Gerbils

 

Gerbils

The Mongolian gerbil is also called a sand rat. They are rodents having an intermediate size between mice and hamsters. Gerbils are used as laboratory animals as well as pets nowadays. children like the Gerbils as pets.

Restraining

They can be restrained either by picking the base of the tails (with bare fingers or rubber-tipped forceps) or by holding the loose skin around the shoulders.

Handling

·                     For holding a gerbil to make an injection, it is usually placed on a surface.

·                     The tail is grasped with the tail and forefinger of the right hand.

·                     The skin of the neck is grasped with the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, as the mouse attempts to move.

·                     The skin between these two forefingers is gathered quickly and carefully.

·                     Gerbils should be cupped using hands or can be scruffed for restraining.

 

 

Gerbil cages

·                     Gerbils are housed usually in shoe box style gerbil cages made of plastic or metal, or in suspended metal cages.

·                     Usually, certain bedding materials like wood shavings or grounded chips are placed in the bottom of the gerbil cages.

Feeding/nutrition

·                     Water should be available either through an automatic water system or manual water bottles.

·                     Food is provided ad libitum.

·                     Food is commercially prepared in the form of milled, firm, and dry blocks.

·                     They can eat any type of grains available. Gerbils eat carrots, apples, cucumber  and strawberries as well.

·                     Food should be offered in hoppers because placing it directly on a cage is unsanitary.

 Gerbils Breeding and bedding

·                     A monogamous or polygamous system of mating may be established depending on various factors.

·                     Breeding gerbils should be kept on solid floors rather than grid floor cages.

·                     As they reach sexual maturity, the breeding should be commenced because at that time breeding efficiency is maximum.

Gerbils lifespan ranges from 2-4 years.

Environmental management

·                     A temperature range of 21-23 centigrade should be maintained in their room.

·                     Humidity should be in a range of 40-60%.

·                     The light should be provided at least a full day, usually, a period of 12 hours light and 12 hours darkness is provided to their house.

·                     Cleaning the house 2-3 times a week is recommended.

Gerbils diseases

Some common infections of gerbils include:

·                     Mycoplasmosis

·                     Salmonellosis

·                     Leptospirosis

·                     Staphylococcus infection

·                     Pseudomonas infection

·                     Scaly skin disease

·                      Poxvirus

·                     Pinworms

·                     Tapeworms

Treatment is done according to the diagnosis of disease and causative agents.