- They are known also as 'dessert rats'.

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- Gerbils can shed their tails 

This is for self defence if pick up by the tail, therefore, it is very important NOT  to pick you gerbil up by the tail

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- Gerbils build massive tunnel systems

Gerbil spend most of their time borrowing therefore, it is important to give then deep substrate of more then 30cm.

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- When sensing danger, the normally quiet gerbil will let out a squeal and thump its back legs like a rabbit to warn others of the threat.

So, if you hear one of your gerbil stamping his or her feet it is normal but it because of gerbil which could be you entering the room.

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- Gerbils do not wash themselves using water they use sand.

Its important to have sand in  your gerbil's cage so, they can roll around in the sand to remove debris of their coat and leave their coat smooth and shiny.

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- Gerbils are social animals

Its important for them to be housed in pair or groups but two gerbils should just be thrown together this mean you can buy two gerbils from different social groups and house them together as, they slowly need to be introduced first. Therefore, when buying gerbils, buy gerbil from the same group together.

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- Gerbil's are very playful

They will often box and wrestle each other. Grooming is often carried out simultaneously here, illustrating that it is not an aggressive act. Boxing helps them maintain social bonds, although in adults such boxing can become a means of establishing rank in the dominance hierarchy.

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- Gerbils are big chewers

You need a lot of wooden toys

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