Gerbil — life stage (owner-practical care, Merck Veterinary Manual pet-owner)
Source: first-hand Merck Veterinary Manual pet-owner text, saved to source_file; every claim below is a C1 byte-substring of it.
Claims
Housing Gerbils must be kept in a cage with a solid (non-mesh) bottom because they often stand up on their hind legs.The cage should be filled about one-third deep with bedding materials to provide gerbils with a place to dig and hoard their food and a means to absorb their urine.It is normal for gerbils to hoard their food, burying it in their bedding and around their cage.Because gerbils are adapted to dry, desert-like conditions, they do not consume much water; 4 mL (less than 1 teaspoon) per day is average for an adult.Rearranging the contents of the cage periodically will help keep your gerbil stimulated.Do not remove them from their cage immediately upon bringing them home.Whatever type of cage is chosen, it should be secure (to prevent escape) and easy to keep clean.When introducing a new gerbil to an existing gerbil’s cage, be sure to supervise them, because they may be territorial at first and may take time to adjust to each other.Begin by sitting quietly by their cage, talking softly to them, or offering them a treat from your open palm.While the gerbil is getting used to your presence, allow it to climb over your palm before lifting it out of its cage.The best way to remove a gerbil from its cage is to use both hands and scoop it up under its belly.It is recommended that you hold the gerbil over its cage or over your lap, so if it wriggles out of your hands, it cannot run away.
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Source: pdf-raw/owner-care/merck_gerbil.txt · https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets