How Big Are Gerbils?

Have you ever wondered just how big gerbils can get? From the largest gerbil in the world to the smallest pet gerbil, we will answer the question, how big are gerbils?

Key Takeaways

• The Great Gerbil is the largest species of gerbil, measuring up to 20 cm (7.9 inches) in head-and-body length and exceeding 40 cm (15.8 inches) in total length including the tail.
• The most common pet gerbil, the Mongolian gerbil, typically measures about 10 cm to 12 cm (4 to 5 inches) in body length, not including the tail.
• Gerbils grow rapidly in their first few months, with male gerbils reaching an average length of 10-13 cm and female gerbils reaching an average length of 9 -12 cm (3.5 to 4.7 inches) by six months of age.
• The smallest gerbil species, such as Brauer’s Pouched Gerbil and the Charming Dipodil, can vary in size but generally weigh between 6 to 14 grams and measure 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 inches) long.

How Big Do Male Gerbils Get?

Male gerbils can grow to an average length of 10-13 cm (3.9-5.1 inches) as they reach adulthood. When it comes to the size of gerbils, it’s important to note that there can be differences between males and females.

As they grow, male gerbils tend to be slightly larger than their female counterparts. At birth, gerbils are tiny, measuring around 2.5 cm (1 inch) long. But by the time they reach one month of age, male gerbils have already grown to about 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches) in length. Female gerbils, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, measuring about 3.5-4.5 cm (1.4-1.8 inches) at the same age.

This growth continues over the next few months, with male gerbils reaching an average length of 10-13 cm (3.9-5.1 inches) and female gerbils reaching an average length of 9-12 cm (3.5-4.7 inches) by six months of age. So, if you’re looking to serve male gerbils, be prepared for their larger size compared to females.

How Big Do Female Gerbils Get?

Now let’s shift our focus to the size of female gerbils, as their growth patterns differ slightly from their male counterparts.

Here are some important points to understand about how big female gerbils can get:

1. Gerbil growth patterns:

• Female gerbils tend to be slightly smaller in size compared to males.
• They have a slower growth rate and reach their adult size at around six months of age.
• By this time, female gerbils typically measure about 9-12 cm (3.5-4.7 inches) in length.

1. Factors influencing gerbil size:

• The size of female gerbils can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health.
• Providing them with a balanced diet and a comfortable living environment can contribute to their optimal growth and development.

1. Comparing gerbil sizes among different species:

• Female gerbils of different species may vary in size.
• For example, the Mongolian gerbil, which is the most common pet gerbil, measures about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in body length, excluding the tail.
• On the other hand, smaller species like the Brauer’s Pouched Gerbil and the Charming Dipodil may be even smaller.

1. Remember individual variation:

• It’s important to note that individual gerbils within the same species may have slight variations in their size.
• Some female gerbils may grow slightly larger or smaller than the average size mentioned above.

What is The Biggest Gerbil?

The Great Gerbil, also known as Rhombomys opimus, is the largest gerbil species in the world. This impressive rodent can be found in various regions of Central Asia, such as Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. In terms of size, the Great Gerbil measures up to 20 cm (7.9 inches) in head-and-body length, with a total length that can exceed 40 cm when including the tail. This makes it significantly larger than other gerbil species.

When comparing gerbils in different regions, it’s important to note that size can vary among species and even within individual gerbils of the same species. Factors such as habitat, diet, and genetics can influence the size of gerbils. For example, gerbils living in arid regions may be larger to help them better withstand the challenges of their environment. In contrast, gerbils in more temperate regions may be smaller due to different selective pressures.

The size variation in gerbils is believed to have evolutionary significance. Larger gerbils may have advantages in terms of survival and reproduction, such as increased physical strength and access to resources. On the other hand, smaller gerbils may have advantages in terms of agility and energy efficiency. The size differences among gerbils may be a result of natural selection favouring traits that are advantageous in specific environments.

What is the Smallest Gerbil?

The smallest gerbil species known is the Desmodilliscus braueri, also referred to as Brauer’s Pouched Gerbil, native to northern Africa. This unique gerbil species measures 4 to 8 cm long, excluding its shorter, scantily-haired tail. With a weight ranging from 6 to 14 grams, it’s the tiniest of all gerbils. However, it’s important to note that individual gerbils within this species can vary in size.

When comparing gerbil sizes, the average pet gerbil, the Mongolian gerbil, typically measures about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in body length, not including the tail. The tail itself is usually about the same length as the body, adding 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm).

In contrast, the Great Gerbil, the largest gerbil species, can measure up to 20 cm (7.9 inches) in head-and-body length, with a total length that can exceed 40 cm when including the tail.

Conclusion

So, now you know just how big gerbils can get! The Great Gerbil takes the crown as the largest, measuring up to 20 cm in head-and-body length.

However, when it comes to pet gerbils, they’re much smaller, with the popular Mongolian gerbil typically measuring about 4 to 5 inches in body length.

Whether big or small, gerbils are fascinating creatures to learn about and care for.