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MAIN IDEA: ØWhat is the most common type of gerbil and what are the

Classification: Ø Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) • A mammal belonging to the order of

More about these desert animals … Ø Very good hearing Ø Conserve body water

Description … Ø Body length 5” (12 cm. ) + a tail 2. 5

Grouped by coat colors and patterns, not breeds … Ø Agouti – original color

Housing: Ø Best cage is an aquarium or terrarium with a solid wire lid.

Inside the cage: Ø A place to sleep and nest Ø A branch to

Water and feeding equipment: Ø Water bottle should be hanging type Ø Food bowl

And for fun … Ø Gerbils like to burrow, so cardboard tubes or PVC

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Ag. Ed. Net. com SMALL ANIMAL SCIENCE SA 114 Gerbil Types, Housing and Equipment This presentation was produced and is copyrighted by Stewart-Peterson® Inc. 2005. Permission is granted for use by active Ag. Ed. Net. com® subscribers. All other use is prohibited. STEWART-PETERSON and AGEDNET. COM are registered trademarks of Stewart-Peterson Inc.

MAIN IDEA: ØWhat is the most common type of gerbil and what are the basic housing and equipment requirements for gerbils?

Classification: Ø Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) • A mammal belonging to the order of the Rodentia (rodents) • Family of Cricetidae • Most known gerbil species • Especially suitable as a pet. Ø Gerbils are most related to hamsters. Ø Many species are found in Asia and Africa, especially in arid, barren and sandy steppe areas.

More about these desert animals … Ø Very good hearing Ø Conserve body water and can store water in fat cell layers. Ø Little urine and dry feces mean they hardly smell

Description … Ø Body length 5” (12 cm. ) + a tail 2. 5 -5” (6 -12 cm. ) Ø Males somewhat bigger than females, weighing 1. 8 -4. 7 oz. (52 to 133 grams). Ø Slender body, tight skin Ø Short, broad head and pointed nose. Ø Small, fur-covered ears Photo courtesy Ambleside Primary School.

Grouped by coat colors and patterns, not breeds … Ø Agouti – original color of the Mongolian gerbil • Hairs on the back have a grey base, a yellow center band black tips. • Belly and paws are beige or white. • Claws are black. Ø Other colors and coat patterns have been produced through mutations and selective breeding.

Housing: Ø Best cage is an aquarium or terrarium with a solid wire lid. Ø Solid sides are best or gerbils will kick out the bedding material while digging. Ø Housing suitable for hamsters will work well for gerbils. Ø Glass is easy to clean and gerbils can be observed. Ø Height should be at least 12” – gerbils jump well!

Inside the cage: Ø A place to sleep and nest Ø A branch to climb and gnaw on Ø A stone for a lookout Ø Absorbent bedding material – not cedar or pine shavings. Ø Material like burlap for nesting Photo courtesy Ambleside Primary School.

Water and feeding equipment: Ø Water bottle should be hanging type Ø Food bowl is not needed, since gerbils spread their food around the cage Photo courtesy Ambleside Primary School.

And for fun … Ø Gerbils like to burrow, so cardboard tubes or PVC pipes in the cage can imitate the tunnels where gerbils live in the wild. Ø Gerbils also enjoy an exercise wheel.

Ag. Ed. Net. com SMALL ANIMAL SCIENCE www. agednet. com 800 -236 -7862 This presentation was produced and is copyrighted by Stewart-Peterson® Inc. 2005. Permission is granted for use by active Ag. Ed. Net. com® subscribers. All other use is prohibited. STEWART-PETERSON and AGEDNET. COM are registered trademarks of Stewart-Peterson Inc.