Fat tailed gerbil
Fat tailed gerbils are small animals that are recommended by vets to anyone who loves animals as pets. It is these gerbils that have adopted the specific external appearance—fat tails—and consequently the calm disposition, and the gerbils are gradually becoming favorites among the others. If you would like to know more about the way you should take proper care of these amazing animals, you have the opportunity to find out everything about the food and the living area of such animals, as well as some tips concerning their welfare.
Introduction to fat tailed gerbils
Originally living in hot, dry regions of North Africa, fat tailed gerbils, scientifically known as Pachyuromys duprasi, are purely desert rodents. They are smaller in size than the common Mongolian gerbil and are noted for their dense coat of spun-gold fur and short, stumpy tails, which are packed with fat. It may therefore be said that these soft animals are very low maintenance and can actually be recommended for new pet owners as well as professional pet keepers.
Why fat tailed gerbils Make Great Pets
Fat tailed gerbils are gentle animals when it comes to management, thus easy to deal with. Unlike some other types of rodents, they do not attack often; as such, such animals can be entrusted to families with children. Other benefits of adopting animals include the following: such animals are not easily tempted to chew on their cages, adding to the fact that they are good pets.
Their unique fat tails are not just a visual quirk but also serve a vital function: storing fat for energy. This ability to thrive under natural conditions as well as their desert and similar environments is characterized by scarcity of the resources that they need to live, which makes the owners replicate the same meticulously.
Setting Up a Suitable Habitat
I hope you know that every creature has its own fat tailed gerbil; that is why proper habitat is a very good thing for their health and joy. Here are some essentials to consider:
Housing
Tank or Cage:
A transparent acrylic aquarium is the best, as this has a mesh at the top, which the gerbil cannot climb, and it also protects the gerbil from cold drafts. The simplest environment for habitation for each of the gerbils is the container with a minimum of 10 gallons in size.
Substrate:
Aspen shavings, paper-based, and sand are some of the safe beddings as they are too close to the natural environment. Avoid the use of cedar and pine for the bedding, as they cause respiratory diseases.
Enrichment and Shelter
Hiding Spots:
That is why small houses such as wooden ones or ceramic homes should be provided, as well as ceramic burrows.
Toys and Chews:
offer some toys and chews to make the gerbil play as well as to wear its teeth in equal measure.
Temperature and Humidity
Fat tailed gerbils choose a temperature from 68F to 77F. Avoid exposing them to hot, cold, or humid conditions because the animals come from the desert regions.
Feeding your fat tailed gerbil
Staple Diet
Commercial Food: However, if one is available, choose a high-quality gerbil-pelleted or seed diet for gerbils, making them the best feeds for gerbils. These are used to complement the food and also the body fuel, and these form a very important group of the food classes.
Fresh Produce: Appropriate types of foods that should be offered include a little portion of fresh fruits like carrot, broccoli, and cucumber. Sometimes things like boiled apples are allowed, but not too often so that child does not put too much sugar in it.
Protein Needs
Fat tailed gerbil, however, requires somewhat more special diet and requires some amount of protein in it than many of the rodents. This may be met by offering mealworms, boiled egg pieces, or small pieces of hard-boiled chicken.
Water Supply
However, it is very crucial to make sure that a drip-style bottle is used in a way that there is a fresh supply at all times. Check and refill it daily.
Handling and Socialization
Fat tailed gerbils are also submissive animals, and once you decide to tamed them right, you won’t be in a lot of trouble or training.
Nom Thus, fat tailed gerbils are also submissive animals, and once you decide to tame them well, you are not going to have a lot of problems with the taming of the animal. Here are some tips for bonding:
Approach Slowly:
Do not put yourself in danger and your gerbil immediately have to lift it; wait until your gerbil comes closer to your hand.
Use Gentle Movements:
Be able to grab their body in such a manner that it doesn’t constrict the body.
Time of Day:
Treat them during the night because they are most reactive at night and early morning.
That when there are two or more gerbils, then they need to be introduced to each other gradually in order not to provoke tetra territorial behavior.
Common Health Concerns
All the same, some fat tailed gerbils are actually strong; fat tailed gerbils from some illnesses once in a while. Some of the signs you are likely to notice include when the puppy seems weak, they rarely eat, or their fur/tail color changes. To minimize the risk of transmitting diseases to other pets or yourself, do not touch your pet without gloves, and wash the pet’s enclosure frequently; your veterinarian should be familiar with exotic animals.
Conclusion
Fat tailed gerbils are rather unique animals: they like people, and, inversely, they have rather an absurd look. If this is done, a healthy and happy pet gerbil can be obtained by providing gerbil with a secure and stimulating living environment in the form of a cage with several environmental enrichments and a proper diet. First time or simply an experienced pet keeper, then having the opportunity to take care of such small creatures of the desert is fun.
FAQs
Can fat tailed gerbils live alone?
Yes, fat tailed gerbil, unlike some species of gerbil, can be kept as a single pet. However, when both the two are placed in the same building, then the introduction should be made in a very careful way so that there be no provocation of the animals.
How long do fat tailed gerbils live?
In total, fat tailed gerbils can live around 4-6 years if appropriately cared for, which is way longer than most small rodents.
Is socialization important for fat-tailed gerbils?
Fat-tailed gerbils are docile rodents and respond well to interaction, but that doesn’t mean they have to be handled or played with often. One must be very gentle whenever he is touching them so as to create a trusting relationship with them.
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