Mongolian Gerbils: The Sociable And Inquisitive Pet Rodent

The appearance of these little fellas in local Pet shops has sparked the curiosity of many. Are these Mice? Hamsters...with a tail?! Remarkably similar to small mice and facial features of a Dwarf Hamster, the Mongolian Gerbil is gaining popularity as an alternative option of small domesticated Pets. 

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Considering a Mongolian Gerbil as a fuzzy companion? The following information will help you understand and care for them better☺

The Mongolian Gerbil

(Meriones Unguiculatus)

While there are many species and varieties to a Gerbil, only one species is permitted as a house pet currently. This species is none other than our new found friend, the Mongolian Gerbil. These tiny creatures are native to the Northern parts of China, more commonly referred to as Desert Rats. Mongolian Gerbils were first brought to the United States of America by Dr Victor Schwentker for research purposes.

Dr Victor Schwentker

 What transpired after was a following of lab researchers whom have developed fondness for Mongolian Gerbils— they were brought home by many as Pets. The introduction of Mongolian Gerbils to the United Kingdom happened in 1964, and thereafter began the sale of these small animal species in Pet shops throughout Europe and America.

Mongolian Gerbil Appearance

Size — An adult Mongolian Gerbil has an average weight of only 71 grams. Their body lengths range from 12 cm to 14 cm. The full length of their tails ranges from 8 cm to 10 cm— That's almost the length of their bodies!

Features — As we have just mentioned, Mongolian Gerbils have the face and the body size not too far off from that of a Dwarf Hamster. The one noticeable difference would be their long tails, covered with short fur. A behavioural difference which you would come to notice is that Mongolian Gerbils usually rest on their large feet and muscular hind legs, as opposed to being crouched over most of the time like a Mouse or Hamster.

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Colours — Currently, there are over 20 different colours and pattern variations to a Mongolian Gerbil. The available colours in Singapore consists of Black, Lilac, Dove, Argente Golden, Nutmeg, Agouti, Dark-eyed Honey, Pink-eyed White and Red-eyed White. Rarer colours include Red Fox, Yellow Fox, Self Cream, Honey Cream, Light Cream, and Argente Cream. In other countries, some of the unique colours are Burmese, Siamese and Schimmel.

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Mongolian Gerbil Care Tips

Housing — A highly recommended housing for Pet Mongolian Gerbils is a glass tank. Provide a glass tank of an adequate size (for running and scuttling about), and fill it with bedding of 2 inches or more. Avoid pine and cedar bedding as they tend to cause respiratory health issues for small animals. Plastic or wire cages are often destroyed by the habitual behaviour of Gerbils— chewing. Following that, are the possible dangers of your Gerbil ingesting these materials.

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Toys & Accessories — Mongolian Gerbils love burrowing, digging and chewing, invest in wooden toys and recycle paper towel rolls. Boxes or containers are excellent makeshift sleeping spots, even nesting purposes. Highly active as they are, be sure to include a good ol' exercising wheel and tunnels to keep them healthy and entertained!

Hot Tip #1      Keeping your Mongolian Gerbils' home clean is important. However, placing everything back as they were can be equally necessary— your tiny fellas might not be accustomed to you messing up their home too much. Too help avoiding this process, owners sometimes retain a small amount of old bedding, scattering them around the Gerbils' home after the clean-up.


Food —  The diet of a Pet Gerbil requires very little fuss. Aside from a daily change of fresh water, seed mix may consist of Parrot and Hamster seed feeds— their love for sunflower seeds can be put to use during training. Gradually and occasionally introduce vegetables and fruits. Other food items like hard boiled eggs or cheese are also permitted, in very small amounts. Avoid sugary treats.

Hygiene — As with most small Pets, you must absolutely never bath your pet Mongolian Gerbil in water. Water baths have been reported to cause skin irritation and may also in turn induce stress. Instead, provide a container filled with Hamster or Chinchilla bathing sand for them, and watch them roll and tumble away!

Pet Gerbils Taking A Sand Bath

Related:

Can I Bath My Hamster In Water?: 6 Ways To Keep A Hamster Clean!

Mongolian Gerbil Personality

Mongolian Gerbils are your little rodents of high intelligence, curious and playful nature— and on top of all, non-aggressive. They love to be picked up and introduced to new exploring areas, so don’t be afraid to lay some affection on them as frequently as you'd like! Sociable creatures such as Mongolion Gerbils thrive better in pairs or more, this however applies to early-stage introduction between the Gerbils (when they are of a young age). The introduction of a young Gerbil to an adult Gerbil may cause fatal repercussions due to territorial issues. 

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While Mongolian Gerbils make excellent small Pet alternative to Hamsters, close adult supervision must be fulfilled when they are being handled by children— squeezing or accidentally dropping them could land your pet Gerbil in a state trauma or even be fatal. Also, NEVER pick up your Mongolian Gerbil by their tails! With proper care and love, Mongolian Gerbils have an average lifespan of 3 to 4 years.

Hot Tip #2      Mongolian Gerbils are also said to be active both in the day and night, keep them well-entertained while you're asleep or unavailable by providing adequate and entertaining toys for them within their living space.

You might also be interested in these:

Hamster Life Hacks: Seven Essential Hacks For Every Hamster Owner

Syrian Hamsters: The First Domestic Hamster Species

Winter White And Campbell Dwarf Hamsters: How Do You Tell Them Apart?

Homemade Hamster Treat Recipes: Miniature Snacks Too Adorable To Resist!

Your Stories Can Be Heard Too

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Disclaimer

This article was written with informational purposes, as you know, we’d love to share our collective research and experiences as fellow Pet owners and lovers. It is not meant to alternate in any way as advice or diagnosis of Professionals.

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