Can Gerbils Get Fat? (+ How to Manage Their Weight)

Let me know if you agree:

Worrying about your gerbil's weight can keep you up at night 😔.

You imagine them stuck in their little wheel, huffing and puffing, unable to enjoy their gerbil-y existence.

But listen there is hope.

Shall we uncover the truth together?

Managing Gerbil Weight: Identifying Obesity and Promoting Healthy Habits

Gerbils can easily gain weight if not managed properly.

And managing gerbil obesity is all about making the right choices for their diet and exercise routine.

Here are some tips to help you in this journey:

1. Encourage interactive feeding: Use food puzzles or scatter feedings to stimulate foraging behavior.
2. Avoid fatty foods: Excessive consumption of fatty foods can lead to weight gain. Stick to a healthy mix of carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Introduce fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables provide essential nutrients and keep them mentally stimulated.
4. Monitor portion sizes: Overeating is one of the causes of gerbil obesity. Make sure to provide appropriate portion sizes.
5. Provide regular exercise: Lack of exercise contributes to weight gain. Create opportunities for gerbils to stay active through toys, tunnels, and wheels.
6. Regular weighing: Weigh your gerbils frequently to track their progress and identify any early signs of weight gain.
7. Reduce stress: Stress can lead to overeating. Create a calm and comfortable environment for your gerbils.
8. Consult a veterinarian: If you're unsure about your gerbil's weight management, consult a veterinarian for guidance.

Ensure your gerbils stay at a healthy weight and enjoy a content, energetic existence by employing these suggestions.

How Much Should a Gerbil Weigh?

You want to make sure your gerbil stays at a healthy weight.

Keeping them at the right weight is crucial because, believe it or not, gerbils can get fat too!

And that's not good.

So here's what you need to know:

If your gerbil becomes too heavy, they could face serious health issues later on. Obesity in gerbils can lead to diabetes, heart problems, and even a shorter life. You definitely don't want that for your furry friend.

Now, how can you tell if your gerbil has put on some extra pounds?

Let me break it down for you:

First, take a look at their body shape. A healthy gerbil should have a sleek figure.

They shouldn't be round and chubby nor too skinny.

Basically, aim for an Olympic sprinter type of physique, not a sumo wrestler or marathon runner.

But hey, I get it, sometimes it's hard to tell. So here's what you can do:

Regularly weigh your gerbils.

This way, you'll have a better idea of what's going on with their weight.

Just be sure to use a small scale that measures in grams because gerbils are tiny creatures, so every gram counts!

Now, let me ease your worries a little bit.

Don't stress out too much if your gerbils aren't within the exact average weight range.

Each gerbil is unique, just like each human.

The important thing is to keep an eye on their weight, feed them a balanced diet, give them plenty of opportunities to exercise, and shower them with love and attention.

It's all about taking good care of your little furballs.

And trust me, they'll appreciate it.

But keeping an eye on their weight is not the only factor to consider when it comes to gerbil health.

Regular exercise is equally important, and that's what I'll be discussing next!

How to Get a Gerbil to Exercise

Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain in gerbils

Did you know that when gerbils don't exercise, they start packing on the pounds?

And trust me, a plump little gerbil is not a happy gerbil.

To keep your furry friend in tip-top shape, you need to give them plenty of opportunities to get moving!

Just like us humans, gerbils also need regular physical activity to stay fit and healthy.

Use tunnels, climbing structures, and wheels to promote exercise

Here's a great idea to help your gerbils get their exercise:

Create a fun and exciting environment for them.

You can do this by adding tunnels and climbing structures to their home.

These additions allow them to explore vertically, burning calories and keeping them active.

Another fantastic option is an exercise wheel or ball.

Gerbils absolutely love running, so providing them with one of these can really help them burn off some energy.

But remember, make sure the wheel or ball is the right size for gerbils. If it's too small or has gaps, it could potentially hurt them.

Allow gerbils to run freely outside their enclosure

Now, here's a simple yet effective tip just for you:

Let your gerbils roam free!

Giving them the opportunity to run around outside their home is a fantastic way to encourage exercise.

Before you do this though, ensure the area is safe and secure, and keep a close eye on them to ensure they stay out of harm's way.

By providing your gerbils with plenty of exercise options, you're not only helping them maintain a healthy weight, but also enhancing their all in all well-being.

I have to tell you, gerbils might have different preferences when it comes to exercise.

So, you ought to offer them a spacious cage filled with toys and enough room to move and play.

And hey, don't forget to mix things up with their toys.

This way, they'll stay entertained and won't resort to overeating when boredom strikes.

Heads Up: If you're curious about the possibility of gerbils having heart attacks and want to learn how to diagnose heart failure in these adorable creatures, check out Can Gerbils Have Heart Attacks. In my article, I provide valuable insights and guidance to help you understand this topic and take proactive measures for your gerbil's well-being.

How to Tell if a Female Gerbil Is Pregnant or Fat?

Watch closely as pregnant gerbils gather bedding for their nests, a clear sign that they're getting ready to welcome their little ones.

You'll notice something else too – an increase in their weight, making these expecting mothers appear larger than before. But here's an intriguing twist:

Chubby gerbils usually miss out on the Swiss Family Robinson-like nesting behavior we so often associate with pregnancy in gerbils.

Keep that in mind as you admire these furry bundles of joy and find comfort in knowing that not all rules apply to those with a few extra pounds.

Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger Than the Other?

Different gerbils can be different sizes for a few reasons.

Let me explain it to you in simple terms.

One possible reason is that one gerbil might be outcompeting the other for food.

This could be why he's bigger. To prevent this, ensure each gerbil gets their fair share of grub.

On the other hand, some gerbils are naturally chubbier than others due to genetics, age, or health issues.

It happens to all of us, doesn't it?

Male gerbils usually take up more space than females.

They assert dominance and fulfill their roles as protectors and lovers.

Quite the little Romeo.

Now, here's where it gets interesting...

Gerbils establish dominance in their own little world. The big boss may restrict the other gerbils' access to food, leading to size differences.

How rude!

When living together, gerbils can have different sizes because one may eat more than the other. Picky eating, illnesses affecting appetite, and dominating behavior by restricting food access can also contribute to these differences.

Gerbils aren't complicated creatures, but their social dynamics sure can be.

And lastly, gerbils love grooming each other. It's like giving sloppy gerbil kisses.

Adorable, isn't it?

But while it's heartwarming to see them bond, you need to be on the lookout for signs of obesity, like significant size differences or a disproportionately large belly. If any concerns arise, it's time to consult the experts - a trip to the vet might be necessary.

So, enjoy observing your gerbils being gerbils, but keep an eye out for any chubby-related concerns.

Stay curious, my friend.

And that's all for today, folks!

If you wanna read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Determining if My Gerbil Is Pregnant, Is My Gerbil Drinking Too Much Water, What Is the Reason Behind My Gerbils' Frequent Deaths, Gerbil Nose Red Cause, and Why Is My Gerbil Is Cold and Not Moving

Until next time,

-Alex Amber