Frequently Asked Questions

Gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, are little mammals that belong to the rodent family.  Their size is between that of a mouse and a rat. Gerbils come in over 40 different colors and have long, furred tails with a brushy tuft at the end. They live an average of 2-6 years. Originating from the semi-deserts and steppes of Mongolia, gerbils were first brought to America in 1954. They’re considered an exotic small pet and have a reputation for being docile and social.

Gerbils are:

•  Practically odorless
•  Not prone to biting
•  Obsessive groomers
•  Hypoallergenic for humans
•  Social and affectionate
•  Sleep through the night
•  Active and entertaining
•  Good at recycling cardboard
•  Low budget pets
•  Low maintenance

Check out our short blog post that discusses the top 7 reasons why gerbils make the best pets, and be sure to share it with your friends!

Reputable breeders, sometimes dubbed “hobby breeders,” raise gerbils out of passion rather than profit. They do it for the betterment of the species, breeding out common gentic issues and illnesses. Their focus is on healthy gerbils with good temperaments, sometimes for specific colors or markings. They typically have a few litters a year, placing them carefully in loving forever homes. Hobby breeders prioritize the well-being of their gerbils.

Pet store gerbils usually come from less than loving beginnings. Their exact age and health history is unknown and they can be skittish. Inbred and mis-sorted pregnant gerbils are sold commercially every day.

Our gerbils are loved and handled from the day they’re born. They go home as healthy and happy pups eager to interact with you. We keep careful records of all gerbils which are available to each adopting family. We also offer post-adoption support free of charge.

Gerbil adoption should be a fun and exciting experience, so we’ve made the process super easy!

Here’s how it works:

1. Contact us by completing our very short adoption form.
2. Have a quick phone call with us to ensure a perfect match.
3. Show us your habitat to make sure it’s viable. (We  pictures!)
4. Schedule your pickup appointment and pay the adoption fee.

That’s it! You’re all set to welcome your new gerbils home.

We believe in responsible pet stewardship. Our process helps guarantee a happy, healthy life for your gerbils.

Our adoption fees are based on the number of gerbils you choose, and you can always see our current prices listed on our Adoption Information page. Donations are welcome and our gerbils will appreciate the extra treats!

We prefer Venmo, but also accept Cash App, Zelle, and good old cash. Don’t forget to ask about special discounts for homeschoolers, teachers, first responders, and military families!

Two options are available to get your new gerbils home to you safely. 

Local Delivery: Personal, hand-delivery may be available for adopters located within a 200-mile radius of North Austin. This is a round-trip service with a $1.20 per-mile fee.

Long-Distance Transport: For adopters outside our personal delivery zone, we have partnered with Mel’s Neighborhood Transport. We highly recommend them as our preferred, trusted pet transporter. Their website is: https://www.melsneighborhood.com/transport

Shipping and transport costs are separate from adoption fees. Have a preferred transporter? Let us know — we’re happy to coordinate with them.

When available, we offer a variety of additional services to support your gerbil care:

• Bonding Introductions: Using the split-cage method for safe and successful gerbil introductions.
• Rehoming Assistance: We can help you find a new home for your gerbils if circumstances change.
• Pet Sitting: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your gerbils are well cared for while you’re away.
• Accidental Litter Support: Get guidance and direct assistance for handling unexpected litters.

Reserving gerbils with us is easy without the worry of missing out! This option makes it so the ones you want will be ready and waiting for you on your scheduled pickup day.

Here’s how it works:

• Complete the adoption form and get approved.
• Gerbils must be at least 6 weeks old and weaned.
• We’ll confirm space to hold them for you.
• A pickup date/time will be pre-arranged with you.
• The adoption fee is due at the time of reservation.
  

We’ll hold your gerbils until they’re 9 weeks old—or longer if you provide a 10-gallon tank with lid (space permitting).

Sometimes, we might not have adorable gerbils ready for adoption right away. But don’t worry! We offer a waiting list to keep you in the loop. Just use our Contact Form to let us know you want to be placed on our waitlist.

We may also connect you with other reputable AGS breeders nearby who might have gerbils available for you to choose from.

Yes. Traveling long distances with gerbils in extreme outside temperatures can be safe if you ensure their comfort throughout the trip. Keep the car’s interior temperature 68-75°F. Secure their Critter Keeper on a passenger’s lap for easy monitoring, or buckle it safely onto a seat with a thick towel underneath for shock absorption. Drape a towel loosely over the carrier to block direct sunlight and minimize stress. Gerbils have very sensitive hearing, so using indoor voices and turning the music volume down will help quite a bit!

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Our beloved gerbils will NEVER be used for science or to become snake food.

Our gerbils come from a variety of loving places! Most are from reputable breeders like ourselves, ensuring healthy genetics. Sometimes, a healthy gerbil in need (like an accidental litter or a surrender) finds its way to us with all the traits we seek in our pups, bringing valuable diversity to our breeding program. We’ve even helped gerbils from hoarding situations, finding them forever homes after veterinary care and rehabilitation.

I’m registered as a member and certified hobby breeder through the American Gerbil Society, under the kennel name “Hill Country Gerbils” with ID TX085 and nominclature HCG.  Chapter 822 of the Texas Health and Safety Code outlines what exotic animals are legal to own and how to do so in the Lone Star State. Gerbils do not require an exotics license to own and breed in Texas.

Take a deep, calming breath and give your new momma gerbil a gentle snuggle—you’re in the right place!

If you bought a pair of gerbils, believing they were the same sex, only to notice one looking much rounder than usual—or hear tiny chirps coming from their bedding—you’re not alone. Accidental litters happen more often than you’d think, and we’re here to help.

Reach out to us as soon as possible through our Contact Form, selecting the “Accidental Litter” option so we can guide you through the next steps. You don’t have to navigate this alone!

Yes. If rehoming is necessary, please reach out to us. We may have adopters waiting!

We understand that sometimes life changes, and rehoming a beloved pet becomes necessary. That’s why our Rehoming Assistance service is here—to take the stress out of the process and ensure your gerbils finds a safe, loving, and well-prepared home with an experienced adopter.

No worries! If your question isn’t here, just use our Contact Form and we’ll be happy to help!