There are approximately 40 different gerbil coat colors in the world today, but there are only a few that are very common. These coat colors include argente golden, black, golden agouti, gray agouti, lilac, and slate .
Are there black gerbils?
The sleek black gerbil sports a sultry and mysterious appearance compared to its beige and brown counterparts. However, apart from slight physiological and behavioral differences, black gerbils have the same gentle , friendly and playful temperament as other pet gerbils.
What is the natural color of gerbils?
The most common gerbil color is the golden agouti , but you can also find white, blue, lilac, and gray. There are also different patterns, like spotting and piebald. These different colors are the result of genetic changes and are created through selective breeding.
What is a black gerbil?
Abstract. The black pigment mutation of the Mongolian gerbil is inherited as an autosomal recessive and is not linked to the pigment mutation spotted (Sp). Black gerbils have deep glossy black coats, yellow perineal hairs, and small white patches under the chin and across the front feet.
Are there albino gerbils?
But albino gerbils don’t exist – at least , not as pets. Albino animals are born with no melanin (dark pigment) in their hair, skin, or eyes. ... A gerbil with red eyes and white fur is called a “red-eyed white” or “pink-eyed white.” Red-eyed white (REW) gerbils are off-white or cream, with ruby eyes.
What is the most common gerbil name?
- Ginger.
- Harry.
- Hopper.
- Marshmallow.
- Peanut.
- Pip Squeak.
- Whiskers.
- Yoda.
Do gerbils bite?
Gerbils, however, are quite the reverse. They rarely, if ever, bite no matter what the situation . As a result they can safer for scared children to handle.
What is the rarest gerbil color?
Argente Golden Gerbil
This coat color is ginger in the shade. They have a strong ginger coat with a white underbelly. It is one of three variants and is the strongest ginger shade. It is followed by Argente Fawn, the most common of the three, and Argente Cream , the rarest and lightest in the shade.
Why does my gerbil scratch at the glass?
Gerbils bite and scratch their cage due to boredom, a desire to escape , and because their cage is too small. ... You can prevent scratching and biting by getting a more spacious gerbilarium, such as the Savic Habitat Gerbil Cage. You should also allocate more time for play and provide a chew toy.
Are gerbils cute?
GERBILS MAY BE FURRY AND CUTE , BUT THEY BELONG IN ASIA OR AFRICA. ... The clawed jird, or Mongolian gerbil, is the best known of these lively little animals, which make excellent pets because they can so easily be flushed down the toilet when you get sick of them.
Do gerbils like the dark?
Most animals have adaptations to cope with the dark. While gerbils are small, they aren’t afraid of the dark . They have ways of keeping safe even when it’s dangerous: They escape quickly to their burrows when a threat approaches.
How much does a gerbil cost?
A Mongolian gerbil, the commonest species available, usually costs between five and twenty dollars per animal . This varies depending on your source of pet.
How long do albino gerbils live?
Their average lifespan is approximately 2-4 years , around 3 years being typical. However, some gerbils have been reported to live for up to 5 years.
Why does my gerbil have red eyes?
In gerbils, in times of stress, the unbound porphyrin can leave deposits in the tear ducts , causing red colored stains around the eyes and nose as the tinted tear fluid leaves the eyes. These stains are often mistaken for blood, and must be differentiated.
Can humans be albino?
Albinism is a congenital disorder characterized in humans by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. Albinism is associated with a number of vision defects, such as photophobia, nystagmus, and amblyopia.
