Can 3 male gerbils live together? In captivity,
up to 7 male gerbils have been known to live peacefully together in a group
. But large clans demand lots of space. And if a large clan breaks up, it might split into several small groups, each requiring a separate cage. So, have no more than 3-4 gerbils in your group of males.
What size tank do I need for 3 gerbils?
A more generous rule is 10 gallons per gerbil. This means that you should look for a 20-gallon gerbilarium for two gerbils or a
30-gallon
for three. Bigger isn’t always better, though. If a group of 3 or more gerbils has too much space, they are prone to declanning.
Should I get 2 or 3 gerbils?
Gerbils are social animals and need the constant company of their own kind. The only exception to this is the Fat-tailed gerbil, as females of this species can be kept alone, and will often fight with other females. Otherwise,
it is always advisable to get a pair of gerbils, either two males or two females
.
Can male gerbils live together?
Also remember that
three or four male gerbils typically can live together very serenely
, although that doesn’t always apply to females. Units of more than two females together may fight, and aggressively so, so always be cautious when planning gerbil living arrangements.
Do male gerbils fight?
Male gerbils may start to fight each other around the time they start to get to their breeding age
. Although this specific situation usually only happens when you keep male gerbils with female gerbils in the same environment.
Do gerbils like to be held?
One of the nicest things about having pets is cuddling, stroking, and holding them close to you. But because gerbils get easily nervous and scared, they may not seem to be as affectionate.
Most gerbils enjoy petting or sitting in your hand
. Some gerbils will allow you to cuddle or hug them once trust is established.
Do gerbils need sand baths?
Most gerbils need sand baths roughly once per week
. But if your gerbil gets dirty more often than this, you can offer the sand bath more frequently. Black and darker-colored fur tend to get greasy more quickly. To give your gerbil a sand bath, fill the container with clean sand and place it in the gerbilarium.
How do you introduce a third gerbil?
Place one gerbil on each side of the divider so that they can see but not touch each other
. Several times a day alternate the side that each gerbil lives on so they get used to each others’ scent. Continue swapping the gerbils from side to side for a minimum of 7 days (longer is even better).
Can 4 male gerbils live together?
In captivity, up to 7 male gerbils have been known to live peacefully together in a group. But large clans demand lots of space. And if a large clan breaks up, it might split into several small groups, each requiring a separate cage. So,
have no more than 3-4 gerbils in your group of males
.
How do you bond gerbils?
Can you put a new gerbil in with an old one?
Gerbils are very territorial, and will be aggressive towards other unfamiliar gerbils.
Ideally, you should pick out two gerbils that are already living together, or that are between six and eight weeks old
. This will result in a much smoother transition for them to live together in the new cage you will provide.
Is it better to get male or female gerbils?
Some, but not all, owners have said that males are more docile and friendly towards each other than females are.
It’s generally considered to be a good idea to choose male gerbils if you want to keep more than two together at any one time
– they seem slightly more accepting of one another than groups of females.
How do I know if my gerbils are bonded?
Pair-bonded or family units of gerbils are
usually quite affectionate with each other
. They will play, chasing each other around, wrestling and boxing. They will also groom one another, sleep in piles, and cuddle together.
Do gerbils fight to the death?
Gerbils fighting to the death is, sadly, not uncommon
. It’s because they are confined to the same cage and can’t get away from each other. Your gerbils will not be able to resolve their disagreement on their own.
Why do gerbils puff up?
Another reason for fluffing up is
when they are being defensive
– they puff up their fur to make themselves look bigger. Both of these reasons probably come into play when they are feeling unwell. I think it’s more of a worry if they are puffed up all the time rather than occasionally.
Why are my gerbils squeaking?
Gerbils will squeak loudly at each other
when they are feeling aggressive towards one another
. This may be a sign that they are annoyed or frustrated with each other. Sometimes, loud squeaks between gerbils means they are about to wrestle or fight.
Do gerbils recognize their owners?
Gerbils can remember their owners and things they deem important, but precisely what they can recall is unclear
. Gerbils remember their owners based on scent and appearance. They can recall gerbil cage mates, learn tricks, and know their names. Gerbils won’t forget if you’re unkind to them, e.g., you hit them.
How often should I let my gerbils out?
But how often should you let your gerbils out? Gerbils should be let out of their cage
at least a few times a week and they can even be let out every day as long as they’re comfortable with it
. It can be a good experience for your gerbils every now and then as long as you’re being as safe as possible about it.
Do gerbils get attached to their owners?
Gerbils can bond with their owners, given time and affectionate care
. They are the same as other pets. If you treat them well, they will come to like you. If you mistreat them, they won’t trust you.
What is toxic to gerbils?
Beware! Don’t give your pets
grapes or rhubarb
, as these are poisonous to rodents. Avoid excessive amounts of certain seeds (such as sunflower), as they’re fatty and can cause obesity.
How often should you clean out a gerbil cage?
You should clean your gerbilarium
every two to three weeks, or more often if it gets dirty
. Because gerbils originate from desert and dry grassland areas, they do not produce much urine and waste, so it’s fairly easy to keep their environment clean and free from smells.
What bedding is best for gerbils?
Good bedding for gerbils is non-toxic, digestible, dust-free, and can be used for tunneling. The best gerbil bedding combines
hay, aspen shavings, and paper-based bedding
(such as Kaytee Clean & Cozy). A mixture of materials helps gerbils to build sturdy tunnels.
How long does it take to bond gerbils?
Introducing new gerbils should take
between a week and two weeks
. However, with females, it can take longer. That’s because males are friendlier with each other than females.
How can you tell which gerbil is dominant?
Dominant gerbils
scent mark more and can even scent mark other gerbils
. They arch their backs to appear bigger and squeak more frequently and loudly at other gerbils. They will box and wrestle other gerbils that challenge them and will get into regular fights.
What to do if your gerbils are fighting?
They can make a lot of noise when they get angry with each other, and that sometimes lets off enough steam for things to return to normal. But if one gerbil draws blood from another, you need to
separate them temporarily
. Use gloves to do this, to avoid being bitten in the heat of the fight.
Does my gerbil need a friend?
Pet gerbils need friends just as their wild counterparts do
. Left on their own, gerbils become stressed and unhappy – playing with humans will not satisfy the full range of their instinctive needs. So, always opt for a pair, or buy your solitary gerbil a friend of the same species as soon as possible.
Do gerbils get lonely?
Almost all single gerbils get lonely and bored
. Gerbils can socialize either with other gerbils or with you, or both. If you must have a single gerbil, spend plenty of time with it and give it affection. This will keep your pet happy and contented.
How long can gerbils be left alone?
With preparation, gerbils can be left alone for
up to a week
. Leave at least one tablespoon of food per gerbil per day. Attach two water bottles in case one leaks or gets blocked.
Is it OK to give gerbils toilet paper rolls?
What are gerbils favorite food?
Gerbils will enjoy small amounts of dried banana, pumpkin seeds, nuts, millet (the kind sold for budgies and other birds), crispy vegetables such as raw broccoli and carrot, small amounts of fruit, such as apples and grapes (but break the skin so the gerbil can easily see the moist interior), alfalfa, and hay.
What do gerbils like to play with?
Gerbils love to chew.
A cardboard tube from a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll
is one of a gerbil’s favorite things. Some people have expressed concern about the types of glue used in these—and now colorful safe (and a bit more sturdy and long-lasting) cardboard tubes are made for pets to play with.
Why do gerbils sleep on top of each other?
Do gerbils need a wheel?
A wheel is important, enabling gerbils to get plenty of daily exercise
. However, it needs to be a gerbil-friendly variety. A hamster wheel is dangerous for gerbils, as they can trap their tails in its rungs, which is very painful and can lead to swelling and infection.
What are the signs of a gerbil dying?
- Loss of appetite.
- Drinking less frequently.
- Staying in one spot more often.
- Labored breathing.
- Dull fur.
- Weight loss.
- Urinating or pooping on itself.
Do male gerbils smell more?
Male gerbils seem to smell a little more than females
because they have a larger scent gland. The scent glands in a gerbil are located on the stomach. It’s a small, oval bald patch that’s slightly darker than the rest of the gerbil’s skin.
What gerbil is the friendliest?
Fat-tailed gerbils
make a convenient pet to keep because although they are social, they are also quite happy to live alone. They are not aggressive and will rarely bite, adjusting quickly to being handled. They have earned a reputation as being one of the most docile species within the gerbil family.
