Gerbils: The Complete Guide to Gerbil Care

by Donna Anastasi

Who doesn't wish to share his or her home with a cage full of "Furry Mongolian Friends" aka gerbils ? Author Susan Anastasi certain does She describes these irresistible critters as "quiet, clean, friendly, curious, active, and easy-to-please." In deciding whether the gerbil is for you, Anastasi offers this advice: "If you are looking for a seemingly limitless cache of cuteness--from their long, fanning whiskers and large almond-shaped eyes to heir bunnylike hind legs and tufted tail tips--then gerbils are for you " Clearly bitten by the gerbil bug, the author begins by providing some basic natural history about gerbils, their origins on the Mongolian range, and an overview of their behaviors. Anastasi defends her favorite pocket pet and asserts that the gentle gerbil does not deserve its Latin name (Meriones ungiculatus), which translates as "clawed warrior." Filled with terrific color photographs, Gerbils summarizes the basic needs of these adorable rodents, specifically addressing their housing requirements, the cost and commitment involved, and their interactions with children and other pets. The following are devoted to purchasing a healthy gerbil from a pet shop, hobby breeder, or shelter; introducing the gerbil to the home; housing and feeding; taming and handling the pet gerbil; health considerations and potential household hazards; breeding and raising the young; and exhibiting gerbils at shows. The discussion on housing covers the selection of the ideal enclosure, basic housing setup, accessories, safety, and a guide to cleaning the tank. The chapter "Taming and Handling Your Gerbils" offers a step-by-step socialization process to acclimate the gerbil to its new handler and surroundings plus instructions for handling the gerbil and discouraging nipping. All keepers will be interested in the chapter on keeping gerbils healthy through smart preventative care; topics covered include allergies; broken limbs and head injury; teeth, tail, and ear problems; dehydration; diarrhea; heat stroke; hypothermia; mites, and more. Gerbil enthusiasts who are looking to become gerbil midwives will find complete instructions for breeding and raising pups (baby gerbils) in the chapter about reproduction. It covers planning a litter, setting up a breeding tank, mating, caring for the pregnant mom, birthing, fostering, growth cycles, weaning, handling pups, and more. The chapter "Fun with Gerbils" offers ideas for games, art projects, photographing, and training gerbils to do seven fun tricks. Resources include lists of publications, clubs, organizations, and websites. Glossary of terms and index included.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931993564
• ISBN13: 9781931993562
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Companionhouse Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.6" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 12 years and up

Customer Reviews

Fun and Informative Gerbil Title

The other reviewers are right--Donna Anastasi knows gerbils! This delightful book is so much fun to read (again and again) that it would potentially convince anyone that gerbils are the pets for them. Best of all, it's 176 pages, so it's packed full of information--from tips to games. As a result of reading this book I became a fan not only of gerbils, but also of Ms. Anastasi (you will, too!), whose love for these furry little rodents is evident throughout the work. Imagine my delight when I adopted a pair and found out they're great-granddaughters of her gerbils! If you only get one gerbil care book--make this one it.

The ultimate gerbil book !!

If you are looking for the best gerbil care book, look no further. This is the ultimate gerbil care book. It is very easy to read, full of reliable information and great pictures. The best of all, throughout the book you feel Donna's love for gerbils. I strongly recommend this book for all gerbil lovers young and old.

Bravo!

The best book ever written about gerbils, "Gerbils: The Complete Guide to Gerbil Care" contains amazingly accurate information about gerbil care, breeding and health issues - so accurate that I would even recommend taking this book to your vet with you to help them better diagnose your gerbils' ailments. There is a chapter on fun things to do with your gerbils, including gerbil art projects and training gerbils, as well as sections on housing, feeding, taming, breeding, showing gerbils and coping with gerbil loss. Just about every aspect of owning gerbils is covered in this wonderfully written book, as told from the perspective of one of the top gerbil breeders in the US. Despite her expertise and attention to factual detail, Donna Anastasi's book is concise and fun to read, enhanced with beautiful photographs taken by Ellen Bellini. I highly recommend this book, having read others that are not quite up to par or even give incorrect information. This book tells it as it is: the glorious truth about owning gerbils from beginning to end of their precious little lives. Enjoy!

THE definitive book on gerbil care!

What a WONDERFUL book! It is, indeed, as the title says, "Gerbils, the Complete Guide to Gerbil Care". Everything you need and want to know about geribls is in this book! It is wonderful for both the pet owner (whatever age) and the owner who wants to breed gerbils. All the information is accurate (alas, not the case in many gerbil care books). Written in a friendly, easy to read, very accessable manner, this is THE definitive book on gerbils and their care! I've owned gerbils for MANY years, and read many books on gerbils. This is the best! The photographs by Ellen Bellini are fantastic. The gerbils are adorable, and seeing them would make anyone want to own some, I would think! I highly recommend this book for EVERY gerbil owner!