Why I Should Keep Gerbils
Have you ever thought about having a pet to accompany you, bringing joy and health into your life? If your answer is yes, you might consider common pets like dogs, cats, or rabbits. But have you ever thought about keeping gerbils? Gerbils are adorable rodents with many lovable qualities, making them a great fit for a small family lifestyle. In this article, I’ll share why I chose to keep gerbils and the benefits they’ve brought into my life.
Adorable Traits of Gerbils
Gerbils are incredibly lively and playful little creatures. They love running around their cages, playing with various toys, digging tunnels, and storing food. Their behaviors are amusing, bringing joy and laughter to the household. Gerbils are also intelligent; they can learn simple commands, such as responding to their names or touching your finger with their noses. They can form close bonds with their owners, enjoying being petted and even sleeping in your palm.
Compared to other pets, gerbils are relatively easy to care for. They require minimal food and water – providing fresh hay, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and clean water daily fulfills their nutritional needs. Gerbils are also low-maintenance; they groom themselves, and a weekly change of cage bedding keeps them hygienic. Regular checks of their teeth and nails prevent common health issues without the need for vaccinations or deworming.
Gerbils boast an adorable appearance with round bodies, long tails, big eyes, and fluffy ears. Available in various colors and patterns like white, black, brown, gray, and yellow, you can choose your favorite gerbil based on your preferences. Their soft fur feels comfortable when held, and their expressive eyes and ears convey emotions like happiness, curiosity, and fear. Gerbils make cute sounds, emitting squeaks or the delightful noise of chewing food, bringing joy to anyone who listens.
Ideal for Small Families
Gerbils are perfect for small families due to their minimal space requirements and low noise levels. With a size of 10 to 15 centimeters and a weight of around 100 to 150 grams, they need a cage with enough room for running, playing, and essential features like food bowls, water bottles, sleeping nests, wheels, and tunnels. Placing the gerbil cage in the living room, bedroom, or study won’t take up much space and won’t compromise the aesthetics of your home.
Gerbils are relatively quiet; they don’t bark or scratch furniture like dogs or cats. They are active during the day and early evening, ensuring they sleep at night, not disturbing the owner’s rest. Gerbils make minimal noise, only emitting slight sounds like chewing or gentle squeaks, maintaining a peaceful home environment. They don’t produce unpleasant odors either – regular cage cleaning eliminates any potential smells.
Health Benefits of Keeping Gerbils
Keeping gerbils not only brings joy but also contributes to your health. Studies show that being with pets reduces stress, increases happiness, decreases loneliness, boosts confidence, and enhances mental well-being. Gerbils, being gentle and friendly animals, provide unconditional love and companionship, creating a relaxing and fulfilling atmosphere. Caring for gerbils instills a sense of responsibility and meaning, ensuring their happiness and safety.
Keeping gerbils also increases physical activity, promoting overall health. Gerbils need regular exercise, whether in their cage or in designated play areas. Interacting with them through simple games like chasing, hiding, or retrieving, or providing toys like balls, sticks, and ropes, strengthens the bond between you and the gerbils. This interaction boosts outdoor activities, improving cardiovascular health, strengthening immunity, and preventing chronic diseases.
Economic and Time Considerations
Keeping gerbils is a cost-effective and time-saving choice compared to larger pets. Their food and toys are affordable, available at pet stores or online, and you can even create simple toys using items like cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, or wooden sticks. Gerbil cages don’t have to be expensive; as long as they have ample space and essential features, your gerbils will be comfortable. Veterinary costs are minimal; regular health checks prevent serious illnesses. In summary, monthly expenses for keeping gerbils range from $50 to $100, much lower than the costs associated with dogs or cats.
Keeping gerbils won’t demand too much of your time either. They are independent animals, taking care of their own lives. Daily tasks involve providing food and water, with a weekly cage cleaning to maintain their health and happiness. Unlike dogs, gerbils don’t need daily walks. Spending a little time each day playing with them shows care and affection, without disrupting your work or study schedule.
Conclusion
After reading about why I chose to keep gerbils and the benefits they bring, you might now understand why gerbils are adorable, lively, intelligent, easy to care for, suitable for small families, beneficial for health, cost-effective, and time-friendly pets. They offer limitless joy and companionship, enriching your life. If you’re considering having a gerbil, I recommend researching basic information about gerbils, including breeds, personalities, diet, and reproduction, before choosing the one that suits you. Prepare a comfortable home, provide love and care, and watch your gerbil become a loyal friend. Trust me, you won’t regret it – gerbils make life more beautiful.
