For example, they have a specific gene that determines whether or not their belly is lighter than the rest of their body, a gene that controls the overall level of color that is produced, and a gene that controls how the eye and face are colored. All of these genes work together to determine the coat color, patterns, and markings of a specific gerbil.
If all gerbils have the same genes, including wild and domestic ones, why do domestic gerbils come in more colors? The wild gerbil coat color is an expression of all the dominant color genes. In the wild, this would be extremely rare. While it could happen, it would be the result of a number of lucky events.
In a domestic situation, though, humans can control which gerbils breed together. This can mean more recessive genes are passed on, which may eventually lead to more coat colors.
There are approximately 40 different gerbil coat colors in the world today, but there are only a few that are very common. Albino gerbils are also somewhat common, and are getting more so with selective breeding.
Researchers have discovered that an albino coloring appears to be connected to the pink-eyed dilution gene, which allows breeders able to select for this coloration. They look a little like a rat, with dark gray-blue fur. These have black eyes rather than red eyes. The only break in this pattern might be the underside, where a narrow strip of lighter gray runs from top to bottom. But other than that, these gerbs have no pattern. Lilac gerbils are another result of selective breeding.
If you were to picture a lilac gerbil, no doubt it would stand out. Purple is one of those vivid, extraordinary colors. In reality, the lilac gerbil is a little more subdued. Like blue gerbils are closer to blue mixed with gray, so too are lilac gerbils—lilac mixed with gray. Their color is soft and pretty. Their pattern looks similar to blue gerbils. They are one solid color all over. However, its feet might be a slightly different color.
It can also have light white patches under its jaw and on top of its head. Many animals normally have a color and pattern but appear white. When this occurs, the animal is usually an albino. Albinism is the result of a specific genetic mutation that gets rid of melanin. The same genetic change can even happen to people.
You can get white gerbils, and they even have pink or red eyes like albinos. Instead, the change in coat color is caused by different, complicated genetic changes. These gerbils are pure white. They look like lab mice but in the shape of gerbils. You can also find shades between a regular agouti and white, like cream or nutmeg.
You can get white gerbils with either red or pink eyes. Gerbils are another example of an animal that has evolved both naturally and with the assistance of selective breeding.
The range of colors reflects the fact that gerbils are domesticated animals. Evolution selects for color and patterns that give these rodents the best competitive edge. After all, camouflage is the key to success and survival. Instead, they are aesthetic choices that sometimes are the result of mutations.
Selective breeding is an evolving practice. Trends and fashion often dictate the changes and drive the price of gerbils.
Its coat is a combination of white and brownish hairs. The advantage of this pattern is that it provides excellent camouflage. After all, it is a prey species and benefits from being less obvious. This coloration allows the gerbil to blend into the background to escape detection. The word argente means silver in French. However, it also forms the basis for some variations on this theme.
This g erbil has a white underside that is offset by its lighter color on the rest of its body. Its skin starts as pink before it morphs into its namesake shade.
A post shared by Rats, gerbils, and snakes. The golden argenete color is darker than the previous one, with the same red eyes that define this variation. The term honey describes a warm tan color, reminiscent of the food. This is the reason that they were introduced to the pet trade. Both types of gerbil can, over time, grow to trust their human owners and enjoy their company.
Both gerbil breeds tolerate and enjoy being handled. But there are some differences in temperament. Mongolian gerbils are active and always on the go.
They sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night and spend most of their time digging and exploring. Fat-tailed gerbils, on the other hand, are lazier. They sleep for most of the night and take frequent naps in the daytime. But once your fat-tailed gerbil trusts you, it will sit in your hand quite happily. Neither fat-tailed nor Mongolian gerbils are particularly susceptible to any type of illness.
So far, no breed-specific health problems have been identified. Gerbils are quite hardy creatures. But they are susceptible to specific health problems, and both species are equal in this regard.
The most common health issues associated with gerbils are:. Gerbils can also become injured if they fall from a height or attack one another. Fat-tailed gerbils are less agile and more prone to falling from wheels and shelves.
The one significant downside to owning a fat-tailed gerbil is the issue of veterinary care. Mongolian gerbils are popular pets, and most exotic pet veterinarians are experienced with them.
But most veterinarians in the U. Because Mongolian gerbils have been bred as pets for decades, they are widely available. Most large pet stores carry stock of Mongolian gerbils. Breeders can be found in almost every state, and occasionally Mongolian gerbils are available for adoption in shelters. Due to this, Mongolian gerbils are quite cheap to buy.
Some stores and breeders offer deals if you want to purchase two or more which you should. Rare coat colors and patterns, such as Burmese, blue, pied, and slate can sometimes be more expensive. Not as expensive, however, as fat-tailed gerbils.
Fat-tailed gerbils only entered the pet trade in the early s. They are quite rare and hard to find, particularly in the U. But there are definite differences in the life expectancies of Mongolian and fat-tailed gerbils. Mongolian gerbils typically live for 2 to 5 years. Fat-tailed gerbils are slightly harder and will usually live from 3 to 8 years.
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