Glenway Animal Hospital, 2020, Gerbil Care. Blend Images / DreamPictures / Vanessa Gavalya / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images. St. Francis Animal And Bird Hospital, 2020, Gerbil Care. This may be a compound pelleted ration or a mixture of different seeds; commercial rations are formulated to meet their biological needs. Because of their diverse natural diets of grains, fruits and vegetables, gerbils are easy to feed in captivity. Gerbils love to hoard food in large stores. Finally, some vegetables such as onions, cabbage and potatoes pose the threat of gastric problems in gerbils, so do not give these to your little pets. Their water changed regularly and the bottle and nozzle cleaned properly. These prepackaged seeds often have numerous varieties, including sunflower, pumpkin, alfalfa, flax and wheat. 1.1 Dried Seed Mixes; 1.2 Nuts & Seeds Gerbils Can Eat; 1.3 Fruit & Vegetables; 1.4 Eggs for Gerbils; 1.5 Fruit Twigs; 1.6 Hay Vs Straw: What Should You Give? There are foods to avoid that may poison gerbils, like grapes and rhubarb. Gerbils are primarily herbivorous, feeding on plants. These pellets contain a variety of grain and seed ingredients that are ground together to form small pieces of food just right for gerbils' small mouths. Gerbils are hardy eaters who gather food during the daytime hours in their natural environments. In the wild, gerbils eat insects. Make sure all vegetables and fruits are well washed and pesticide-free. Gerbil Food that has chemical preservatives and dyes (calcium propionate, yellow 5, yellow 6, Sulphur dioxide, titanium dioxide, red 40, blue 1 and blue 3) Food that contains too much sunflower seeds or corn Feeding rodent pellets or blocks alone without mixing with any other food may not be that good for your gerbils, they will become skinny. Removing uneaten portions promptly after mealtimes will prevent spoilage. Shape The World. Many gerbils love fruits and vegetables. Monitoring daily to see how much they eat and drink. Do not give your pets¿ grapes or rhubarb as these are poisonous to rodents. Commercial pet products generally contain foods like grains and seeds, which provide enough fat, protein and carbohydrate for good health. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. Some even contain cereal for added nutritional value. Make sure your gerbil eats enough of the pellets or lab blocks to get those nutritional benefits before giving them the seed mixture or other treats. But providing your gerbil with the proper nutrition is essential to helping them lead a long, healthy, and happy life. To avoid sudden dietary changes, or food that has been allowed to become stale, as they can upset their stomachs. Because of their diverse natural diets of grains, fruits and vegetables, gerbils are easy to feed in captivity. A good quality, balanced diet especially for gerbils, containing all the nutrients and minerals they need. sunflower) as they are fatty and can cause obesity. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Many gerbils love fruits and vegetables. In the wild, gerbils forage for seeds, fruits and grains found in the environment. You can try items such as … Feed any treat items in a separate bowl and remove them after a couple of hours if uneaten to prevent spoilage. Gerbils naturally eat seeds of various grasses, bulbs and a range of leaves and herbs. Just like any animal small or large, gerbils enjoy an ample supply of water. Most domesticated pet gerbils are the Mongolian variety. Start by offering small amounts of fresh vegetables or fruits to prevent diarrhea from eating too much at once. 1 Foods for Gerbils. Give treats such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, commercial cereals and even fruit in moderation, as these foods can be fattening. Gerbils are kept as pets throughout the world, and thrive in captivity with proper care that includes complete nutrition. Of course, you can confine yourself to this food, but there are many other things that, of course, like your pet. Despite this, don't make the mistake of thinking water is not important. Their gerbilarium to be checked daily to remove any stale food items as they hoard food. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING, The Humane Society of the United States: Food and Water: Cage Supplies for Your Gerbil, The American Gerbil Society: Gerbil Care Handbook, Dog Breed Info Center: Keeping Gerbils as Pets, Gerbils as Pets: Tenn Things You Need to Know Before Adopting a Pet Gerbil. A pelleted or lab block diet can form the balanced base of your gerbil's diet, while a loose seed mix and other treats add interest and variety. Unsweetened breakfast cereal often becomes a favorite treat for gerbils. Food scattered directly on the surface of the bedding to help prevent squabbling. Therefore, gerbils do best when their primary diet is supplemented with only small pieces of fruits and vegetables no more than once a day. The best insects for gerbils are mealworms, waxworms, superworms, crickets, and locusts. Gerbils are desert inhabitants, accustomed to eating grass and seeds. Fruit (pear, melon, apple, oranges) and vegetables (cucumber, carrot, pumpkin and fennel) can be used to supplement your gerbils ration. You can try items such as carrots, broccoli, dandelion greens, apples, and berries. From 2 weeks to 4 weeks of age. Though they also enjoy fruits such bananas, peaches and even dried fruit, too many of these sugary treats can lead to obesity and health concerns. Offering a mix of seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables will keep your pets satisfied. Baby gerbils only eat mom’s milk – barely leaving the nest. Be Her Village. These social, funny, adorable rodents are great companions for children learning to take care of a pet. In nature, the gerbil diet is not diverse: there is little food in the desert, and gerbils eat … Variety. If food consumption or water intake increases or decreases from the level normal for your pets, the faeces become moist or your pets¿ hind-quarters become soiled, take them to your. gerbils will pick out their favorite items. Baby gerbils start to mouth and then eat normal gerbil food at a very young age – but they still drink mom’s milk when they get the chance…. Bishops Stortford Vets, 2020, Frequently Asked Gerbil Questions. Nuts can be offered but do so sparingly since they are high in fat. Alternatively, you can feed treats by hand. Start by offering small amounts of fresh vegetables or fruits to prevent diarrhea from eating too much at once. This is a great way to earn your gerbil's trust, tame them, and provide training and enrichment. Carrots, lettuce and broccoli are low-fat choices that are good for gerbils to eat. Registered charity no.219099. A diet that consists of a combination of commercially prepared pellets along with fresh seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables mimics the natural gerbil diet. Pellets that are specially formulated for gerbils are available at most pet shops and retail stores with pet sections. Fresh, clean drinking water constantly available, in a drinking bottle with a metal sipper tube. A variety of grass seeds, berries, nuts and hay such as alfalfa and timothy are staples for wild gerbils. Morningside Animal Hospital, 2020. Variety. Because they have tendencies to eat indiscriminately in captivity, certain foods should be limited to keep these small rodents from become overweight or even obese. Healthy gerbil foods also include fruit and vegetables, but only as a treat. Gerbils must always have access to clean fresh water. Gerbils also prefer these tasty morsels to other more nutritious grains, so limiting them will encourage these little pets to eat what is best for them. Gerbils are omnivores, which means that they can digest both plant and animal matter. What Is the Life Expectancy of a Pygmy African Hedgehog? Fresh fruits and vegetables are also mainstays of the gerbil diet. In addition, always avoid junk food such as candy, chocolate, cakes and cookies. They are also fortified with necessary fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals to provide a balanced diet. Once you have a feel for how much your gerbil eats, try to feed approximately the amount they will finish in 24 hours (but not too little), and remove any uneaten food before feeding them again in case it is damp or soiled. From 4 weeks of age upwards. Pumpkin seeds are a healthier treat. Your best bet to feed your gerbil is to use a heavy crock made of ceramic that they cannot chew or tip over. Place the lab blocks or pelleted diet in the dish and add a bit of seed mixture (about a teaspoon) if desired. Fruit (pear, melon, apple, oranges) and vegetables (cucumber, carrot, pumpkin and fennel) can be used to supplement your gerbils ration. Gerbils often prefer larger seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower, and gradually nibble around the smaller seeds in the mix after they have devoured their favorites. A variety of grass seeds, berries, nuts and hay such as alfalfa and timothy are staples for wild gerbils. Establish a routine where your gerbils are fed at about the same time each day (the evening works well).