How many species of gerbils are there?
Do you also have a fondness for gerbils, those small rodents with round eyes, fuzzy bodies, and lively and curious personalities? Gerbils are popular pets because they don’t require much space, don’t make loud noises, and are easy to care for. But did you know that there are over 80 different species of gerbils worldwide? They vary in size, fur color, and behavior, with some being suitable as pets and others not so much. In this article, I’ll introduce some common and uncommon gerbil species to help you understand these fascinating animals better.
What are the common gerbil species?
If you visit a pet store or search online for gerbils, you’ll likely come across several common species, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. You can choose a gerbil species based on your preferences and circumstances.
Mongolian Gerbil: This is the most common pet gerbil species and happens to be my favorite. They have a medium-sized body, around 10 centimeters long, with a slender tail of about 4 centimeters. Their fur is typically brown or gray, sometimes with white or black spots. Mongolian gerbils have a gentle temperament, rarely bite, and are easy to tame. They prefer living in groups, so it’s best to keep at least two, preferably of the same sex, to prevent rapid breeding. Their lifespan is approximately 3 to 4 years, and they need daily access to fresh water and food, along with clean bedding like wood shavings or paper. Mongolian gerbils enjoy digging, chewing, and playing, so providing toys such as wooden sticks, paper rolls, or plastic tubes is essential. They also like running on wheels, so choose a seamless one to avoid trapping their tails.
Fat-Tailed Gerbil: Recognized by their short and chubby tails, these gerbils can store food and water, making them well-adapted to arid environments. Slightly larger than Mongolian gerbils, they measure about 12 centimeters in length, with a tail around 2 centimeters. Their fur comes in various colors, including white, brown, gray, or mixed. Fat-tailed gerbils share a calm temperament but are more independent compared to Mongolian gerbils and don’t necessarily require companions. They live for about 2 to 3 years, requiring daily access to fresh water and food, as well as clean bedding. Their diet can include gerbil pellets, hay, and occasional fresh fruits and vegetables, but be cautious about high-water-content foods to prevent diarrhea. Providing toys like wooden sticks, stones, or ceramic bowls, as well as a suitable wheel, is essential.
North African Gerbil: Originating from North Africa, this is a relatively rare pet gerbil species. They have a medium-sized body, around 11 centimeters in length, with a shorter tail of about 3 centimeters. Fur colors range from brown or gray, sometimes with white or black spots. North African gerbils are known for their active, curious, and intelligent nature, capable of learning simple tricks like sitting, standing, or jumping. Like Mongolian gerbils, they prefer living in groups, so keeping at least two, preferably of the same sex, is recommended to prevent rapid breeding. Their lifespan is approximately 4 to 5 years, and they have similar care requirements to other gerbils. Pay attention to their diet, avoiding excessively sugary foods to prevent diabetes. Provide them with toys like wooden sticks, balls, or plush dolls, and a suitable wheel for exercise.
Less Common Gerbil Species as Pets
In addition to the common pet gerbil species mentioned above, there are some less common ones that may not be suitable as pets due to their size, temperament, or other reasons. Here are a few examples, fascinating in their own right, but requiring special care and attention.
Great Gerbil: This is the largest gerbil species and least suitable as a pet. With a massive body reaching up to 40 centimeters and weighing around 1.5 kilograms, they are typically brown or black, sometimes with white stripes. Great gerbils have a fierce temperament, can be aggressive towards humans and other animals, and are challenging to tame. They prefer solitude and dislike companionship or disturbances. Their lifespan is about 6 to 8 years, and they need a substantial amount of water and food, along with a spacious cage. Their diet consists mainly of meat, such as chicken or fish, and they may also eat some plant-based foods like hay, seeds, or fruits. Great gerbils require a large cage, at least 1 square meter in size, made of sturdy materials like metal or plastic, as they tend to chew through wood or cardboard. They don’t need toys but require hiding places like wooden boxes or caves. They are not suitable for running on wheels due to their weight, which may damage the wheel.
Guinea Gerbil: Originating from Guinea, this is a rare pet gerbil species. They have a larger body, reaching up to 15 centimeters in length, with a tail of about 5 centimeters. Their fur is gray-brown, sometimes with white or black spots. Guinea gerbils have a mild temperament but can be somewhat timid and easily startled. They are social animals, so it’s best to keep at least two, preferably of the same sex, to avoid rapid breeding. Their lifespan is approximately 3 to 4 years, and they require daily access to fresh water and food, along with clean bedding. Their diet can include gerbil pellets, hay, and occasional fresh fruits and vegetables, but be cautious about high-water-content foods to prevent diarrhea. Provide them with toys like wooden sticks, balls, or plush dolls, and a suitable wheel for exercise.
Shaw’s Gerbil: Hailing from North Africa, this is a precious pet gerbil species. They have a larger body, reaching up to 20 centimeters in length, with a tail of about 6 centimeters. Their fur is usually brown or black, sometimes with white markings. Shaw’s gerbils have a gentle temperament, rarely bite, and are easy to tame. They prefer solitude and dislike companionship or disturbances. Their lifespan is approximately 5 to 6 years, and they need daily access to fresh water and food, along with clean bedding. Similar to the Great Gerbil, their diet primarily consists of meat, and they need a spacious cage made of durable materials. While they don’t require toys, they need hiding places like wooden boxes or caves. Running on wheels is not suitable for them due to their weight, which may damage the wheel.
In Conclusion
Gerbils are fascinating animals, with over 80 different species worldwide, but only a few are suitable as pets. The most common pet gerbils are the Mongolian gerbil and the Fat-Tailed gerbil, both of moderate size with gentle temperaments, making them easy to care for. When choosing a gerbil species, consider factors such as size, temperament, region, and your own preferences and conditions. If you’re interested in having a gerbil as a pet, you can explore pet stores or online sources to find the right gerbil species. Consulting experienced gerbil enthusiasts can also provide valuable insights and recommendations. Hopefully, you’ll find your ideal gerbil and enjoy happy times together.
