When Do Gerbils Fully Grow?
Gerbils are small, easy to care for rodents that can make the perfect pet. But how long do they stay small, and when do they reach their full adult size? Read on to find out!
Gerbils vs Hamsters
When people think of small house pets, a gerbil or a hamster are usually the two that come to mind. But which one is best for you?
Gerbils typically grow to be longer than hamsters, ranging from four to twelve inches in length (including the tail). This makes them the larger of the two species, but they are still just as lovable.
When Do Gerbils Reach Maturity?
Gerbils reach maturity in about three weeks, as opposed to hamsters which reach maturity somewhere between six to twelve weeks. This means that gerbils can reproduce at a much younger age than hamsters, so if you’re looking for a pet with a shorter time to adulthood, gerbls are the way to go.
Once gerbils reach maturity, they will be fully grown and can live up to five years. However, it’s important to note that they can reach adulthood as early as two and a half months, so it’s important to keep an eye on their size and keep them separated if you don’t want them to reproduce.
The Benefits of Owning a Fully Grown Gerbil
Having a fully grown gerbil means that they won’t grow as quickly and therefore you won’t have to keep buying larger cages or food and water containers as quickly.
Fully grown gerbils are also less active than younger gerbils, so if you have a busy lifestyle, it would be a good idea to get an older gerbil that can be less energetic.
Caring For Your Fully Grown Gerbil
Once your gerbil is fully grown, it is important to keep up with regular vet visits and monitoring of their health to ensure that they are healthy and getting all of the appropriate care.
It is also important to provide enrichment for your gerbil such as toys, tunnels, and other exercise activities so that they stay active and healthy.
Conclusion
Gerbils reach their full adult size between two and a half to three months. Once they are fully grown, they can live five years and require regular vet visits and enrichment activities. This makes them a great option for those looking for a small house pet who don’t have time for a more demanding pet.
