Gerbils are small cute rodents that are found in arid and desert regions of Africa, India, and Asia. Most domesticated pet gerbils are from Mongolia. Gerbils are kept as pets throughout the world and are only able to survive if they are given proper care and complete nutrition.
A diet that is the combination of various commercially prepared pellets along with fruits, fresh seeds, grains, and vegetable mimics is the perfect diet for gerbils.
What do gerbils eat for survival in the wild?
Gerbils as pets are known as hardy eaters who gather food during the daytime in their natural environments. They eat a variety of stuff, including grass seeds, nuts, berries and hay such as timothy and alfalfa for survival in nature.
Because of their diverse natural diets of fruits, grains, and vegetables, gerbils are pretty easy to feed when taken as pets.
Specially formulated pellets
In the wild, gerbils eat food such as fruits, seeds, and grains found in the environment. But, gerbil pet owners don’t have to go search in nature to provide a nutritionally-balanced diet for their cute little pets.
There are specially formulated pellets for gerbils that are readily available at the most pet shops and retails stores with pets sections. These pellets include a variety of seed and grain ingredients that are combined to form small pieces of just right for little mouths of gerbils. These pellets also contain a necessary amount of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins to provide gerbils a balanced diet. Gerbils as pets love these special pellets formulated for their tastes and nutritional requirements. These rodents also enjoy a variety of pellets the same as they do in the wild, providing them a mix of grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits that will keep your cute pets happy and satisfied.
Gerbil mix
Gerbils love variety and seeds. There’s a commercial mixture known as a gerbil mix that is ideal for them. These packed seeds often come in several varieties, including pumpkin, alfalfa, flax, sunflower, and wheat. Some of them even have cereal for added nutrition. Gerbils usually like larger seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin.
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are also an essential part of the gerbil’s diet. They eat almost any type of fruit and vegetables because, in the wild, gerbils have easy access to berries, leafy greens, and root vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, and lettuce are some of the low-fat foods that are best for gerbils. They also enjoy various fruits such as peaches and bananas, and even dried fruit, too many of these treats can also lead to significant health concerns in gerbils. Therefore, gerbils should eat only small pieces of fruits and vegetables once a day.
Diet considerations
Gerbils love to eat, but in the wild, they have limited access to food. When kept as pets, they can over-eat all the time if the food is available in unlimited quantities; hence, certain foods should be limited to keep these small cute rodents from becoming obese or overweight. Give them foods such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and commercial cereals.
Freshwater
Just like any other animal, gerbils enjoy freshwater. You can give them water in a bottle or a sturdy bowl. These small rodents always enjoy plenty of clean, fresh water.
Are you thinking of having Gerbils as pets? Well, then keep these things in consideration for their diet. Giving them an excellent, nutrient-rich food will keep them away from health problems and will also ensure a long-life of these cute rodents.
