Care of Gerbils
The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is a small rodent native to the desert regions of Mongolia and northeastern China. Gerbils are burrowing, social animals which are active both during the day and night. Their burrows are composed of elaborate tunnels with multiple entrances, nesting rooms and food compartments. The native color variety is agouti, mixed brown, with dark pigmented skin, light brown to white ventrum (chest and abdomen), and darker dorsal (back) coat. Other color varieties that exist include black, white, and cinnamon. Color combinations of black or brown with a white band over the chest area are also common. Gerbils have a marking scent gland which appears as a tan colored hairless area in the middle of their abdomen.
The gerbil is curious, friendly and nearly odorless rodent which makes it a very popular pet. They have adapted well to captivity and tend to be relatively free of naturally occurring infectious diseases. These rodents rarely bite or fight, are easy to keep clean and care for, and are relatively easy to handle. These qualities make the gerbil an ideal pet.
DIET
As with any pet, good quality food and clean, fresh water must be provided at all times. In the wild, these animals feed on leaves, seeds, and roots. Current recommendations for feeding in captivity are pelleted rodent ration containing 20% to 22% protein. These rations are typically processed as dry blocks or pellets designed for rodents. Seed diets are also “formulated” and sold for gerbils, but these diets should only supplement the basic rodent pellet. Gerbils prefer sunflower-based diets to pellets, but often lead to obesity and potential nutritional deficiencies. Other supplements to the diet may include sugarless breakfast cereals, whole wheat breads, pasta, cheese, fresh fruits, and vegetables; all fed in moderation. Gerbils eat approximately 5 to 8 grams of food daily; eating both day and night.
Although gerbils in the wild require little water to drink since they derive most of their fluid from the foods they ingest, caged gerbils must be provided with a continuous source of clean water. Inadequate water consumption can lead to infertility, lower body weight and eventually death. Water is easily provided in water bottles equipped with sipper tubes. This method also helps keep the water free from contamination. Always make sure that the tubes are positioned low enough to allow the pet easy access. The average adult gerbil drinks approximately 4 to 10ml of water daily. Although this amount is only a fraction of the total bottle volume, fresh water should be provided daily, not only when the bottle empties.
HANDLING
The gerbil’s natural curiosity and friendly disposition makes it fairly easy to handle. Most gerbils will approach a hand introduced into their cage and can be easily scooped into the palm of the hand or picked up by grasping the base of the tail. Be careful only to grasp the gerbil by the base of the tail, for the skin over the end of the tail is easily pulled off. Gerbils not accustomed to being handled may jump and run, but rarely turn aggressive. Once picked up, the gerbil can be restrained by one hand with the over-the-back grip. This is done by scruffing the loose skin over their neck between your thumb and index finger while the base of the tail is held between your fourth and fifth fingers. The gerbil may struggle when held on its back or manipulated, so be careful not to let it escape.
HOUSING
Several types of cages are available which are suitable for housing gerbils. Many of these units come equipped with cage “furniture” such as exercise wheels, tunnels, and nest boxes as added luxuries. Such accessories, as well as sufficient litter depth within which to burrow, are desirable for the pet’s psychological well being. Cages should be constructed with rounded corners to discourage chewing. Gerbils will readily chew through wood, light plastic, and soft metal; so recommended caging materials are wire, stainless steel, durable plastic and glass. Beware that glass and plastic containers drastically reduce ventilation and can lead to problems with temperature and humidity regulation. These materials make suitable cages when at least one side of the enclosure is open for air circulation. In addition, make sure that the enclosure is escape proof.
Gerbils thrive in solid bottom cages with deep bedding and ample nesting material. Bedding must be clean, non-toxic, absorbent, relatively dust free and easily acquired. Shredded paper or tissue, pine shavings and processed corn cob are preferred beddings. Be sure that the wood shavings and ground corn cob are free from mold, mildew, or other contamination before using. Do not use cedar chips or chlorophyll impregnated (green) shavings, since they have been associated with respiratory and liver disease. Provide at least two inches of bedding in the cage to allow normal burrowing behavior. Cotton and shredded tissue paper make excellent nesting materials.
Adult gerbils require a minimum floor area of 36 square inches and a cage height of 6 inches, though a larger enclosure is recommended. A breeding pair of gerbils require a much larger area, approximately 180 square inches. Optimal temperature range for gerbils is between 65˚ to 85˚ F. The relative humidity should be between 30% and 50%. Twelve hour light cycles are preferred, with gerbils being roughly equally active day and night.
Gerbils are social animals which tend to cohabitate well together. The typical social interactions consist of grooming, wrestling and communal sleeping. However, gerbils may become aggressive to intruders, and they may fight when crowded or mixed as adults. Breeding pairs are kept together, with the male even helping to raise the young.
As a rule of thumb, the cage and accessories should be thoroughly cleaned at least once weekly. An exception to this schedule is when newborn babies are present, then wait until they are at least two weeks old. Other factors that may require increased frequency of cleaning are the number of gerbils in the cage, the type of bedding material provided and the caged design and size. Cages are sanitized with hot water and nontoxic disinfectant or detergent, then thoroughly rinsed. Water bottles and food dishes should be cleaned and disinfected daily.
NON-INFECTIOUS CONDITIONS
Epilepsy
The gerbil has a genetic tendency to develop epileptiform seizures. The occurrence rate for the general pet population is 20% to 40%. These seizures may be initiated by fright, handling, or exposure to a new environment. The attacks can be mild (slight shaking) to very severe (violent convulsive body jerking, erratic movements and collapse). The convulsions appear not to have any long term effects. In some rare instances, however, death may result following very severe seizures. Anticonvulsant therapy is not indicated, and can cause more serious side effects than the seizures themselves. Frequent handling during the first few weeks of life and providing a stable environment with a complete, balanced diet can help suppress the seizures in genetically predisposed gerbils.
Tail Sloughing
Improper handling of gerbils can result in the loss of fur from the end of the tail. This occurs when the animal is grasped by the tip of the tail. The skinless tail dies off and sloughs, with the stump usually healing without complications. In some instances, the tail may need to be amputated.
Nasal Dermatitis (Bald Nose)
Gerbils commonly develop hair loss on the nose and muzzle with open lesions and crusting. This condition is often attributed to abrasions from coarse bedding or rough surfaces within the cage or environment, but the Harderian gland may also be involved. The Harderian gland is located behind the eye and produces a secretion that empties onto the globe of the eye. From the eye, this material is drained into the nose by way of nasolacrimal duct. This secretion is mixed with saliva and spread over the hair coat during grooming. This condition can arise if this material is over produced or not used.
Nasal dermatitis tends to affect young mature gerbils most often. It spreads from being a localized nasal hair loss to involving the face, legs, and ventral body surfaces in advanced cases. Cedar shavings used as bedding tend to worsen the condition. In severe cases, secondary bacterial infections may occur. If treated early in the course of the disease with appropriate antibiotics, this condition often resolves; but if not attended to early, the treatment may be unrewarding. Surgical removal of the Harderian gland results in recovery of the condition, but the procedure is rarely performed. A veterinarian may recommend the use of sand baths to aid in removing the excessive secretions, thus resulting in partial recovery.
DISEASE CONDITIONS
Renal Disease
Old gerbils, 2.5 to 4 years of age, often present with a history of weight loss, loss of muscle mass, poor appetite, and lethargy. In addition, an increase in water consumption may be observed. These are all signs consistent with renal disease in old gerbils. Treatment is only supportive in rodents, with emphasis on providing ample, fresh, clean water and food at all times to prevent stress that may trigger full renal failure.
Neoplasia (Cancer or Tumors)
Gerbils have a relatively high incidence of cancer after they reach 2 years of age. The organ most affected is the ovary. Ovarian tumors are common in female gerbils with poor reproductive performance. They may present with early cessation of reproduction, decreased litter size, or distended abdomens. All of these signs may also be present with cystic ovaries as well.
The skin is the second most affected site for tumors in the gerbil. Squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas are most frequently encountered. Melanomas have a tendency to develop around the ear, foot, or base of the tail.
The ventral marking scent gland is the third most common site of neoplasia. This gland is located in the mid-abdominal area. It is a hairless, oval tan structure, which tends to be more prominent in males. The gland produces and orange colored secretion which is used to mark territory. Tumors of this gland appear as “abcesses” on the abdomen. Usually the tumor is not malignant, but may have a secondary bacterial infection.
Many other organs may be affected by cancer, but much less often. Where possible, surgical intervention as early as possible is the treatment of choice.
Tyzzer’s Disease
The most commonly reported infectious disease of gerbils is Tyzzer’s disease, caused by Bacillus piliformis, a gram negative bacteria that infects living cells. The disease causes a high death rate, especially in young male gerbils. Clinical signs are nonspecific, primarily consisting of ruffled fur, lethargy, hunched posture and poor appetite. Diarrhea may also be present. The disease causes changes in the heart, liver, lymph nodes and digestive tract. Special stains of tissue samples from rodents can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of affected gerbils with tetracycline antibiotics in the drinking water may be of some benefit in an epidemic. Supportive care with fluid therapy is often necessary in affected animals.
Prevention is the key to this disease. High level sanitation and minimal stress greatly reduces the occurrence of this disease in colony situations. Tyzzer’s disease typically affects gerbils that are stressed by weaning, shipping, and adjusting to new environments. Strict sanitation prior to introduction of new animals is important in preventing outbreaks.
GERBIL FACTS
Scientific Name………………………………………………..Meriones unguiculatus
Life Span………………………………………………………2 to 4 years
Environmental Temperature Range……………………………65˚ to 85˚
Relative Humidity Range………………………………………30% to 50%