least for now it is. In lieu of a large mammal running around, destroying the house, I bought 2 gerbils. I wanted to teach my son responsibility and also to care for ALL life. 

No matter how small, large, or insignificant.

I purchase the 2 gerbils pictured above, weeks before the PET STORE went out of business. So, in my opinion, they got pretty lucky. They got an awesome home and have it made in the shade BABY!

After 3 months, I looked int the cage and VIOLA... BABIES!!!

I had NO clue that these Gerbils were not the same sex. They were sold to me as the same sex. So, maybe I should have checked myself. Never the less, since the first litter, we have raised, and re homed 14 other gerbils from their frisky escapades. 

The amazing thing about these animals is how close they are as a family. 

They do not have any issue with the juveniles leaving the cage, but they are protective of their babies. They will all sleep in a pile, keeping one another warm. The male also has a HUGE part in the raising of the babies. He will actually sit on the babies so the mother can eat, drink and get some wheel time. I noticed this after the first litter. Without him, she can become very stressed and some times, cannibalize their young. It isn't common, but it can happen. If you NEED to handle the young, rub your hands in the mulch and their bedding. This gets their scent on your hands, and prevents them from being offended by the human scent on their young.

Playing Peek a boo through their box.

Curious creatures, they some times stop to pose.

Finally coming out of the box to get some sun light.

Having a snack after running on the wheel.

Some TIPS for breeding gerbils:

After the babies are born, do NOT clean the cage for up to 2 weeks after. 

Let them settle in, and in 2 weeks they will be running blindly around he cage.

Then you can clean it, just remember the "Scent trick".

Gerbils will mate for 8 hours after they give birth. It is hard to separate them after she gives birth, as it is hard to tell when it happens. If you can separate him, that is your choice. Just remember he plays a BIG role in helping her, and she can become very ANXIOUS and not take care of her pups.

The gestation period is 28-30 days.

This means your gerbils can have babies every month.

My litters have varied from 3-6. With litters over 5, one usually does not make it.

Keep an eye out for deceased babies, and keep them out of the cage.

It can make the others sick.

Have a second cage on standby at all times.

If they have another litter, you will want to move the previous litter to their own cage.

They are close as a family, but mom and dad need to focus on the new arrivals.

They will be a little scared upon transition but will adjust quickly.

If you have any other questions please leave them in the comments below.