This is meant as a general care guideline for a Gerbil. The needs of one may differ from those of another, so be sure to discuss specific questions with a knowledgeable veterinarian familiar with small mammals.
Size: 5-6” long Life span: 3-4 years with proper care
Group or Solo: Gerbils are social and can be kept in pairs. If not, the human should be prepared to spend a lot of time with a solo gerbil to keep them mentally satisfied. It is recommended gerbils only be housed in same-sex pairs or groups. Slow and proper introductions are needed for gerbils to acclimate to each other without fighting.
Diet: High-quality gerbil pellets or blocks should make up 85-90% of your gerbil’s diet. Small amounts of grains, veggies, fruits and Timothy hay can also be offered but should only make up 10% of the diet. Clean, fresh water should be changed daily and always available. Water should be given in a sipper bottle or a shallow bowl. Bowls should not be too deep so that they cannot fall in and get stuck.
Habitat: Gerbils need room to exercise and play. A pair of gerbils need an aquarium that is at least 20 gallons. The habitat should be glass or metal with a solid bottom so that gerbils can’t chew their way out and a tight-fitting, escape-proof lid. Enclosures should have different levels, as gerbils love to climb and explore. Habitat furniture should be wood, hard plastic or ceramic, as all furniture will be chewed on; avoid soft plastic décor that can be chewed up and swallowed. Cardboard tubes, smooth-sided exercise wheels (so they don’t injure their toes and feet), and PVC pipes are all appropriate for gerbils. Many gerbils also enjoy a hiding place within their habitats. 1 to 2` of commercially available paper-based bedding as gerbils enjoy making nests. Gerbils acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes, and keep the habitat out of direct sunlight and drafts
Handling and other care: Gerbils should be offered dust baths one a week to keep their coats clean and dry. You can wipe your gerbil clean as needed with a damp washcloth. Gerbils should be gently cupped in a hand to hold but should never be picked up by the tail
This is meant as a general care guideline for a Gerbil. The needs of one may differ from those of another, so be sure to discuss specific questions with a knowledgeable veterinarian familiar with small mammals.
Size: 5-6” long Life span: 3-4 years with proper care
Group or Solo: Gerbils are social and can be kept in pairs. If not, the human should be prepared to spend a lot of time with a solo gerbil to keep them mentally satisfied. It is recommended gerbils only be housed in same-sex pairs or groups. Slow and proper introductions are needed for gerbils to acclimate to each other without fighting.
Diet: High-quality gerbil pellets or blocks should make up 85-90% of your gerbil’s diet. Small amounts of grains, veggies, fruits and Timothy hay can also be offered but should only make up 10% of the diet. Clean, fresh water should be changed daily and always available. Water should be given in a sipper bottle or a shallow bowl. Bowls should not be too deep so that they cannot fall in and get stuck.
Habitat: Gerbils need room to exercise and play. A pair of gerbils need an aquarium that is at least 20 gallons. The habitat should be glass or metal with a solid bottom so that gerbils can’t chew their way out and a tight-fitting, escape-proof lid. Enclosures should have different levels, as gerbils love to climb and explore. Habitat furniture should be wood, hard plastic or ceramic, as all furniture will be chewed on; avoid soft plastic décor that can be chewed up and swallowed. Cardboard tubes, smooth-sided exercise wheels (so they don’t injure their toes and feet), and PVC pipes are all appropriate for gerbils. Many gerbils also enjoy a hiding place within their habitats. 1 to 2` of commercially available paper-based bedding as gerbils enjoy making nests. Gerbils acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes, and keep the habitat out of direct sunlight and drafts
Handling and other care: Gerbils should be offered dust baths one a week to keep their coats clean and dry. You can wipe your gerbil clean as needed with a damp washcloth. Gerbils should be gently cupped in a hand to hold but should never be picked up by the tail
At the Denver Animal Shelter, we have many wonderful animals available for adoption! View our online database of adoptable pets or stop by to see our animals in person:
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
We constantly have new animals coming to the shelter. Keep in mind that adoptions occur frequently and we can not guarantee the availability of an animal listed online. The shelter's adoption package includes the adoption fee, spay or neuter cost, vaccinations, and a one-year pet license.
At the Denver Animal Shelter, we have many wonderful animals available for adoption! View our online database of adoptable pets or stop by to see our animals in person:
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
We constantly have new animals coming to the shelter. Keep in mind that adoptions occur frequently and we can not guarantee the availability of an animal listed online. The shelter's adoption package includes the adoption fee, spay or neuter cost, vaccinations, and a one-year pet license.
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
More about this shelter
Denver Animal Protection (DAP) provides animal care and protection services for all of Denver County. DAP operates Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), an open-admission shelter that is home to more than 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.
Denver Animal Protection (DAP) provides animal care and protection services for all of Denver County. DAP operates Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), an open-admission shelter that is home to more than 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.
Other pets at this
shelter
We'll also keep you updated on COLBY's adoption status with email updates.
