How Big Can Gerbils Get in Size? The Max Size Range for Gerbils
Ever wondered just how big these little furballs can actually get?
Are you tired of seeing gerbil-sized gerbils and want to know if there's more to these pint-sized pets? 🐹
I understand.
You want the juicy details, the inside scoop on gerbil growth.
Well, let's dive into the world of gerbil proportions and find out just how big these fluffy creatures can truly be.
Ready to satisfy your curiosity?
Let's begin.
Comparison of Male and Female Gerbil Sizes
Gerbils exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males generally being larger than females. However, you should note that gerbils are small rodents overall, weighing around 2-4 ounces on average. In comparison, guinea pigs are substantially larger, measuring 8-10 inches in length and weighing 25-40 ounces.
But enough talk, let's get into comparing the sizes of male and female gerbils.
Now, typically, male gerbils can grow a bit bigger than their female counterparts.
But hey, we're not exactly talking about giants here. We're talking about tiny creatures, so don't expect them to be huge!
The difference in size between males and females is influenced by things like genetics, diet, and overall health.
Giving them a good, balanced diet and proper care from an early age can help both male and female gerbils reach their maximum potential size.
But you know what?
Here's the thing:
Whether gerbils are big or small, they're equally cute...
And believe me when I say that their cuteness doesn't depend only on size.
Let me make this clear:
No matter their size, male and female gerbils are amazing pets. They have gentle personalities, are easy to handle, and form strong bonds with their human pals.
So whether you opt for a male or a female gerbil, just know that you're going to be overwhelmed with cuteness.
Just keep in mind, if you're thinking about breeding gerbils or want to avoid unplanned pregnancies, understanding the size differences between males and females is crucial.
Main points I'll expand upon further down this article:
- Mongolian gerbils can grow up to 5.3 inches in length, excluding their tail.
- Healthy adult gerbils can weigh up to 135 grams.
- The Great Gerbil is the largest species of gerbil, with a body length of up to 8 inches.
- Gerbils can vary in size depending on their species and sex.
- Most gerbils reach their full size by around 6 months of age.
- The life expectancy of gerbils varies greatly from breed to breed.
- Gerbils are generally smaller compared to other rodents like hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs.
- Weight change is more important than actual weight for gerbils.
- Female gerbils experience physical changes during pregnancy.
- Gerbils should be housed in a large tank or gerbilarium and provided with appropriate bedding, exercise options, and a specific diet.
But wait, have you ever wondered just how big these little creatures can get?
Let me satisfy your curiosity...
Maximum Size of Male Gerbils
| Gerbil Size | Comparison to Females | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Impressive | Usually larger |
| Female | Smaller | Usually smaller |
| Great | Largest species | Nearly twice the size |
I'm about to give you the scoop on gerbil sizes, so get ready.
Males can grow pretty long, usually around 4.5 to 5.3 inches (excluding their tail).
However, keep in mind that this length can vary depending on the specific gerbil species.
One gerbil you should be on the lookout for is the Mongolian gerbil. These medium-sized guys can reach a massive length of 5.3 inches, not counting their tail.
Impressive, right?
But wait, it gets even better. The Great Gerbil takes the crown for the largest gerbil species.
Their body length can go up to a whopping 8 inches.
It's like having a whole kingdom of gerbils in your hand!
Let's not forget about their weight though.
Healthy adult gerbils can bulk up to a maximum of 135 grams.
These little fellas may be small, but they've got some serious mass!
To keep your gerbils happy and healthy, ensure they have plenty of space to roam and play around.
Welcome to the big leagues, my friend!
And it gets even more intriguing when we delve into the size variations among female gerbils.
If you thought male gerbils were impressive, just wait until you uncover the secrets of the female counterparts!
Average Size of Male Gerbils
Male gerbils, on average, measure about 4 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh approximately 24 ounces.
However, it's worth noting that size can still vary among individuals of the same species, thanks to genetic factors and environmental conditions.
Specifically, Mongolian gerbils usually weigh around 90g, with an average length of 4 inches (excluding the tail), varying between 2-4 ounces.
Gerbil Growth and Size Factors
| Males | Females | |
|---|---|---|
| Size range | Varies by species. Males can range from smaller to larger compared to females, depending on the species. | Varies by species. Females can range from smaller to larger compared to males, depending on the species. |
| Average | Varies by species. Males have their own average size depending on the species, which can differ from the average size of females. | Varies by species. Females have their own average size depending on the species, which can differ from the average size of males. |
| Maximum | Varies by species. Males can reach a maximum size specific to their species, potentially different from the maximum size of females. | Varies by species. Females can reach a maximum size specific to their species, potentially different from the maximum size of males. |
The size of gerbils is determined by genetics.
This means even siblings can have different sizes and weights.
Size also varies based on species and sex.
There are over 100 species of gerbils, so expect some differences.
They can range from under 2 inches to over 8 inches long!
Gerbils usually reach full size around 6 months old. At that point, they're about 4 inches long (excluding the tail) and weigh 2-4 ounces. Compact little creatures for tiny pet lovers!
Now, let's talk life expectancy.
Gerbils can live up to five years, with Mongolian gerbils having longer lifespans.
Quite a while for such a small fella!
In terms of appearance, gerbils come in all sorts.
Like the Pale or Pallid Gerbil with its big eyes and beaky nose.
Or the bushy-tailed jird with its distinctive tail.
Compared to other rodents, like hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs, gerbils are smaller.
They are slightly shorter than Syrian hamsters but have longer tails.
Oh, and don't forget, male and female gerbils go through some changes too! Males develop scrotums at around 5 weeks old.
Females grow eight nipples.
If breeding gerbils crosses your mind, choose healthy and attractive ones.
By 13 weeks, gerbils are fully grown and ready for parenthood.
Speaking of parenting, pregnant gerbils have a gestation period of around 25 to 26 days.
Most litters consist of four or five adorable pups.
And these babies are weaned by 5 weeks old, with gerbils capable of having a litter every month!
Now, let's cover housing for your gerbils. Nope, they don't do well in hamster cages.
They need a spacious tank or gerbilarium.
Each gerbil should have at least a 10-gallon space, but if you have a pair, aim for a minimum of 20 gallons.
Overeating can lead to health problems, so watch their weight.
Obesity in gerbils can cause heart issues, skeletal conditions, diabetes, and even premature death.
Lastly, gerbils love exercise wheels, toys for enrichment, fresh water, and timothy hay for chewing.
Their diet should consist of specially designed food with small amounts of fresh fruits and veggies as supplements.
And that's the lowdown on gerbil size factors! Keep these tips in mind while caring for your little ball of fur.
By the way, I wrote a really helpful blog post called How to Care for Baby Gerbils that you might find interesting.
And that's all for today, folks!
You've reached the end of my blog post, so I'd love to hear your thoughts! Did you enjoy it? I worked really hard to make my blog posts both comprehensive and useful. It takes me quite a bit of time (in a good way) to create them, so I would truly appreciate it if you could click on any of the social sharing icons to help spread the word. Thank you so much for your support!
Until next time,
-Alex Amber