There are a number of foods that gerbils can eat, and the following list is an example of some of them. (Yes, but Its Not Always a Good Thing), How Big Should a Gecko Tank Be? Females are the most prominent hoarders of food compared to males. Gerbils dont tend to drink a lot of water, but you should still provide it in a small water bottle hung where your gerbil can easily access it. Kent Coral Food Which One is Best For Your Fish. Other foods that you should keep away from your gerbil are: wild bugs, butter, and cheese, which are rich in fat. The amount of food a gerbil eats varies however, a gerbil generally eats around 5 to 8g per 100g body weight of food per day. Some signs that a gerbil has teeth problems include changes in eating and drinking habits, drooling, and bad breath. Company Reg. These include fruit and vegetables, Lab blocks, and Wholemeal bread. Other fruits that are safe for gerbils to eat include apples, bananas, and watermelons. We may receive a commission for purchases that you make through these links. Choose a well-balanced seed mix, though, to avoid giving your gerbil too much fat. PetFood.Guideis a participant in theAmazonServices LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. This does mean that having a gerbil that doesnt seem to drink water could be a sign that it is dying. Corn flakes, Flax seeds Soya oil Added vitamins & Added minerals. Your gerbil's diet - PDSA In the wild, they feed on many things, such as . Gerbils often pick out favorite ingredients and leave the rest of the mix. Gerbils are omnivores and can eat a variety of different fruits. Gerbils like to sit up and hold pieces of food to gnaw. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good for your gerbil, but avoid onions, iceberg lettuce, and rhubarb, which have toxins. Younger and more active gerbils may need higher fat percentages to account for increased calorie burn. Can Gerbils Eat Calendula? - Pet Food Mentor Your email address will not be published. Admittedly, gerbils are peculiar when it comes to water, and they dont really need to drink that much of it to survive. Trying your best to get the gerbil to eat is going to be helpful, but if the gerbil just doesnt seem to want to eat, then it could be that it has become ill. At this point, you are going to need to contact the veterinarian so that you can go over your options. After a few months, your gerbil should be ready to eat a 50/50 mix of commercially balanced pellets and seed mix, with small amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits. Pellets are also expensive, so you should be careful not to give them too much. Vegetables If you introduce a new gerbil to a group they may also have been rejected by the group. This can sometimes lead to them breaking or chipping a tooth. If your pet gerbil has stopped eating, there are a few things you can do to try to get them back on track. These three types of lettuce are the most nutritious, while iceberg lettuce is too high in water and prone to pesticides. This enables the gerbils to adjust to each other through scent and sight without contact. These mixes are a good source of protein and fat. Ensure that the vegetables you give them are chopped into small pieces, so they dont choke on them. Salted nuts are typically unhealthy for gerbils because the salt can cause dehydration and other health problems. I have managed to get him eating a little but not enough. It contains nuts, seeds, corn flakes, and dried vegetables. However, you should only give small amounts. If you want a gerbil to be your family member, then you must know its food habits. Fruit should never replace the main diet of gerbils. Additionally, freeze fruit and vegetable scraps overnight to kill eggs and any insects that could be harmful for gerbils. Also, gerbils dont eat much meat, which may result in cannibalism if overfed. If old age is the reason why your gerbil is refusing to eat because of being at the end of their life, make them comfortable during this process. 1. The list below shows some of the foods your gerbils will enjoy, and that are safe to eat. Do Gerbils Hide Their Food: How Long Can They Go without It? Omlet 2023, Currently, there is a waiting time due to high demand. However, there are several fruits that gerbils can eat without any risk. Can gerbils eat apple sauce? Food pellets come packed with wholesome nutrients that your gerbil needs for healthy growth and function. What Can Gerbils Eat? - Pet Food Guide There are foods to avoid that may poison gerbils, like grapes and rhubarb. Do not try to attempt to solve the gerbils dental issue yourself since you might wind up doing more harm to your gerbil than anything else. They do not promote foraging behavior. They will occasionally eat insects and small amounts of meat as well. Learn More, VAT Number: GB437691170 You can also try adding a little bit of fruit juice or honey to the water to make it more appealing. (A Look at Their Slumbery Habits). Make sure that your gerbils food has a good blend of ingredients. 4. I am super duper happy to see you here. If youre interested in learning more about gerbils as pets, please read the following articles: If youre interested in getting gerbils as pets, you should read ourbeginners guide to keeping gerbils as petsand ourgerbil care guide. Commercial pellet mixes provide your gerbils with the nutrients they need. One potential reason why your gerbil isnt eating is that it might have significant dental issues. You can also provide toasted bread to your gerbil. Thankfully, this is an issue that can be fixed by any skilled veterinarian, and you dont have to worry about this permanently preventing your gerbil from eating. Nuts also include other minerals and vitamins that can benefit your gerbil. In addition to fruit and vegetables, you can give your gerbils various grains. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. In large quantities, these foods can cause upset stomachs and gastrointestinal issues in your gerbil. Plus, they are convenient for you as a pet owner. Gerbils have a very simple stomach and don't have a well-developed cecum and colon. May 11, 2022 by Mary Nielsen There are a number of foods that gerbils can eat, and the following list is an example of some of them. Can Gerbils Eat Apples? Many gerbils will simply stop eating when they have a sense that they are close to death. By providing your gerbil with various fruits, you can ensure they get the nutrients they need. What are some signs that a gerbil is sick? A. What Can Dogs NOT Eat? | PetMD Pellets as food for gerbils are an excellent option if youd like to keep your pet healthy and happy. Most quality seed mixes and pellet diets will contain enough magnesium to keep your gerbils healthy. Do this by placing the new gerbil in a separate cage from the other gerbil and place their cage next to the other gerbils cage. Lab blocks are larger pieces of food that are scientifically proven to provide all of the essential nutrients a gerbil needs. If something is stressing out your gerbil, they will tend to not eat. I love that you have included the foods that are dangerous to gerbils. However, please beware that nuts also include plenty of fat, so if you regularly feed nuts to your gerbil, theyll gain a lot of weight. If fed in large quantities, it can cause a fatal allergic reaction. These are chunks or smaller pieces that form the foundation of a complete diet. But you have to be careful about what type of bread to give them. The key to maintaining pet gerbil health and happiness is to provide your pet with a nutritious diet. There are many things, that gerbils can eat, but there are also some things that a gerbil should absolutely not eat. Therefore give them time from a few hours to a couple of days to adjust and they will start eating once relaxed and comfortable. One option for feeding your gerbils is to buy lab blocks. Ensure that the grains you provide are boiled first, so they are soft and easy to digest. A gerbil that is on the verge of death will not also eat as regularly as normal. So, that makes nuts a pretty good snack. Specially formulated seed and pellet mixes contain all nutrients that your gerbil needs to live a long and healthy life. If youre worried about your pet gerbil because it hasnt been eating, then you might not know what you should try to do about it. This isnt uncommon, but it can be very tough for pet owners who just want their pets to be able to live happily. Grapes are capable of causing fatal kidney failure in dogs. Some signs that a gerbil is stressed include hiding, increased aggression, and changes in eating and drinking habits. You can buy dried and dehydrated kiwi (such as these tiny kiwi slices) or you can make them yourselves with a food dehydrator. Take the best care of your gerbil that you can, and you should be able to turn things around as long as nothing is seriously wrong with your pet. The best pairing of gerbils is pairing a new gerbil that is less than 10 weeks old with an adult gerbil of the same gender. There are reasons why your gerbil is not eating. Gerbil Bites: Do Gerbils Bite, Does It Hurt and What to Do? Gerbils can eat seed mixtures made with pellets, dried fruits, or vegetables. 10. You will want to limit the quantity of lettuce you allow your gerbil to eat. Gerbil Health and Illnesses: Common gerbil health issues and how to prevent them, How to Train Your Gerbil: Teaching your gerbil fun tricks and commands. Kiwis contain a lot of water and sugar, which can cause health issues. Required fields are marked *. Foods to avoid include: Gerbil muesli - Muesli-based gerbil diets encourage selective feeding, where gerbils eat high starch/sugar components of the muesli while . Moreover, pellets and lab blocks dont provide enough variety, so supplementation is recommended. Based on this data, the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio for gerbils is around [1.7]:[1]. If your gerbil is still not eating, its best to take them to the vet to rule out any health problems. First, check to see if there is anything blocking their access to food. That would likely mean that the gerbil is ill and that it isnt eating for a reason. Dried or dehydrated kiwi should be given less often. (List of safe fruits to give), beginners guide to keeping gerbils as pets. Let your gerbil hoard their food but monitor their weight over and overall health. If youre wondering what food your gerbil should eat, read this article. Feed them treats in a separate bowl or you can feed them by hand. Dried or dehydrated kiwis undergo a process where most water is removed from the kiwi. If you notice this, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Dog biscuits are delicious, dry snacks made for dogs that are shaped like bones. Fruit should never replace the main diet of gerbils. As a whole, gerbils can eat a lot of human foods, but not all of them. This can be difficult to achieve in practice. In the wild, gerbils will eat insects, but these should not be given to them as pets. Just like you and me, a gerbil can be bored of the diet if they are constantly being provided the same kind of food. Theyre desert animals and can survive a long time without water. You will notice this, especially in spring or summer as they prepare for winter. Solved & Explained! But you can always pet them if you want. However, if fighting still occurs, repeat the process of having them in separate cages and having them back together. One way to prevent this problem is to feed your gerbil about 5 grams of gerbil mix daily. 2020-2022 Pocket Pets 101. This is going to give your gerbil a chance to really consider whether it wants to eat or not, and you should have at least some idea of what foods your gerbil seems to like to eat. Can Your Gerbil Eat Sweetcorn? Hoarding food is a natural instinct of gerbils that cannot be erased. However, it is essential to avoid giving them citrus fruits, as these can harm them. So if youre looking to add some variety to your gerbils diet, consider giving them some delicious fruits! Thankfully, they can eat small quantities of these foods, but it is best to avoid them altogether. While theyre not suitable for gerbils, dog biscuits are a great alternative to the dog food your gerbil might be fed regularly. In most cases, however, pet gerbils live 2 to 3 years. Kiwi is an edible fruit; you can find kiwis almost anywhere in the world. They contain a small amount of fat and protein and are safe for consumption by gerbils. Let's meet our four-leg and no-leg friends and see how we can leverage modern technologies to help them.Read more >>>, Try Feeding Your Gerbil its Favorite Foods. Among the many fruits and vegetables suitable for gerbils, blueberries and raspberries are high in antioxidants. Gerbils are tiny and adorable as long as they dont fall sick. Gerbils naturally hide or hoard their food. These are similar to other seeds but have lower fat and higher carbohydrate content. Gerbils enjoy chewing on the tough strands of gerbil hay. Also, I think because he's not eating he seems very tired, lack of energy and . Feed them enough food that they can finish in 24-hours and remove leftover food. This list of particularly bad foods includes: We design beautiful, easy to maintain products which give you more time to spend with your pets. If your gerbil is still not interested in eating, you can try offering them smaller meals more often throughout the day. Feeding your gerbil properly is one of the most important parts of caring for them, and it isnt too hard to get things right. However, an occasional (healthy) snack can bring a little bit of variation in the diet. Youre going to want to take the gerbil to see its veterinarian as soon as you can so that you can get things figured out. If you stick to shop-bought gerbil food and the items on our safe foods list, you can't go far wrong. The veterinarian will examine and diagnose the ailment or tooth problem that may be having that is the cause for loss of appetite and prevention from eating well. These little furry friends can be a lot of fun to take care of, but you still need to be able to care for them properly so that they can thrive. I have a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems and over 10 years of experience working in IT. 9. You can buy suitable gerbil food at pet shops or on our online pet store. If your gerbil has a gastrointestinal issue, it will likely have a swollen belly and be constipated. Some safe alternatives to calendula for gerbils include carrots, lettuce, and fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro. Its going to be a good idea to keep a close eye on your gerbil to see if its behaviors have changed much. Pellet type food is best. Conclusion. Also as a new pet in a new home try to give your gerbil time to get used to the new environment. There are a few things that could be wrong, so its important to take your gerbil to the vet to figure out whats going on. According to the book Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals, this suggests that they are adapted to mostly eat low-fiber foods such as seeds. This will be evident based on the groups behavior which includes fighting with the new gerbil, refusal by the group for them to eat or drink water, and not sleeping together with the group. To avoid this, switch to pellets. Fresh kiwi can be given as a treat once a week. One is to offer them their favorite foods. Keep them as treats and feed in moderation, your gerbils will certainly appreciate it. They can even be unappetizing to some hamsters. The temperatures in the natural habitat of these gerbils can get up to 50 C (122 F), although usually, the temperatures are lower. What should I do if I think my gerbil is sick? However, there are plenty of people who recommend lab blocks as their pets diets. Avoid muesli-style mixes as gerbils will leave the bits packed with fibre and will only eat the sugary parts. You might be able to get better results if you try feeding your gerbil its favorite foods. Small pets like the hamster and gerbil are often described as great options for children, but that isnt always the case. I am passionate about pets and love sharing everything about them. Gerbils eat a wide variety of foods, but they are not able to digest certain items, such as tomatoes, onion, or garlic. Some gerbils prefer to forage, so you might try sprinkling some food around the cage as well. The three main types of nuts that gerbils should not eat are: salted nuts, cooked nuts; flavored nuts. If you think your gerbils teeth may be the problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. Knowing the reason behind a gerbil not eating will help in implementing the appropriate action to help them. Your gerbil needs a variety of healthy foods, and you can give them a balanced diet by offering them a wide variety of pellets and seeds. The gerbil is an omnivore in the wild but tends to prefer a vegetarian diet. Kiwi vines are best grown in semi-tropical climates. Can Gerbils Eat Cucumbers? Things to Keep in Mind If your gerbils are not getting enough of these nutrients, they will display signs of deficiency, as they do in mammals. In this article, well explore some of the possible reasons why a pet gerbil might stop eating, and what you can do about it. Yes, your gerbil can eat nuts. Does the gerbil's tail fall off? Most fruits, vegetables, nuts, even pasta, and oatmeal are fine. Just know that veterinarians always need to be the ones to handle issues like this since they are trained to take care of pets such as gerbils. Neori theme, designed by litMotion Templates. Make sure to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before feeding them to avoid introducing pesticides or small errors. This may include providing more hiding places, increasing the amount of exercise, and reducing noise and activity levels. If your pet gerbil suddenly stops eating, it could be a sign of something serious. Always feed them at the same time each day, and remove any food remains after 24 hours. All rights reserved. You can also give them soft food or leave them without food if theyre having dental problems. Also, keep an eye out for hidden fresh foods like vegetables and fruits which can become spoiled and cause health problems when your gerbil eats them. This is a natural behavior in ensuring their survival even if there are pets in your home. After some time, introduce the new gerbil to the other gerbils cage and observe their behavior. Knowing which fruits gerbils can eat is important because it helps ensure they get the proper nutrition. Dried or dehydrated kiwi should be given less often. Read on to learn more about your gerbils nutritional needs and how to meet them in the best way possible. A sick gerbil will not be able to eat in most cases because of a lack of an appetite. In addition to providing your gerbil with the right food, you also need to make sure that he has access to fresh water. What enclosure type do you use to house your gerbils in? This type of bread is safe for your gerbil, as long as you avoid mouldy, tangy, or spoiled bread. For example, kiwis are a tasty fruit full of vitamins. A new gerbil not eating can be due to a stressed gerbil in a new home or a new gerbil that has been introduced to other cage mates and rejected by the group. They are more flexible than pellets and lab blocks, and offer variety. Learn More. Cleaning the gerbil cage can look like a difficult task but with our practical guide youll become a cleaning master in no time. One possibility is that your gerbil has an infection. Fresh Foods Safe Food for Gerbils: What Food Can & Can't They Eat? - Misfit Animals Some vegetables that can harm gerbils include cabbage, broccoli, and spinach. All these fruits offer different nutrients that your gerbil needs, so it is essential to provide them with a variety. This can cause difficulty when eating therefore a gerbil will avoid the discomfort during meal times. You should feed only small bite-sized pieces because of the high percentage of water. For example, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds are recommended over sunflower seeds, because sunflower seeds have too much fat. With a little patience and trial and error, youll find something that works for your gerbil and gets them back to their old eating habits. A new gerbil will also be stressed because they are yet to adjust to their new home. Apart from safe fresh foods, gerbils should NEVER be given human foods. Gerbils drink water like any other animal but they dont tend a drink a lot of it. This is normal and common in older gerbils. If your gerbil is still not interested in eating, you can try offering them smaller meals more often throughout the day. 2. Dried fruits and vegetables There are a lot of dried fruits and vegetables that gerbils love to eat; banana, apple, raisins, sultanas, apricots, just to mention a few. Dried or dehydrated kiwi contain more sugar but less water. So, if you are looking for a healthy treat for your gerbil, any of these fruits would be a great option! Rhubarb is not the most nutritious of foods for gerbils, and they need water at all times. It will probably prefer toasted bread over regular bread, so make sure you check the labels and dont give your gerbil anything moldy! However, the following foods can do serious damage to your pet. Other seeds are poppy seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seed, and black-eyed peas. How to use this code: This link cantains your affiliate code and can be placed anywhere a normal tag could be placed. Can ferrets eat bananas or does it hurt their health? Avoid bread made from tomato, onion, or garlic. Do not introduce a new gerbil to an already formed group because there will be a fierce conflict by the group to get rid of the new gerbil through refusal for them to interact, fighting, or eat with the group. Read More: Why is my gerbil eating its bedding? When you feel your job will be guided by the quantity portions on the food package label which provides the appropriate quantity. However, there are some caveats to that. These mixtures are made from seeds and pellets, but they can also contain fruits, vegetables, and even vegetables. They typically dont bite unless they feel threatened. Another possibility is that your gerbil has a gastrointestinal issue. Monkey nuts Niger Unsalted peanuts Other Feeds for Gerbils Apart from bird feeds, gerbils can also eat other types of feeds, including fruits and vegetables. If you only use kiwis as a treat, the ratio does have limited influence and the main diet will keep the ratio in check. Chocolate, avocados, raw onions, and grapes are among the foods that can be harmful or even fatal to gerbils, so it is essential to avoid giving them these items. What Do Gerbils Eat? (Complete Food List) - The Pet Savvy What should gerbils avoid eating? You can try items such as carrots, broccoli, dandelion greens, apples, and berries. Its still important to choose a high-quality product, but you can rest assured that a good gerbil food mix will provide for your pet gerbils requirements. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! Gerbil Food To Avoid | Gerbil Food | Gerbils | Guide | Omlet UK Copyright 2023 Fur, Wings, & Scaly Things, Why a Pet Gerbil Might Stop Eating (And What to Do About it), The Fascinating Characteristics of Newts You Should Know About, Can You Keep Newts as Pets? Your gerbil might do fine on a commercial hamster food, but his specific nutritional needs will be better met by a properly formulated gerbil mix. A good rule of thumb is to offer no more than two carrots per gerbil per treat. It is essential to ensure your pet feeds on a balanced diet. I have a wife and two children and love taking them to the zoo to see all the animals. When choosing which fruits to give your gerbil, it is essential to consider the nutritional value of each one. Wild gerbils eat grasses, seeds, insects, leaves, and herbs. When gerbils get very sick, its going to be possible that they will just stop eating entirely. This list of particularly bad foods includes: Cabbage. Remember that you might not be seeing your gerbil drink, but that it could be drinking when you arent around. Many seeds and pellet mixes contain a small percentage of fruits, so an occasional (piece of) kiwi wont hurt your gerbils. However, its better to cut up Brazil nuts into small pieces to make it easier for your gerbil to eat. (Feeding Instructions) What kind of apples can you give? In addition to carrots, gerbils also enjoy foods such as Blueberries, pellets, and Cauliflower. Gerbils can eat kiwi but only as a treat. Gerbils can also eat the tops of carrots. In captivity, you should provide fresh water daily. Some of their favorites include apples, grapes, and watermelon. The natural habitat of gerbils doesnt fit this profile. There are several reasons why a pet gerbil might stop eating, including illness, stress, lack of appetite, and teeth problems. What is the best way to give my gerbil nuts? What are some signs that my gerbil has teeth problems? Kiwis are rich in several vitamins and have a high concentration of vitamin C. Vitamins play an important role in keeping gerbils healthy and can prevent certain health issues. Some people believe that pellets are the best food for gerbils because they are easy to digest. Since they are omnivores, it can be tricky to figure out what fruits and vegetables they can eat. Gerbils need a balanced diet and fruit only plays a small part in it. However, it is essential to avoid giving them citrus fruits, as these can harm them. Gerbil Food List. Another potential cause of your gerbil not eating is that you simply have a picky gerbil. While many commercial gerbil foods are safe to feed to gerbils, a diet made of table scraps and home-made meals may be deficient in certain nutrients. The skin of the carrot should be removed and washed thoroughly before feeding. As you can see, various fruits are safe for gerbils to eat. Knowing which fruits are safe for gerbils to eat can help ensure they get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy. Once you know theres nothing wrong with your gerbil, you can try different things to get them eating again. This means that no kiwifruit is available in the gerbils natural habitat. When fed incorrectly, gerbils may become ill. Commercial seed mixes include seeds, but owners can always supplement with extra. If your gerbil isnt eating, it might be sick. A gerbil should eat 3 to 4 times a day. However, you should make sure that you choose products that do not contain pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals because these substances are toxic to pets. It contains too many compounds that affect their digestion. If youre not sure what to feed your gerbil, a commercial gerbil food could be the best option. Nuts That Gerbils Should Not Eat Salted nuts Cooked nuts Flavored nuts
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