Gerbils

Who doesn't wish to share his or her home with a cage full of ?Furry Mongolian Friends" aka gerbils!? Author Susan Anastasi certain does! She describes these irresistible critters as ?quiet, clean, friendly, curious, active, and easy-to-please." In deciding whether the gerbil is for you, Anastasi offers this advice: ?If you are looking for a seemingly limitless cache of cuteness?from their long, fanning whiskers and large almond-shaped eyes to heir bunnylike hind legs and tufted tail tips?then gerbils are for you!" Clearly bitten by the gerbil bug, the author begins by providing some basic natural history about gerbils, their origins on the Mongolian range, and an overview of their behaviors. Anastasi defends her favorite pocket pet and asserts that the gentle gerbil does not deserve its Latin name (Meriones ungiculatus), which translates as ?clawed warrior." Filled with terrific color photographs, Gerbils summarizes the basic needs of these adorable rodents, specifically addressing their housing requirements, the cost and commitment involved, and their interactions with children and other pets. The following are devoted to purchasing a healthy gerbil from a pet shop, hobby breeder, or shelter; introducing the gerbil to the home; housing and feeding; taming and handling the pet gerbil; health