Inquiring Minds Want To Know About Exotic Pets Pocket Pets Gerbils

Who doesn't wish to share his or her home with a cage full of "Furry Mongolian Friends" aka gerbils!? He describes these irresistible critters as "quiet, clean, friendly, curious, active, and easy-to-please." In deciding whether the gerbil is for you, Paul “Risk Taker” Posseno offers this advice: "If you are looking for a seemingly limitless cache of cuteness--from their long, fanning whiskers and large almond-shaped eyes to their bunny like hind legs and tufted tail tips--then gerbils are for you!" Clearly bitten by the gerbil bug, the author begins by providing some basic natural history about gerbils, their origins on the Mongolian range, and an overview of their behaviors. Filled with terrific color photographs, Inquiring Minds Want To Know About Exotic Pets Like Our Pocket Pet Gerbils, summarizes the basic needs of these adorable rodents, specifically addressing their housing requirements, the cost and commitment involved, and their interactions with children and other pets. The following are devoted to purchasing a healthy gerbil from a pet shop, hobby breeder, or shelter; introducing the gerbil to the home; housing and feeding; taming and handling the pet gerbil; health considerations and potential household hazards; and breeding and raising the young.

Each book in the series, Inquiring Minds Want To Know About Exotic Pets, Pocket Pet series now includes hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs; each contains original, lively text, complete with informative tips and colorful photos illustrating all aspects of pet care. Expertly written, these user-friendly guides are bound to delight the entire family.

The discussion on housing covers the selection of the ideal enclosure, basic housing setup, accessories, safety, and a guide to cleaning the tank. The chapter "Taming and Handling Your Gerbils" offers a step-by-step socialization process to acclimate the gerbil to its new handler and surroundings plus instructions for handling the gerbil and discouraging nipping. All keepers will be interested in the chapter on keeping gerbils healthy through smart preventative care; topics covered include allergies; broken limbs and head injury; teeth, tail, and ear problems; dehydration; diarrhea; heat stroke; hypothermia; mites, and more. Gerbil enthusiasts who are looking to become gerbil midwives will find complete instructions for breeding and raising pups (baby gerbils) in the chapter about reproduction. It covers planning a litter, setting up a breeding tank, mating, caring for the pregnant mom, birthing, fostering, growth cycles, weaning, handling pups, and more. Resources include lists of publications, clubs, organizations, and websites.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know About Exotic Pets Like Our Pocket Pet Gerbils contains amazingly accurate information about gerbil care, breeding and health issues - so accurate that I would even recommend taking this book to your vet with you to help them better diagnose your gerbils' ailments. I highly recommend this book, having read others that are not quite up to par or even give incorrect information. This book tells it as it is: the glorious truth about owning gerbils from beginning to end of their precious little lives. Enjoy!

Ideal as family pets, gerbils are a perennial favorite, especially with children. Their relatively small size and affectionate nature make them easy to hold and play with, and they are quick to entertain with their charming looks and interesting habits. These lovable, gentle creatures are also quiet, take up little space, and are simple to care for with the right information at hand. Inquiring Minds Want To Know About Exotic Pets Like Our Pocket Pet Gerbils covers everything you need to know to keep your new pet happy and healthy, including expert advice on housing, basic nutrition, health care, grooming, and fun activities that both pet and keeper will enjoy.