Mongolian or clawed gerbils are cute little rodents that are often kept in homes as pets. Despite their superficial resemblance to hamsters, gerbils belong to the mouse family. Unlike mice, gerbils are completely covered in short hair and have a friendly disposition. Gerbils never bite, so they can be picked up without any fear.
Instructions
Step 1
Gerbils are social animals. If you decide to buy a gerbil, then it is better to get two animals at once, because a lonely rodent will feel unhappy and depressed. In order not to turn your home into a kingdom of gerbils in a few months, you can purchase two same-sex rodents. But then the question arises: how to determine the sex of gerbils? What are the characteristics that distinguish females from males?
Step 2
Determining the gender of a gerbil calf is not easy. Testicles in males form only by the age of seven weeks. Experts advise to distinguish females by the presence of nipples. Gently grasp the rodent with your thumb and forefinger by the head, and support the ass at the same time with your palm. In this position, the gerbil will not spin and you will be able to see its abdomen. In female gerbils, the papillae should be clearly visible. If the belly has already managed to be covered with fur, then you can blow on it, and then the nipples will again become clearly visible.
Step 3
Another proven method for determining the sex of gerbils is the distance between the genital and the anus. Spread the legs of the rodent and look between the legs. In females, the distance between the two holes is very small - literally a couple of millimeters, while in males the distance is noticeably greater. Once your gerbil is 6-7 weeks old, sex determination is much easier. In males, the testicles under the tail are clearly visible.
