Is the Gerbil Nocturnal?
When you’re getting ready to sleep at night, your gerbil becomes active, running around, nibbling, and making various noises. Have you ever wondered why gerbils are so excited at night while being lethargic during the day? Are gerbils truly nocturnal, diurnal, or some other type of animal? In this article, we will explore the sleep habits of gerbils, why they exhibit such behaviors, and how to provide them with a comfortable living environment.
What is a Gerbil?
Gerbils are highly intelligent and curious animals that enjoy exploring new things and engaging in play. They are social animals, living together with companions, sharing food, nests, and engaging in mutual grooming and emotional communication. Gerbils are gentle and friendly, forming good relationships with humans and other pets. As suitable pets, gerbils require minimal space and food, pose no significant disease risks, and thrive when provided with a clean and safe cage, along with toys and treats for enrichment.
Are Gerbils Nocturnal?
Before answering this question, let’s understand the terms “nocturnal” and “diurnal.” Nocturnal animals are primarily active at night, resting during the day, such as owls, bats, and foxes. Diurnal animals are primarily active during the day, resting at night, such as humans, dogs, and birds. So, which category do gerbils fall into?
In reality, gerbils are neither strictly nocturnal nor diurnal; they belong to a category called crepuscular animals. Crepuscular animals adjust their activities based on their physiological rhythms and environmental conditions. Examples include rabbits, hamsters, and squirrels. These animals engage in different activities at various times of the day, such as feeding, sleeping, playing, and mating. Their activity patterns are not random but follow certain rhythms and cycles controlled by internal biological clocks, influencing functions like body temperature, hormones, and metabolism.
So, what about the crepuscular rhythm of gerbils? According to research, gerbils have a crepuscular rhythm of approximately 4 hours. This means gerbils wake up every 4 hours to engage in activities before going back to sleep. Such a rhythm allows gerbils to find suitable food and water sources at any time of day, avoiding potential predators. The crepuscular rhythm of gerbils is also influenced by factors such as seasons, temperature, humidity, and even human intervention. For instance, in winter, gerbils may lean towards daytime activity, while in summer, nighttime activity may prevail. Gerbils can adapt their biological clocks to human lifestyle rhythms under stable conditions but readjust when conditions change.
How to Provide a Comfortable Living Environment for Gerbils?
Choose an appropriate cage: The cage should provide enough space for gerbils to move and rest comfortably. Materials like metal or plastic are preferable, as wood or cardboard may be easily chewed or damaged by gerbils. The cage should have a shape that allows sufficient visibility and ventilation, with placement in a quiet, clean, warm, and well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight, drafts, heaters, TVs, or stereos.
Provide ample bedding: Choose bedding materials that offer a soft and dry surface for gerbils to sleep and play while absorbing excreta and sweat to maintain cage cleanliness. Common bedding options include wood shavings, paper shavings, cotton, and hay. Avoid scented, toxic, sharp, dusty, or moldy bedding. Ensure a thickness of at least 5 cm and change the bedding weekly or as needed.
Offer adequate food and water: Provide a balanced diet of specially formulated gerbil feed along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Be cautious about feeding foods with salt, sugar, oil, spices, or preservatives, as they may harm gerbils. Ensure access to clean and fresh water, typically 50 to 100 ml per day, in sturdy and clean containers.
Provide diverse toys and treats: Enrich your gerbil’s life with various toys such as exercise wheels, tunnels, swings, wooden blocks, and balls. Offer treats like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and biscuits in moderation to add enjoyment to their routine.
Interactive companionship: Spend at least 15 minutes daily interacting with and accompanying your gerbil. Gentle and patient interactions, such as petting, holding, talking, playing games, and teaching tricks, can strengthen the bond between you and your gerbil.
By following these guidelines, you can create a comfortable and stimulating environment for your gerbil, ensuring its well-being and happiness.
