If you’re interested in buying a gerbil, it’s best to get them from a reputable breeder.
Here are 5 Things to Look for when Choosing a Gerbil:
- Health: The gerbil should be active and alert, with bright eyes and clean fur. They should not have any signs of illness, such as sneezing, wheezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, or lumps or bumps on their body.
- Temperament: Gerbils are naturally curious and friendly, so look for a gerbil that is curious and approachable. It’s also a good idea to handle the gerbil before you buy it to make sure it’s comfortable being picked up and handled.
- Age: Gerbils are social animals and thrive in pairs or groups, so it’s best to get a young gerbil (around 6-8 weeks old) so that it can bond with another gerbil.
- Gender: If you plan to keep two gerbils together, it’s important to get two of the same gender. It happens quite often that pet stores make mistake determining genders of the gerbils and the new owners end up with accidental litters. The gender of the gerbil does not play a role in its behavior. If coming from a good breeder, both genders will be friendly, curious and easy to train. In my opinion, I do not see a difference in gender, but much more in personality.
- Breeder: Look for a breeder who is knowledgeable and experienced in breeding gerbils. Ask the breeder about the gerbils’ lineage and any health or behavioral issues that may run in the family. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with information about the gerbils they sell. Gerbil Hub is committed in breeding the best gerbils and we remain a small hobby breeder, so we can spend time with all of our gerbils and train them even before they go to their forever homes.