How Long Do Gerbils Live: A Guide To Their Lifespan

How long do gerbils live as pets?

Gerbils are popular pets because they tend to be easy to care for and are clean with minimal odor, but they do have some special requirements to keep them happy and healthy. Due to their social nature, gerbils need to live in a pair or group. The lifespan for a gerbil is typically 3-4 years.

What is the oldest gerbil ever?

The oldest gerbil was a Mongolian gerbil named Sahara, she was born in May 1973 and died on 4 October 1981 aged 8 years and 4 months.

Can gerbils live happily alone?

Gerbils are very sociable and should not be kept alone. They naturally live in a group, so it’s not fair to keep one on their own.

Do gerbils like to be held?

Handling your gerbils Gerbils don’t like being picked up and handled, and may get scared and aggressive if they feel threatened. Although they can get used to gentle, careful handling they are naturally quick and agile – therefore you may find it difficult to handle them appropriately.

Is 2.5 old for a gerbil?

Pet Gerbils tend to live for 2.5 to 4 years, with the average being around 3.4–3.5 years (around 3 years 6 months).

Are gerbils friendlier than hamsters?

While both can do well in captivity, gerbils are notoriously easier, more docile, and less likely to bite. Hamsters can become tame with frequent handling but will not tolerate being held for long and will bite when scared, sick, or with rough handling.

Can gerbils be left alone for a week?

Leaving your gerbil home alone with extra food and water should be fine for 3 days to a week. However, longer trips will require you to get a pet sitter, use a boarding service, or take your gerbil along with you.

Can gerbils live alone after one dies?

As for your remaining gerbil, he could be fine alone, especially if he is three years of age or older.

What animal has the shortest lifespan?

Seven-figure pygmy gobies The seven-figure pygmy goby (Eviota sigillata) is a tiny marine fish found in the Indian Ocean and West Pacific, living amongst coral reefs. This species has the shortest lifespan of any vertebrate—up to 59 days.

Is it better to have one or two gerbils?

Get gerbils, not a single gerbil First off, gerbils need companions. Unlike hamsters, they are not happy alone. So if possible, get a pair of gerbils. And because male-female pair will quickly have babies (and then more babies, and then even more babies), be sure to get a male-male pair or a female-female pair.

Do gerbils love humans?

Just as humans vary in their sociability, so too do gerbils. Some may love a daily cuddle and enjoy interaction with humans, while others may be more introverted, preferring to observe the world from a quiet corner of their cage.

Do gerbils kiss each other?

Kissing: Gerbils kiss when they first meet. It is thought that they transmit messages such as gender and dominance through chemicals in the saliva. Moving head from side to side: Seen in ruby-eyed gerbils.

Do gerbils need baths?

To get your gerbil’s coat shiny, give it a sand bath! Since they are a desert species, gerbils are accustomed to cleaning themselves in the sand. To keep your gerbil’s coat clean and prevent bacterial infections, you should give your gerbil access to a sand bath at least once a week.

Are gerbils smart?

Gerbils are inquisitive – always a sign of a bright mind in any animal – and dig complex tunnel systems with lots of different entrances and exits. They also have lifelong social interaction with other members of their species, which takes a modicum of intelligence too.

Can you tell how old a gerbil is?

Unfortunately, once a pet gerbil has reached adulthood it’s extraordinarily difficult to accurately determine how old it is. These animals reach adulthood at about three or four months, at which point they will be adult-sized and shaped, with a full body of fur and less rounded heads than the youngsters.

Can gerbils live for 5 years?

Gerbils as pets tend to live between two and three years, though it’s known for some to live four to five years (or longer) with proper care. In the wild, most gerbils tend to live only two or three years because of predation and harsh living environments.

How do you tell if my gerbil is a boy?

Adult male gerbils have prominent testicles that can be seen under their tails. It is more difficult to determine the sex of gerbils that are less than 7 weeks old. Lifting the tail of a young gerbil reveals a small patch with no fur; this patch is farther away from the tail on males than on females.

Are male or female gerbils nicer?

Some owners say males are more docile and friendly towards each other than females. Others say they have had no problem with female gerbil pairs. However, it’s generally a good idea to choose males if you want to keep more than two gerbils together, as they seem slightly happier in larger groups than females.

Do gerbils smell?

A lot of people automatically decide that gerbils smell bad. If you have pets or cages that smell, or you know people who do have pets/cages that smell, the pets are being improperly cared for. They hate the smell more than you. They’re living inside of it, and despite common opinion, gerbils are clean creatures.

Do gerbils sleep at night?

Gerbils don’t stick to routine sleeping schedules. They often sleep for an hour or two at a time, and then they’re up for an hour or two. This cycle occurs throughout the day and night. However, gerbils who are raised in captivity do tend to adapt to human sleeping schedules much easier.

Will a gerbil run away?

Lost Gerbil… But don’t panic: they usually reappear. Make sure your other gerbils cannot escape. If one of your group has managed to get out, chances are its friends could, too. Have a really good look at the enclosure to identify where your gerbil wriggled to freedom.

How long can gerbils go without water?

Gerbils only need about 1-2oz of water a day. Gerbils can go one day without any ill effect. If gerbils go longer than 24 hours without water they will start to show signs of dehydration. You may see them licking the wall of an aquarium or other surfaces trying to lick up moisture.

How long do pet store gerbils live?

Gerbils can live for up to three to four years – some even longer. Gerbils are generally diurnal animals, which means they’re out and about during the day.

Can gerbils be sad?

“But there are some behavioral aspects to depression.” The gerbils behaved strangely: they mated less, turned down tempting sugar water (usually ambrosia for rodents), acted more submissively and explored their surroundings less often.

Are gerbils dead or hibernating?

Hamsters & Gerbils don’t typically hibernate, but some can go into a hibernating state if they’re kept in really cold parts of the house. They may appear to be deceased, but check if they’re warm to the touch, and listen closely for them breathing as they may just be in this hibernating state.

Are gerbils good pets for 10 year olds?

Are you thinking about choosing a small pet? Learn more about them first and make an informed decision about the commitment they require. Gerbils can be good starter pets for children eight and up and families without a lot of space. They are energetic, usually friendly, seldom bite and love exploring.

What is the maximum age for a gerbil?

Gerbils as pets tend to live between two and three years, though it’s known for some to live four to five years (or longer) with proper care. In the wild, most gerbils tend to live only two or three years because of predation and harsh living environments.

How many days can gerbils be left alone?

How long can gerbils be left alone? You should handle your gerbil every day. They are social and curious creatures and will enjoy seeing you regularly. In the event you need to travel, they can be left with enough food and water to last about 2 days between check-ins.

Can gerbils live alone after one dies?

As for your remaining gerbil, he could be fine alone, especially if he is three years of age or older.

How long do Mongolian gerbils live?

Do gerbils live longer if kept in captivity?

How long do fat tailed gerbils live?

How does genetics affect gerbil lifespan?