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Gerbils
A number of species of Gerbils have been developed to be pets. Raising and training these little fur balls is fun and educational.
1,075 Questions
Quite popular, especially if you are in England. They make very good pets, as they are clean, smart and affectionate towards people.
Feeding your rabbit hamster/gerbil food is far from ideal -- really, it's not a good thing -- even in the short term.
First of all, any sudden change in a rabbit's diet can make her sick. For instance, when you plan on switching a rabbit's pellets, you should always do it gradually by mixing the two different pellets together -- first with mostly the old kind in the mix, then every few days add a bit more of the new kind, until after a few weeks you've completely switched over. Switching pellets cold turkey like this question describes can lead to gastric distress (and G.I. Stasis, which is a life-threatening condition).
Second of all, hamsters and gerbils are omnivores, which means they eat meat. This means they require more fat and protein in their diet than rabbits do (rabbits are herbivores -- vegans). Also, rabbits are grazers, which means they require a whole lot of fibre in their diet: hamsters and gerbils don't need as much. What this comes down to is that hamster/gerbil food is too high in fat and protein, and too low in fibre, to be any good for rabbits.
If you're in this situation you should ask yourself -- really seriously level with yourself -- is there truly no way you can get the proper pellets? Could you not borrow some money? Could you not make an inconvenient trip to the store? Is it truly impossible to get the right food, or are you in fact just risking your pet's health and wellbeing for the sake of your pride, or your convenience, or some other reason that could be overcome? Don't be selfish: this is an animal that is dependent on you, an animal you have taken into your care. You are responsible!
If, truly, it's impossible to get the right food, then gerbil/hamster food is better than nothing. This really is just for true emergencies, though. If you absolutely have to feed your rabbit gerbil/hamster food, at least take the following precautions:
(1) Really, really push hay consumption, also willow or apple twigs are good, even plain cardboard! You have to make up for the low fibre content of the pellets. Research ways to encourage hay consumption. One way is to offer many small piles of hay, instead of one big pile. Another way is to stuff hay into a toilet paper roll -- this is like a toy for your bunny.
(2) Cut down on the pellets. If you feed the same portion size of gerbil/hamster pellets as you normally would rabbit pellets, then the rabbit will be getting too much protein and fat. Cutting down on the pellets will also encourage more hay consumption.
(3) Eliminate treats. The rabbit will already be getting extra fats and calories from the hamster/gerbil pellets.
(4) Watch your rabbit's health carefully, more than usual. You want to be on guard for gas, cecal dysbiosis (mushy poops), and really any signs of ill health. Be prepared to bring the rabbit to the vet.
It's really important to make sure you're never in this situation! Keep an eye on how much pellets you have and always buy more before you're out. Budget for your rabbit carefully so that you're never out of money. Plan for emergencies for your pets just as you should for yourself! If you find you can't do these things, then re-home your rabbit because pets are not a right: they are a privelege for those who are able to care for them properly.
A strange virus one may pick up on holiday?
Souvenir.
Anagram of Virus one (strange) that makes something you might pick up on holiday.
Is it wise to put a mouse and a gerbil in the same cage?
Probably not. But I read a book in my school library about gerbils and the author of it said that one of his friends put a gerbil and a mouse together in a cage and they worked out OK.
Gerbils need exercise, as does any lifeform, to maintain a healthy life. The best way to do this is to provide a wheel in their cage. Many gerbils love a wheel! A fun way to add exercise may be to purchase a small rodent ball, and allow your gerbil some free roaming time in a safe area (i.e. away from other pets, stairs, electricity, etc.).
Can a Gerbil have Sheep's wool for bedding please?
Wool fibers and commercially sold "fluff" is generally a bad idea for gerbils, as it may get caught around a leg or the gerbil may be allergic. If you want bedding for your gerbil, throw in a wad of unscented toilet paper. They'll tear this apart and build with it. :]
Why do gerbils sleep on their back?
Well why do people like coke. Same answer: Because we like to do it.
Unfortunately yes. Very dangerous. The mud contains many waste products and the high temperature can cause stroke. Also mud baths dehydrate you which can cause kidney failure.
How long are gerbils pregnant?
21-27 days
24-28 days. Some go up to 30.
The gestation period for a gerbil is normally 24-28 days.(or 5-6 weeks)
The gestation period is normally 21 - 25 days Normally around 25 days, but may go up to around 31 days if the mother is nursing a litter of pups alread. Of course the pups may be late or early just like humans.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female gerbil?
male gerbils have a small slitt in their stomack and femals dont
Are hamsters more cuddly than gerbils?
I would say hamsters but personally I have an gerbil, and my hamster died about 4 years ago. I would say an hamster. But it depends about the gerbil/hamster so there is no fact its an opinion.
You go out with both of them and the one YOU like more, you take. But, don't tell both boys that you are dating both of them! You should tell them wich one you like most and go out with him.
Is it ok for gerbils tp eat quinoa?
one the answer is no they should only eat seeds two you spelt to wrong
Can gerbils and guinea pigs live together?
Keeping a gerbil and a guinea pig is really not a good idea they will fight and the guinea pig may kill the gerbil.
How do you know how many babies your gerbils going to have?
you never know unless you feel them inside your gerbils stomach wich can be very dangerous for the mother and the babies !!!!
Will having a hamster make your house smell weird?
only if you don't change their cage about every 2-3 weeks (more or less, depending on the kind of hamster, bigger, less times between changes; smaller, more time between changes).
What animal is similar to the gerbil?
A Hamster is similar to the Gerbil in that they are both rodents and commonly kept as pets.
Who win in a fight a gerbil or hamster?
i think the hamsters size and speed would give it an advantage so I would say hamster.
Can rats and other rodents breed?
rats and other rodents can breed. they just need to be bred by professionals.Do not breed them without experience, they may get severe injuries.
What should you get a rat or two gerbils?
Gerbils are cute, BUT rats are very clever, cute, cuddly, active, clean and you can potty train them! i have two hats and I'm very happy with them, if you do get a rat you should get two because they are less likely to get diseases in pairs and they are nicer because if you had no friends then you would be snappy to your siblings, and so rats will be shyer, meaner, more depressed and will be more nippy and bite.
so go for 2 rats not one 2.
Is it safe for Bettas to eat finely chopped strawberries?
I am no expert but a betta fish is a carnivore. They eat meat. it is best to stick to a more natural diet, ie: insects, baby brine shrimp, pellets if nothing else is available, although bettas generally turn these down..
Do gerbils die if they are lonely in a cage?
No they do not, I have a female and she has lived alone for 2years now, and she is perfectly happy how she is :) Hope this helps. :)
Some gerbils can live alone but some can not. Some gerbils live shorter lives without a cage buddy.
