A gerbil is a small mammal of the order Rodentia.
Once known simply as “desert rats”, the gerbil subfamily includes about 110 species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents, including sand rats and jirds, all of which are adapted to arid habitats. Therefore, most are primarily nocturnal, and almost all are omnivorous.
The word “gerbil” is a diminutive form of “jerboa”, though the jerboas are an unrelated group of rodents occupying a similar ecological niche.
One Mongolian species, Meriones unguiculatus, also known as the Clawed Jird, is a gentle and hardy animal that has become a popular pet. It was first brought to the United States in 1954 by Dr. Victor Schwentker for use in research.
Gerbils are typically between six and twelve inches (150 to 300 mm) long, including the tail which makes up approximately one half of their total length. One species, however, the Great Gerbil, or Rhombomys opimus, originally native to Turkmenistan, can grow to more than 16 inches (400 mm) in length. The average adult gerbil weighs approximately 2 1/2 ounces. As of August 19, 2003, officials in western China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began releasing eagles to combat the damage they say the great gerbils have done to eleven million acres (46,000 km²) of grassland. Pet gerbils usually live 2-4 years, some shorter and some longer.
Trivia
When a gerbil is suddenly surprised or startled it may begin thumping his back feet rhythmically ; this habit is to warn others of impending danger, even if there aren’t others around. It is also widely used when two gerbils mate.
Pet gerbils are illegal in the US states of California and Hawaii.
They love sunflower seeds. If their diet is not monitored they can become overweight because the seeds have a high fat content.
Gerbils will usually have 4 toes on each of its front feet and 5 toes on each of its back feet. The reason it has more toes on the back feet is to allow the gerbil better balance when it is standing on its hind legs.
The oldest recorded gerbil, Sahara lived to eight years and four months, belonging to Aaron Milstone from Michigan, USA. Sahara died in October 1981.
The largest recorded number of gerbil pups in a pet litter was fourteen in Bulwell, Notts, in May 1983.
When a gerbil is overheated it may lie on its back revealing a white belly. In the wild they will do this because the exposure of only a white part of their bodies will reflect the sunlight and keep them cool.
Gerbils as Pets
In 1964 gerbils were first introduced to the pet industry. These were the Mongolian gerbils. Their value as pets was soon appreciated and they are now found in pet shops all over the UK and USA.
Reasons for Popularity
They are non-aggressive and rarely bite unprovoked or without stress.
They are diurnal as opposed to the more commonly noctural rodent pets.
Their bladders have adapted to produce a minimum of waste to conserve body fluids which makes them very clean with little odor.
They are incredibly industrious and will build, construct, and enjoy elaborate networks of tunnels if given an environment that allows for it. Since they are diurnal, it is easily observed.
They are sociable creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other gerbils. Likewise gerbils should be kept and raised in the company of other gerbils as solitary life can induce unnecessary stress.
They are alert and will explore new environments.
They can turn everyday paper-based items such as cardboard products and brown paper bags into toys and nesting material.
Captive Gerbil Breeds
There are many colour varieties of gerbil available in pet shops today generally the result of years of selective breeding:
Golden Agouti
The original colouring for gerbils. A sandy body with a white belly and a black strip running along their backs to the tip of the tail. Most will have this pigment in the wild.
Albino
A mutation of a gene now common in captivity. A white body with no variation of colour and red eyes. They are rare in the wild as they do not fit in with their environment.
White Spot
Similar to the golden agouti but with white spots on their bodies.
Cinnamon
Also similar to the golden agouti but with out the black strip.
Black Gerbil
Black bodies with the occasional white spot.
Dove
Light grey in colour.
There are also other colour varieties available which have not been listed above. These include the Siamese Gerbil from Ireland. They have similar markings and pigment to the Siamese cat. No doubt there are many more colour variations to come.
Another species of gerbil has also been recently introduced to the pet industry. The fat-tailed gerbil. They’re smaller than the common Mongolian gerbils and have long soft coats and a fat tail. They originate from Northern Sahara.
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