General Information:
Lesser Egyptian gerbils originate from North Africa and the desert regions between the red sea and the Mediterranean, known as the Sinai peninsula. They're social animals and live in groups known as "hordes". They're referred to as "lesser" Egyptian gerbils to avoid confusion with the Greater Egyptian gerbil.
They have a maximum lifespan of approximately 6 years and exhibit nocturnal behaviour. Like most gerbils, they're an omnivorous species.
Lesser Egyptian gerbils are rarely kept as pets, so well-researched pet care advice is limited.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
As per most gerbils, the Lesser Egyptian gerbil is a burrowing rodent. We strongly advise a 4ft-6ft by 2ft tank as a minimum. Provide plenty of suitable substrates for them to burrow. In the wild, they've been reported to have burrows extending over 4 meters, so you really can't overdo it. As with most gerbils, we often use a combination of safe wood shavings, cardboard, papers, and hay.
Again, as with most gerbils, avoid plastic toys. Instead, provide plenty of safe wooden toys to help enrich their environment. Items such as tunnels, hides, and bridges will be enriching.
Socialising:
Lesser Egyptian gerbils are social creatures and live in small hordes in the wild. In captivity, it's advised to keep them in small groups.
As they're not commonly kept as pets, and based on their temperament when captured from the wild, a Lesser Egyptian gerbil will be a look-but-don't-touch pet.
Diet:
As an omnivorous rodent, a Lesser Egyptian gerbil's diet consists of both plant and meat-based materials.
Studies have shown that most of the desert rodent's water intake came from their food. Their diet consists of seeds, leaves, stems, fruits, and insects. We'd advise a good quality gerbil food mix with supplemented dried forage and additional insects. Restrict watery fruits and vegetables.
Please feel free to ask more questions!
Lesser Egyptian gerbils originate from North Africa and the desert regions between the red sea and the Mediterranean, known as the Sinai peninsula. They're social animals and live in groups known as "hordes". They're referred to as "lesser" Egyptian gerbils to avoid confusion with the Greater Egyptian gerbil.
They have a maximum lifespan of approximately 6 years and exhibit nocturnal behaviour. Like most gerbils, they're an omnivorous species.
Lesser Egyptian gerbils are rarely kept as pets, so well-researched pet care advice is limited.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
As per most gerbils, the Lesser Egyptian gerbil is a burrowing rodent. We strongly advise a 4ft-6ft by 2ft tank as a minimum. Provide plenty of suitable substrates for them to burrow. In the wild, they've been reported to have burrows extending over 4 meters, so you really can't overdo it. As with most gerbils, we often use a combination of safe wood shavings, cardboard, papers, and hay.
Again, as with most gerbils, avoid plastic toys. Instead, provide plenty of safe wooden toys to help enrich their environment. Items such as tunnels, hides, and bridges will be enriching.
Socialising:
Lesser Egyptian gerbils are social creatures and live in small hordes in the wild. In captivity, it's advised to keep them in small groups.
As they're not commonly kept as pets, and based on their temperament when captured from the wild, a Lesser Egyptian gerbil will be a look-but-don't-touch pet.
Diet:
As an omnivorous rodent, a Lesser Egyptian gerbil's diet consists of both plant and meat-based materials.
Studies have shown that most of the desert rodent's water intake came from their food. Their diet consists of seeds, leaves, stems, fruits, and insects. We'd advise a good quality gerbil food mix with supplemented dried forage and additional insects. Restrict watery fruits and vegetables.
Please feel free to ask more questions!