I heard that you have to get 2 gerbils but is it true cause I really only want one?

Question

I heard that you have to get 2 gerbils but is it true cause I really only want one?

Answer 1

Two gerbils is always best as with some breed of hamster.  Check the breed of gerbil and look in books or internet.

X

Answer 2

no.i only got one rat and ignored the mean remarks that i am being cruel to the pet!!!!!!!its not cruel!!!go ahead!!!!do what u want!!!!its harder to take care of two!!!!!!!!good luck and ignore the people above and below me saying its just wrong!!!!!!you go!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

If you want to breed them,sure,but you dont have to get 2.

Answer 4

its best but i guess they can be loners?

Answer 5

Gerbils are the kind of animal who enjoy company, which is why they reccomend it. But if you give it enough attention, one will be fine.

Answer 6

So I'm assuming since you think you're so much better than this poor gerbil you're going to purchase from a petshop, YOU want to keep it alone, much rather than get a mate, when it really is the same work as two. May cost a little bit more but god forbid.

You're picking a social animal and then attempting to make it a solo.

Note that this animal also has needs and wants. Remember that you are its caretaker, and it relies on you to be happy. Are you going to deny it friends because you say so, because you want it?

It seems awfully selfish if you ask me.

In my opinion

Answer 7

i only wanted one too, and i had it for a while, but it died very lonely. The next time I got 2 and it was better for the gerbil. They are much happier when they are together trust me

Answer 8

You don't HAVE to get two gerbils, but you should. Gerbils are social and should be kept in same s*x pairs. They can groom each other, play with each other, and sleep together. No matter how much time you spend with a lone gerbil, you can't make up for the fact that you won't always be there. Two gerbils can keep each other company when you're not there.

Lone gerbils can live shorter, less healthy lives if they're not getting enough attention or have enough companionship. They can be unhappy and become unsocial with humans.

It's just best to get two gerbils instead of one. Two isn't much more work. In fact, one could be more work than two because you have to find more time to spend with it.

Answer 9

Two would be best.

Having just one Gerbil IS an option... but Gerbils are such social creatures... and to be quite honest, no matter how much time you spent playing with your Gerbil, handling it, etc... you would never be as available as a clan-mate.

With another Gerbil, your pet would be much happier, more active, and live an overall better life.

- IK

Answer 10

I had just one gerbil and I actually recommend it because it seems to bond with you more. I had my hand tame really fast and he was the friendliest thing ever. If you get just one you must make sure you spend a lot more time with them.

Answer 11

When considering if a gerbil is the right pet for you, think in pairs. You should not keep a gerbil by itself. These rodents are very social and will not thrive unless they have at least one litter mate. They need their pal to box with, groom and sleep with. If you want a rodent that will be more than happy to be alone, purchase a hamster.

While it is necessary to have at least two gerbils, you can not just throw any two in a cage together. They are very territorial and will fight to the death to defend their space from an intruder. For this reason, it is best to purchase litter mates.

Answer 12

I had just 1 gerbil once, she was the suckiest pet i ever owned.  Ive had 2 gerbils once, MUUUUUCH BETTER.

DONT GET JUT 1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 13

its the best thing to do but if you really don't want to you can try geting only one but if it seems lonely then you should get one more.

Answer 14

Hi,

I am a gerbil breeder, and have been for several years.  Gerbils do not do well alone, they are meant to be in groups of two or more.  Gerbils die a lot sooner if you only get one, and will be lonely.  If you hold it for a half hour every day, then it should be OK, but it still wouldn't be as happy as it would be in a pair.  Two gerbils are just as hard to take care of as one though.. less if you count handling them.  Hope this helps!