Why Gerbils Eat Their Own Droppings

Many gerbil owners are bothered when they first see their pet eat their own droppings but many do not realize that this is actually a natural part of their digestion process. Often called coprophagy gerbils and other small rodents eat their own droppings in order to get the most nutrients from the food that is being provided to them. Though it may be a little unappetizing owners need to know that this is totally natural and okay for them to do.
Gerbils are herbivores and get all of their nutrition from plant material. Pet stores such as The Rabbit Hutch Shop offers gerbil food that is nutritionally balanced just for them. Of course gerbils do not get all the nutrients out of the food when it passes through their bodies the first time since they are too large to be properly absorbed.
By ingesting their droppings gerbils are taking that same gerbil food back into their bodies in order to digest it one more time. This time the nutrients are smaller and break down even more where their bodies can absorb them the absolute best. This process allows the bacteria in the gerbil’s body to break down the plant matter completely and get every bit of what is in the food you offer them. By passing through their body more than once the food that owners provide their pets have a chance to be fully utilized by their small intestine and colon to provide their bodies with what they need to be healthy.
It is hard for gerbil owners to believe but the feces of their pet actually have a substantial amount of nutrients inside that is good for them. While it may be unpleasant to see this habit does have a good purpose and owners should not discourage their gerbil from doing it.

Gerbils As Pets

Gerbils are cute little pets that many owners fall in love with at the pet store and end up bringing home with them as companions. Of course for those who do not thoroughly research gerbils before they purchase them many are amazed at some of the behavior these animals display which endears them to their owners even more. Not only are these lovable pets easy to care for and very social companions that can bond with their owners but they are also very playful and fun loving make them excellent pets for those who do not want a large pet or does not have the room for one.
Many hamster owners are surprised and amazed when their pet first wants to rub noses with them. To hamsters rubbing noses is a greeting that is done between them when they meet but many often extend this behavior to their human owner who is willing to comply. Gerbils also are known for winking which really amazes their owners when they see it. To a gerbil winking is a way to show gratitude or pleasure and a gerbil owner can often wink at their pet and get this response back to the amazement of those who are watching.
Gerbils not only make adorable gestures they also are very vocal which surprises those who assume they were quiet like their mouse relatives. Of course the noises they make are still nothing like a barking dog so apartment dwellers have nothing to worry about with their neighbors. From thumps to squeaks and even a vibrating sound much like that of a cat’s purr the gerbil has quite the range of noises they can communicate with.

Having a gerbil is a fun and enjoyable experience that many pet owners already know. For those who want an inexpensive, easy to care for pet the gerbil may be just what they are looking for.