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Gerbil
Curious, active, social
Also known as: mongolian gerbil, jird
- Adult weight
- 50–100 g
- Life expectancy
- 2–4 years
- Size
- Toy
- Exercise
- High
- Origin
- Mongolia
- Group
- Rodent
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedNo single breed standard — ranges are typical values for this group.
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●Tail slip (never hold by the tail)Breed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Seizures (inherited, often harmless)Breed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Scent-gland tumoursBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓Deep bedding to dig tunnels
- ✓Keep in pairs
Calculators for your Gerbil
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Rodents ↗
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Guinea pigs ↗
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Ferrets ↗
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Hedgehogs ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.