One of those times when I’m left smacking my head on the desk wondering why we’ve spent the past 10 years promoting gerbil husbandry, care, genetics and I go on the American Gerbil Society list and even the ex-president doesn’t have a basic grasp of gerbil behaviour or genetics; it just makes me wonder why we’ve spent so long trying to educate owners.

How can the supposed largest gerbil society still be over 10 years behind others?

Why are the American Gerbil Society still using cb? Which doesn’t even exist in gerbil genetics. Oh but it’s much too hard to type c(chm) instead.
Oh no, it took me an whole second longer to type.

The AGS has a lot to answer for imo as to why so many owners keep their animals in sub-standard conditions. Perpetuating the idea that gerbils are throw away pocket pets by being adamant that they are ‘happy’ in a 10 gallon tank when countries such as Austria and Switzerland by law require a minimum equivalent of around 50 gallons and at least 25cm of substrate. I realise this is not a law in the US, however these countries have deemed it so FOR A REASON.

Why ignore what other countries are doing? Why invent the wheel all over again? Just because the US, UK and other countries haven’t taken the time to impose such laws does not mean we can turn a blind eye and try to justify why keeping animals in smaller spaces without even a basic requirement of theirs – digging – is met.

AGS, it’s about time you sorted yourselves out, and opened your eyes.