The Mongolian gerbil is the most common breed of domesticated gerbil today. Eventually in the 1950s, mice made their way to the United States.

The Mongolian species of gerbil was first popularized in the 19th century when it was brought from China to Paris. Do not leave your hamster unattended outside of its cage they are prone to chewing on wires, floor boards, furniture, and carpet. They can become stressed if mishandled, especially if they are handled while sleeping, startling awake, which may cause them to bite you. They move slow enough for children to hold them. Hamsters tend to develop stress-related diseases, such as gastrointestinal problems, more easily than some other small rodents. Hamsters tend to be less active and are easier to hold than gerbils however, they can jump, are nocturnal (active at night), and may bite, if awakened suddenly. All small rodents' incisor teeth grow continuously and should be provided with safe, wooden toys on which to chew. Hamsters generally like to exercise on wheels and may escape their cages by chewing through plastic. At very low temperatures, they go into a deep, hibernating sleep. They do not tolerate hot, humid conditions. Avoid plastic enclosures because your pet will likely chew right through it in no time. For your sake, your Nashville hamster veterinarian suggests an enclosure that is easy to clean, especially if it will be done by a (supervised!) child. These guys can be placed in glass aquariums or wire cages that have solid bottoms and wires that are close enough together to prevent escape (1/4 to 1/2 inch depending on the size of your hamster). They are solitary animals that should be kept one to a cage. Their average lifespan is around 2 - 3.5 years. They were successfully bred and domesticated in 1939. The most common breed of hamster today originates from the wild Syrian hamster, or golden hamster, a rodent of the subfamily Cricetinae. Hamsters are originally from areas of the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice are all tiny mammals most commonly found at pet stores, and each come with their own requirements and qualities. An older child or adult will enjoy owning gerbils and observing their behaviours which include foraging as a group, grooming each other, running, digging, and taking sand baths in special bathing sand such as our Tiny Friends Farm Bathing Sand or Science Selective Bathing Sand.Small rodents are very popular pets for families as they do not take up much space and tend to be very social. Small children may find gerbils hard to handle as they are so quick and active. Human companions can add a lot to a gerbilвЂ™s life.DonвЂ™t forget some wood to gnaw on вЂ“ gerbils love a nibble! Apple and hazelnut branches are ideal.Consider providing food in different locations вЂ“ it will make for a happy gerbil who has to spend time foraging to seek out a variety of food types.Introducing a new gerbil isnвЂ™t always easy and needs to be done with care.Provide plenty of space for groups of gerbils to reduce the chances of territorial aggression. A same sex pair will usually get along especially if paired up when young, so look for two who are accustomed to each other. They enjoy company and live in large groups in the wild.

Are gerbils nocturnal