Gerbils are adorable pets with round eyes, furry bodies, and long tails. Originally from desert regions, their bodies have adapted to arid environments, allowing them to go for extended periods without water. However, this doesn’t mean gerbils don’t need water; they still require a daily intake to maintain normal bodily functions. So, when do gerbils drink water? How much do they need? How should we provide water for them? This article answers these questions to help you better understand and care for your gerbil.
Why Do Gerbils Need Water?
All animals, including gerbils, require water to sustain life. Water is a crucial component of the body, participating in various physiological functions such as digestion, circulation, excretion, and temperature regulation. Despite being desert-adapted, gerbils possess mechanisms to store water and minimize its loss. Efficient kidney filtration, concentrated urine production, skin moisture retention, and recycling of exhaled water vapor are among these adaptations. While their diet contributes some moisture through seeds, nuts, and hay, these mechanisms aren’t sufficient, and gerbils still need a daily intake of water to prevent dehydration symptoms.
Therefore, as gerbil owners, we must provide a 24/7 accessible source of clean water to ensure their well-being.
How Much Water Do Gerbils Need Daily?
The daily water requirement for gerbils depends on factors like weight, activity level, ambient temperature, and the moisture content of their food. Generally, gerbils need about 4 milliliters of water per day, significantly less than mice. Their bodies can efficiently store water, reducing the need for frequent consumption. With weights ranging from 60-120 grams, gerbils require approximately 6.7% of their body weight in water daily. This percentage is notably lower than the 10% required by mice.
While this is a general guideline, individual gerbils may have varying water consumption habits. Some may drink more, while others may drink less. Observing their water intake and adjusting the water supply accordingly is crucial. Sudden increases or decreases in water consumption may signal underlying health issues that require prompt attention.
Providing an adequate water supply ensures the health and vitality of gerbils. Owners should guarantee a clean and plentiful water source to allow gerbils to drink whenever they need.
Water Bottle or Water Bowl: Which is Better?
There are two common ways to provide water for gerbils: using a water bottle or a water bowl. Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice should depend on the gerbils’ preferences and habits.
A water bottle is a commonly used method that keeps the water clean, preventing contamination from gerbil fur, feces, or food. Using vacuum principles, water is dispensed when gerbils lick the ball-shaped nozzle. Water bottles maintain cleanliness, reduce water wastage, hang conveniently in cages without occupying much space, but may drip or get clogged, requiring regular checks and cleaning. Additionally, gerbils might take some time to adapt to the smaller opening.
On the other hand, a water bowl offers a more natural drinking experience, allowing gerbils to drink directly using their mouths. While water bowls make it easier for gerbils to drink and align with their instincts, they require frequent changing and cleaning, can be overturned or chewed, causing spillage or leaks.
In summary, both water bottle and water bowl methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice should be based on observing gerbils’ preferences – some may prefer water bottles, some may prefer water bowls, and some may accept both. Experimenting with both methods and observing their reactions will help decide the most suitable option. Regardless of the chosen method, maintaining a clean and abundant water supply is essential.
When to Change Gerbil Water?
Providing water for gerbils is not only about quantity but also about quality. The water’s cleanliness directly impacts their health and comfort. If the water becomes murky or has an odor, gerbils may refuse to drink, leading to dehydration. Bacteria or parasites in the water can cause diseases affecting their bodily functions. Therefore, regular water changes are necessary to ensure freshness and safety.
So, when should we change gerbil water? The frequency depends on the chosen method and the gerbils’ water consumption. Generally:
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For water bottles, water should be changed at least every two days to prevent bacterial or algae growth. Weekly cleaning of the water bottle is also necessary to remove deposits and maintain cleanliness. Daily checks for drips or clogs are crucial.
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For water bowls, water should be changed 1-2 times daily to keep it clean. Daily cleaning is necessary to remove gerbil hair, feces, and food debris, ensuring hygiene. Daily checks for spills or damage are essential, and timely replacements should be made.
In addition to regular water changes, observing gerbils’ drinking habits and adjusting water sources according to their needs is crucial. Sudden increases or decreases in water consumption may indicate health issues requiring immediate attention. If gerbils show reluctance to drink, it might be due to water quality or method, necessitating prompt adjustments.
In conclusion, providing water for gerbils involves not only quantity but also quality. Regular water changes ensure a fresh and safe water supply. Observing gerbils’ drinking habits and adjusting water sources accordingly guarantees their health and comfort.
How Long Can Gerbils Survive Without Drinking Water?
Being desert-adapted animals, gerbils can store water in their bodies, minimizing water loss. Additionally, their diet, including seeds, nuts, and hay, provides some moisture. Consequently, gerbils can go for extended periods without drinking water and still avoid dehydration symptoms. However, this doesn’t mean they can indefinitely survive without water; they still need it to maintain normal bodily functions. So, how long can gerbils survive without drinking water?
This question lacks a precise answer due to variations in gerbils’ tolerance levels and the influence of factors such as weight, activity level, ambient temperature, and food moisture content. Generally, wild gerbils can survive at least a week without water because their diet includes water-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. However, as pet gerbils’ diets contain less water, such as dry seeds and nuts, their limit for not drinking water may be shorter. The specific duration a pet gerbil can survive without water is uncertain, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
It’s essential not to test the limits of gerbils’ ability to go without water, as it is detrimental to their health, leading to severe dehydration and other complications. Owners should ensure a clean and plentiful water source is available at all times to maintain their gerbils’ health and happiness.
How to Ensure Gerbils Drink Enough Water?
While gerbils need a certain amount of water daily to maintain body balance and health, some may not be fond of drinking water or may not know how to do it effectively. This can lead to insufficient water intake, negatively impacting their health. To ensure gerbils drink enough water, consider the following methods:
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Provide High-Moisture Foods: Offering fresh fruits and vegetables not only supplies water but also provides essential vitamins and fiber beneficial to gerbils. Daily portions of items like apples, bananas, carrots, and broccoli can increase their water intake. However, moderation is key to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea.
Water Bottles Full and Check Regularly:** Ensure that the water bottle is filled every day to allow gerbils to drink whenever they need. Regularly check for any dripping or clogging issues with the water bottle and address them promptly. Malfunctions can lead to inadequate water intake.
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Frequent Cleaning of Water Bottles: Weekly cleaning of water bottles is essential to remove any deposits or dirt, maintaining a clean water supply. Unclean water bottles may result in murky or odorous water, discouraging gerbils from drinking.
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Try Providing a Water Bowl: Some gerbils may prefer drinking from a water bowl rather than a water bottle. Offering both options and observing their reactions can help determine their preference. However, water bowls require frequent changing and cleaning to prevent contamination.
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Place Water Source Near Food: Position the water bottle or water bowl near the gerbils’ food to make it convenient for them to drink while eating. Make the water source more visible by using differently colored or shaped containers, or placing toys or decorations around it to attract their attention.
