Gerbil Feeding Calculator – Chart and Schedule

Ever wondered why your gerbil’s energy levels are lower than a sloth on a Monday morning?

Well, it might be because of their diet! Yes, folks, just like us, these furry little creatures need the right fuel to keep them zooming around their cage like tiny tornadoes.

But fear not, for today, you’re going to learn all about creating the perfect feeding schedule for your gerbil and what foods will have them squeaking with joy.

Gerbil Feeding Calculator

Feeding Schedule For a Gerbil

Alright, first things first – let’s talk schedule. Gerbils may be small, but they’ve got big appetites!

These little critters need to munch throughout the day to keep their energy levels up and their tiny hearts content.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what a day in the life of a gerbil eater looks like:

• Morning Munchies: Start the day off right with a small portion of fresh veggies or fruits. Think cucumber slices or a nibble of apple – something to get their engines revving.
• Midday Munch: Keep the momentum going with a sprinkle of high-quality gerbil pellets. These little guys pack a punch when it comes to essential nutrients.
• Afternoon Delight: Treat your gerbil to a tasty snack like sunflower seeds or a few dried mealworms. It’s like a little pick-me-up to power through the rest of the day.
• Evening Feast: As the day winds down, offer another round of veggies or fruits to top off their tank. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

Young Gerbils (0-6 months):

Food Type	Amount	Frequency
High-quality Pellet Mix	1-2 tablespoons	Daily
Fresh Vegetables	Small portion	2-3 times a week
Fresh Fruits	Small portion	1-2 times a week
Timothy Hay	Unlimited	Always available
Treats (e.g., nuts, seeds)	Small portion	Occasional, 1-2 times a week
Clean Water	N/A	Daily, ensure freshness

Adult Gerbils (6 months and older):

Food Type	Amount	Frequency
High-quality Pellet Mix	1-2 tablespoons	Daily
Fresh Vegetables	Small portion	2-3 times a week
Fresh Fruits	Small portion	1-2 times a week
Timothy Hay	Unlimited	Always available
Treats (e.g., nuts, seeds)	Small portion	Occasional, 2-3 times a week
Clean Water	N/A	Daily, ensure freshness

Remember, every gerbil is different, so feel free to adjust their feeding schedule based on their appetite and activity level. Think of it like customizing a meal plan for your tiny, adorable athlete!

Good Food To Feed Your Gerbil

Now that you’ve got the schedule down pat, let’s talk grub. Gerbils thrive on a balanced diet that includes a mix of fresh produce, pellets, and the occasional treat.

Here’s a rundown of some top-notch foods to keep your gerbil happy and healthy:

• Fresh Veggies: Carrots, broccoli, spinach – the veggie world is your gerbil’s oyster! Just be sure to chop everything up into bite-sized pieces for easy munching.
• Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries – these sweet treats are like nature’s candy for your furry friend. Just remember to go easy on the sugary stuff to avoid any tummy troubles.
• Pellets: Invest in a high-quality gerbil pellet formula that’s packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals. It’s like a little nutritional insurance policy for your pet’s well-being.
• Seeds and Nuts: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds are all great options for an occasional snack. Just be sure to keep portion sizes in check – nobody likes a pudgy gerbil!
• Mealworms: These crunchy critters are like a gourmet meal for your gerbil. Serve them up as a special treat every now and then to keep things exciting.

When it comes to feeding your gerbil, variety is key. Mix and match different foods to keep their taste buds tingling and their tummies happy.

After all, who wants to eat the same thing every day? Not your gerbil, that’s for sure!

What Not To Feed a Gerbil

Alright, folks, listen up – there are some foods that should never make it onto your gerbil’s menu.

These little guys may be curious, but that doesn’t mean they have good judgment when it comes to snacks. Here are a few items to keep far, far away from your furry friend:

• Junk Food: No chips, cookies, or candy bars for these guys! Junk food might taste delicious to us, but it’s a one-way ticket to tummy troubles for your gerbil.
• Citrus Fruits: While fruits are generally A-okay, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can upset your gerbil’s delicate digestive system. Best to stick with sweeter options.
• Processed Foods: Say no to anything overly processed or high in salt or sugar. Your gerbil’s body is a temple, and it deserves only the finest, most natural ingredients.
• Toxic Plants: Certain plants like azaleas, daffodils, and ivy can be toxic to gerbils if ingested. Keep an eye on your furry friend during playtime to make sure they’re not munching on anything they shouldn’t be.

Gerbil Feeding Summary

Category	Foods
Fresh Vegetables	Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, bell peppers, spinach, kale, zucchini
Fresh Fruits	Apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, melon, kiwi, pear
Seeds	Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds
Grains	Oats, barley, wheat, millet, rice, quinoa, whole grain bread, pasta
Nuts	Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts (in moderation), pecans
Protein	Cooked chicken, cooked turkey, cooked beef, cooked eggs, mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers
Hay	Timothy hay, alfalfa hay (in small amounts)
Treats	Plain popcorn, plain rice cakes, unsalted crackers, dried mealworms, dried fruits (in moderation)

Citations:

• What Do Gerbils Eat?
• What Food Can Gerbils Eat?