Gerbils make stunning pets and if you handle them enough they become so tame they will come and sit on your shoulder quite happily. If you consider buying a gerbil it's best to buy two bcause then they won't get bored as easily. If you do get two they have to be from the same litter or they may fight and injur each-other.
I keep my gerbils in a fish tank, there good because they can't get out but it is best to have a cover for it to protect them other animals!! In the fish tank you should provide them with bedding materials, you can buy this from your local pet shop. Gerbils are one the cleanest pets, and because of their cleaness you only need to clean them out once every two to three weeks. Line the cage with a lair of wood shaving or saw dust. The cage should have high walls because your gerbils are likely to kick up the woodshaving/sawdust and that can reach quite a hight! You can buy speacil gerbil food for them and always have a water bottle with fresh water in at all times, change the water about every two days. Put any spare kiten rolls and/or toilet rolls in there for them to chew at.
If your gerbil escapes it will usually go back to there home and try to get in again. Gerbils like a little lettuce or grass. They'll eat all greens but give i to them in a limited amount or you might make them ill. Use a heavy dish to put food in and keep it somewhere else from the sawdust becuase they kick it in there! you may even want to take the food out and give it to them at a certain time of day!
When you handle your gerbils do not grasp around their tummy or they might feel trapped and struggle, put your hand in the cage, with no quick movements, and let them get used to the smell and feel. When your gerbil is ready it will climb on your hand, you then can lift your hand and hold your gerbil gently.
