The Gerbil’s Nest

Daily Gerbil Ownership Responsibilities

From the moment you bring your gerbil home, you’ll need to keep on top of a daily gerbil care routine.  These responsibilities will include:

· Make sure that your gerbil has enough food in the food dish/cage.

· Check the water bottle to be sure that it has enough clean water and tap it to be certain that it is easily dispensing water. 

· Change the water every day or every two days at the most.  If you are adding a vitamin supplement to the water, you should never leave it longer than a day without changing it; otherwise, harmful bacteria can begin growing.

· Check beneath the water bottle in case it leaks.  If it leaks, it should be replaced immediately, and the cage should be changed.  Wet or damp bedding can allow mold to grow which may be toxic to your gerbil.

· Interact with your gerbil.  Talk to your gerbil and handle him or her.  If you have a safe place in which to do so, take your gerbil out of the cage and let him or her crawl on your arms, shoulders, etc.  If you’re afraid your gerbil may escape, the bathtub is a fantastic place to let your gerbil investigate you without any chance of danger or escape—don’t forget to plug the drain!

Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your gerbil’s company and fascinating behavior!

Mushroom always makes her nest in this plastic house. Notice that she has chewed away part of the “front porch”.  Gerbils are notorious for gnawing anything they can get their teeth into.