Gerbils

Anyone knows any breeders or petshops in Malaysia that sells gerbils? I'm breeding my gerbils(canadian white spot, black, agouti, dark eyed honey and argente) as a hobby. Have produced 2 litters and all have found lovely homes. I also breed fancy mice.

I would like to know more on raising gerbils and their diets. Maybe share experiences and tips. Anyone would like to share with me? Gerbils aren't popular pets here coz not many petshops know what gerbils are.... When I ask them, they give me a look and say "is it some sort of fish?"

never keep a group of gerbils together in 1 cage or 1 tank. the gerbil colony is a matriarchy society and believe it or not, there are politics. in a colony, only the alpha female is allow to breed. fights usually break out between females and most likely 1 of them will end up seriously injured or dead.

gerbils are hostile to other rodents so do not keep gerbils and another small animals together. Gerbils should be fed with uncooked grains and minimal sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds have a very high fat content, feeding too much will lead to obesity and diabetes.

Gerbils are very active animals and they need alot of excercise. It will be good if they are allowed to run on a hamster ball outside of their cage, if you add a hamster wheel in the cage, make sure it is of durable material else you will probably see that wheel had became part of the bedding.

i think clover can tell you more ...hmz.... oei CLOVER where are you????

Ah, thanks you Torphaine and Francis for replying.

Ya, I learnt the hard way with the alpha female thing. My first litter had 6 but didn't know that other females aren't allowed to breed so that litter became 3. The book I bought wasn't very informative for me. Anyway, I now house them in suitable pairs, each have their own 2ft tanks and lots of toys. Only one gerbil will use the excercise wheel hehehe.... I also learnt the hard way with tanks. I went and bought a CriterTrail 2 tier cage, the petshop said suitable for gerbils but in the end, some parts were chewed away by my gerbil. Now they are housed in durable plasic aquariums

For feed, I give them a hamster staple diet. Is it ok? Can't seem to find one just for gerbils. Also, what can and can't be given to them? I occasionally give them a small bit of apple. I'm still learner as this is my 1st time with gerbils and I could be the only person in my area with 8 gerbils. So far, no petshops sell them. I have searched high and low for them.

i used to mix my own mix for my gerbils, more oats and wheat, less sunflower seeds. lettuce and spinach will be gd for them. do not feed them tomatoes.

Ah... more wheat and oats.. ok... How bout millet?

millet is nornally used as a "filler" in mixes. They are not really expensive and nutritious.

Oh... thanks for the advice! When my gerbils are pregnant, I feed them hardboiled egg and mealworms. I also include dry dogfood(science diet) and dry bread.