Chapter 21: Gerbils

Gerbils, native to desert regions, are easy to handle, adaptable, and used in research for stroke, epilepsy, and dental diseases.

Gerbils are slender rodents with strong hind legs, long tails, and a large ventral marking gland used for territorial marking and pup identification.

Spontaneous seizures are hereditary in gerbils, occurring in 20% to 50% of the population, and can be triggered by sudden noises or handling.

Table 21.1. Mongolian gerbil biological data.

Body weight (grams)

Adult male: 65–130

Adult female: 55–133

Newborn: 2.5–3.5

Normal body temperature

37–39 °C

98.6–102.2 °F

Heart rate (beats per minute)

260–600

Respiration rate (breaths per minute)

70–120

Life span (years)

2–4

Daily consumption (per 100 grams body weight)

Feed: 5–8 grams

Water: 4–7 mL

Puberty age (weeks)

Male: 10–12

Female: 9–12

Sexual cycle duration

Gerbils require tall, escape-proof cages with solid bottoms and secure lids due to their jumping behavior. They need 3-5 cm of bedding for burrowing and should be kept in environments with humidity levels below 50% to prevent skin issues.

Euthanasia methods for gerbils include cervical dislocation, inhalant gases, or barbiturate overdose. Death verification and carcass disposal should follow institutional guidelines.