Introduction

Gerbils are wonderful pets for many people. But the truth is there are six of us, and we all have different personalities. Which one of us is right for you? Do you live alone? Are you a first-time gerbil owner? Is cuddling with your gerbil important to you? Are you looking for a pet that can handle some handling by younger kids? We’re here to help!

Are you a first-time gerbil owner?

Gerbils are the ideal first pet for people who don’t want to deal with a lot of responsibility. They are easy to care for, quiet, and clean animals that enjoy spending time alone. Unlike dogs or cats that need regular walks outside, gerbils don’t require much attention at all—you can simply let them out in their cage every once in a while and make sure they have plenty of food and water available.

Another reason why we think gerbils make great first pets is that they have short lifespans (usually around 2-3 years) so you won’t be stuck taking care of an older animal when you’re ready to move on from the “first pet” phase of your life.

Do you have other pets in your household (cats or dogs)?

If you have other pets in your household, such as cats or dogs, it’s best to keep your gerbil separate from them at first. Gerbils are social animals and need to be with other gerbils. They will bond with you and your family, but they need other gerbils to be happy.

It is possible for gerbils to live with cats and dogs once they’ve been introduced slowly over time. However, it’s important that the dog be trained not to chase mice or the cat not to kill mice so that they don’t cause harm while playing or eating.

Do you have children under the age of 6?

If you have children under the age of 6, gerbils are a great pet choice. They’re small and gentle, so kids can easily hold them in their hands. Gerbils also aren’t noisy and won’t wake your baby up when they’re sleeping.

If your family already has another pet at home, it’s important that your new gerbil gets along with other animals—especially cats! Gerbils love playing with cat toys and will keep kitty entertained for hours on end. Not only that, but if you have a cat that likes to dig or scratch furniture (or even carpet), then a gerbil could be just what she needs to get her claws out instead of destroying things around the house.

Do you have children age six and older?

Gerbils are fine with older children. As a parent, though, you need to supervise your kids’ interactions with their new pets. It’s important for them to understand that gerbils can be fragile and need gentle handling. They should also know not to make sudden movements around the cage or get too close so that they don’t frighten the gerbil into biting if it feels threatened.

Older children will probably enjoy spending time with their new pet on their own; however, you may want to consider setting up some age-appropriate chores as well—for example, helping clean out the cage every week or two (or more often if necessary). If your child has his or her own room in which he or she plans on keeping the gerbil(s), make sure it’s somewhere safe where there are no hazards like sharp corners or potential fire hazards associated with electrical sockets nearby.

Do you want an affectionate gerbil?

If you’re a gerbil person, like me, and you have the time to spend with your gerbils—at least an hour per day—then they will be very happy in your company. You’ll find that they are social animals and they enjoy being handled by people. You don’t need to provide a lot of toys for them because they prefer to interact with their owners instead of playing with toys. Gerbils are very affectionate creatures and will show their love for their human friends in many ways: through grooming, huddling together during playtime or even following them around the house on those rare occasions when you let them out of their cages!

If this sounds like what you want in a pet then read on…

Do you prefer a calm gerbil?

If your ideal gerbil is calm, then you’ve come to the right place. Gerbils are naturally quiet animals with a tendency towards being shy around new people or situations. They’re mellow and not prone to excessive activity like running laps in their tanks or jumping up on things too often. However, they can be active outside of their cage—they love exploring the room and getting used to their surroundings!

You may also want to consider whether you would prefer a more active or less active pet. The most important thing is that if you pick one of these two options, it needs lots of space for exercise so it doesn’t become overweight (which could lead to health problems).

Is cuddling with your gerbil important to you?

If cuddling is important to you, a gerbil might be your best choice. According to National Geographic, “Gerbils are very social animals and enjoy being held in the hand or on one’s lap.”

Some people will let their gerbils sleep with them at night in bed, but most keep them in cages near their beds because they tend to be nocturnal. However, some gerbils make an exception for humans and will sleep with their owners—even if they aren’t napping together! This can result in some lovely snuggles at night when all of you are ready for bed.

Are you looking for a pet that can handle some handling by younger kids?

Are you looking for a pet that can handle some handling by younger kids? Gerbils are not recommended for children under age six, as they can be unpredictable and may bite. If your child is old enough to show good responsibility, then gerbils would make a great choice!

If your family has children who are older than six years old, then gerbils may also work well for you—but we recommend holding off on ownership until the kids have grown out of their “curious” phase.

Are you looking for a pet that will not nip or bite when handled?

• If you are looking for a pet that will not nip or bite when handled, the gerbil is probably not a good option.
• Gerbils have a reputation for being nippy, but this isn’t true. They won’t bite or nip when handled.
• A gerbil will also not bite or nip when picked up or played with. You can cuddle with one and it won’t hurt you!

Are you able to give your gerbil one-on-one time daily?

If you are unable to give your gerbil one-on-one time daily, please reconsider adopting one. Gerbils need attention, and if they are the only pet in the household, they will not receive enough of it. They have been known to develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

All of us are adorable and special and would love nothing more than to be your best friend.

• Gerbils are adorable and affectionate, but not needy. They’re easy to care for, and will generally stay out of your way unless they want something from you (which they usually won’t).
• Gerbils are great pets for kids! They can be taught to do tricks with treats, and many gerbil owners report that their children love spending time with theirs.
• Gerbils live long lives—up to 10 years or more with proper care—so if you’re looking for a lifelong friend who will stick around with you through thick and thin, one of us is the perfect companion for that.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you decide which gerbil is right for you. We are all unique in our own ways, and each of us will bring something special to your life. We’re so excited to meet all the people who have been searching for a new best friend!