Gerbil species questions and other things?

im planning on getting 2 gerbils. and i have a few questions:
. what are the common breeds in the pet shop and which is the most laid back
. are male or females the most laid back
. how long do they live for
Answers:
In 1964 gerbils were first introduced to the pet industry. These were the Mongolian gerbils.

Since Gerbils are very social, they should have atleast one companion. If they don't have any companions, the gerbil may die earlier than most gerbil's 2-4 years. Males tend to bite more often than females do, so female gerbils are preferred more by gerbil owners.

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Male and Female will obviously mate so depending on if you want babies, female and female would be better if you don't want to breed, but don't introduce a male to the 2 females as the females will fight over him and kill him. Gerbils life span is 2-3 yr s can be 5 depending on how well kept. By the way stock up on cardboard tubes, packaging as they love the tear it up!

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There aren't any gerbil breeds of Mongolian gerbils, so far, only gerbil colors. The most commonly available colors are agouti (like a wild bunny), black, lilac, nutmeg, dark eyed honey, and argente. Some pet stores sell spotted gerbils, too.

Mottled gerbils (very, very spotted) can have a tendency to be docile and deep sleepers, but there really are now differences among gerbils of different colors.

If you want to get the fancier colors, you'll probably have to get a gerbil from a breeder. There is a listing of breeders off of www.AGSgerbils.org and also there is a show coming up on May 19th if you are in the New England area.

Males are slightly less active than females -- but I wouldn't describe any healthy gerbil as laid back, they are animals on the go and ready for action.

If you get gerbils from healthy lines they will live from 3 to 3 1/2 years. Gerbils typically have no or few health problems in their lifetime.