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Anonymous File :-(, x)
OP, you seem to be interested in gerbils. They're not bad pets. With proper socialization, they're usually pretty friendly. They won't be as smart or as affectionate as, say, a rat, but they'll certainly better than dwarf hamsters or mice. Keep in mind, however, you _need_ more than one. Two or three of the same sex is really the best choice. They are extremely social animals and I've heard of them wasting away and dying after the loss of a cagemate. If you want a single animal, think along the lines of a syrian hamster (aka golden, teddy bear, etc) since they need to be kept solitary. Cannibalism and aggression is common once they get a little older, even between siblings who have been housed together their whole lives.
But back to gerbils - since they're desert rodents, they drink less and make less waste. Their coats get oily and they need dust to bathe in, which is a lot of fun to watch. They enjoy burrowing and you can do some interesting cage setups with that in mind (pic related).
Just remember, with all small animals, no cedar and preferably no pine. Aspen should be okay, no oils or strong scents. Carefresh and such is also an option, that.. recycled wood pulp stuff.
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