The gerbils live underground in burrows that they have made. Sometimes, in the classroom, the gerbils will burrow into the bedding because it's in their nature. The geographic range is usually in the desert areas of Asia and Africa. Most pet gerbils are mongolian gerbils and come from the arid lands between China and the Soviet Union.
The classroom habitat is mainly in the glass aquarium. The aquarium should have bark bedding or wood chips. A constant source of water should also be provided for these furry creatures. The room temperature should be warm around 70 or 72 degrees. They eat commercial mouse or hamster food. Sunflower seeds, corn, nuts, and fresh vegetables are considered a special treat.
The gerbils have to be aware of all types of animals that could be harmful to them. The main preditors are snakes, hawks, eagles, and most types of rabbits. Wild gerbils munch on all different types of seeds, plants, and bulbs. They will also eat berries and other fruit.
The gerbils are born live and they nurse for the first 5 - 10 weeks. At 6 months they are sexually mature. The young learn to "hunt" for food and then the mother leaves the young around 6 months of age. Gerbils live from 18 to 24 months. They travel in groups of 4 to 6 and they sleep in a small circle.
