Gerbil boarding in Essex: Our guide to owning a gerbil

When it comes to choosing a small animal as a pet, the options can feel overwhelming. While dogs and cats tend to steal the spotlight, smaller pets like gerbils can make fantastic companions. As one of the best gerbil boarding facilities in Essex, we know a lot about these charming creatures, so we've put together this guide on owning a gerbil to help you make an informed decision.

Friendly Temperament

Gerbils are known for their friendly and curious nature. They are social creatures that thrive on interaction, both with other gerbils and their human companions. Unlike some pets that can be nervous or shy, gerbils usually exhibit curiosity and a willingness to explore, making them approachable and enjoyable.

Low Maintenance

One of the major benefits of owning a gerbil is their low maintenance requirements. Gerbils are clean animals that groom themselves regularly. This quality means less time spent on cleaning compared to other pets. Their living space does need regular spot cleaning and a complete change of bedding every three to four weeks.

Living Space

Two to four gerbils need a minimum floor surface of 100cm long, by 40cm wide, by 40cm tall to allow them plenty of space to explore, dig, build tunnels and hop about. Gerbils are incredibly social and intelligent, and absolutely need to live with other gerbils. They should never be kept on their own. Make sure to also provide:

• Lots of tunnels

• Suitable bedding material that is deep enough to allow your gerbils to dig and construct a system of burrows

• A rough-surfaced object such as a stone to help them wear down their claws.

• Wooden chew-blocks such as willow, hazel, beech, birch and branches from fruit trees so they can gnaw on them to help keep their teeth healthy.

Your gerbil's home should have solid glass walls, a secure wire-mesh top and a solid floor. Cages with metal bars are not recommended as they can injure their legs and feet, plus gnawing on the bars can damage their teeth.

Educational for Kids

For families with children, gerbils can be an excellent educational tool. They offer kids the opportunity to learn responsibility through daily care routines, such as feeding and cleaning their cage. We truly believe that children who take care of pets develop vital life skills, including empathy and nurturing.

Gerbil Facts

1. If a gerbil senses danger, they will thump their rear feet on the ground to warn other gerbils.

   
   

2. Gerbils were originally known as 'desert rats'. The orginate from the deserts of North Africa and central Asia, and are also sometimes known as Mongolian desert mice.

   
   

3. Gerbils are relatives of mice and rats and have been bred as pets since the 1960s.

   
   

4. Their whole body, including their tail, is covered in fur. This is to keep them from getting sunburnt in the hot deserts.

   
   

5. On average gerbils live to be 2-3 years old.

Final Thoughts

In summary, gerbils make wonderful pets for various reasons. If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, a gerbil might be the perfect option. Not only will you enjoy their playful antics, but you will also benefit from the rewarding relationship these small creatures can offer. Please, if you can. try and get one from a reputable rescue such as Essex Guinea Pig, Rat and Rabbit Rescue. And don't forget to get in touch with us if you need a professional gerbil boarding service in Essex!