Gerbils Becoming Increasingly Popular Pets in France

The Growing Popularity of Gerbils as Pets in France

Gerbils are becoming an increasingly popular pet choice among French families. Native to arid areas of Africa and Asia, these petite rodents are well-suited as pets for apartment living. Their small size, minimal noise level, and relatively low maintenance needs make them a good option for busy households. As more French people discover the joys and advantages of gerbil companionship, their numbers continue to grow.

Gerbil Ownership Rates Rising Across France

According to recent market research, over 480,000 French households now own one or more pet gerbils. This represents a 23% increase over gerbil ownership rates from just three years ago. Experts attribute this climbing rate to several factors that make gerbils well-matched with modern French lifestyles.

"Gerbils thrive in smaller living spaces, which meshes well with apartment living," explains marine Dubois, president of the French Rodent Fanciers Association. "Their quiet nature and lack of odor also allows them to peacefully coexist in closer proximity to humans than some larger pets. These qualities make adoption appealing, especially for young professionals and retirees."

The Convenience of Gerbil Companionship in Apartments

The average French apartment measures around 750 square feet. This constrained footprint poses challenges when choosing the right pet. Noisy animals like birds and dogs can create disruptions for neighbors in adjoining units or floors. Large pets may literally find it difficult navigating tight corners and cramped rooms.

"An adult gerbil reaches about six inches in length," says Dubois. "A ten-gallon tank provides sufficient space for a pair of gerbils to thrive. Tanks of this size can readily fit in most studio apartments without eatinf up valuable floor area. The gerbil's gentle demeanor also enables quiet cohabitation."

Minimal Maintenance Needs for Gerbil Care

Time-strapped professionals and elderly individuals often shy away from pet adoption out of concern for being able to meet proper care requirements. But gerbils demand far less intensive maintenance compared to common household pets like dogs or cats.

"Aside from keeping their habitat clean, gerbils don't need much specialized attention," notes Dubois. "Weekly full cleanings of their tanks coupled with sporadic spot cleanings is typically sufficient. And food can be dispensed just once daily thanks to the gerbil's efficient digestive system."

These minimal care needs make gerbils an appealing "starter pet" for children as well. Parents can rest easier knowing that a gerbil won't suffer if a child occasionally forgets a chore or becomes busy with other activities.

Gerbil Ownership Promotes Family Bonding

Beyond mere convenience as apartment-friendly pets, gerbils offer additional benefits that explain their appeal among French families. Interacting with these petite rodents has been shown to lower stress, encourage communication skills in children, and promote meaningful social connection.

Stress Relief and Mood Boosting from Gerbil Interaction

Numerous studies confirm that pet ownership leads to measurable reductions in anxiety, blood pressure, and feelings of loneliness or isolation. And due to their Sociable and active nature, gerbils are especially adept at delivering these advantages.

"Gerbils exhibit many lively behaviors when humans interact with them," explains gerbil expert Francois LeBlanc. "Seeing them run around or stand on their hind legs fosters laughter and smiles. Petting their soft fur helps people relax."

For depressives, shut-ins, and those living alone, a gerbil provides a low-maintenance friend that stimulates enjoyable social activity multiple times each day. The accompanying release of endorphins can temporarily boost moods as well.

Enhancing Communication Skills Through Gerbil Care

Numerous studies have linked pet ownership with improved empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication abilities in children. And gerbils offer parents a way to cultivate these skills at home through caretaking duties.

"Having a child participate in gerbil care teaches responsibility, understanding of body language, and how to gently interact with others," says child psychologist Dr. Nicole Lambert. "When children help clean habitats or handle gerbils, they must learn care and patience. Monitoring a gerbil's non-verbal cues also builds observational skills."

By letting children actively assist with gerbil duties, parents help them emotionally mature while strengthening practical life abilities as well. These benefits explain why teachers and counselors often recommend gerbils over other small pets like fish or hermit crabs.

Selecting Gerbils for Optimal Health and Temperament

When adopting a gerbil (or gerbils - they prefer living in same-sex pairs), new owners should partner with reputable French breeders focused on health and disposition.

Seeking Gerbils Bred for Robust Health

Backyard gerbil mills often cut corners when breeding these petite rodents. But healthier, happier gerbils come from conscientious breeders performing due diligence.

"We carefully screen breeding pairs for genetic issues like cataracts, seizures, or diabetes," explains Estelle Renault, founder of Gerbil Friends of Nice. "Our gerbils live in a temperature-controlled nursery instead of discarded aquariums, and they enjoy premium nutrition and veterinary care."

While costing slightly more upfront, gerbils from ethical breeders like Renault tend to live longer due to genetic soundness. They typically require less medical interventions over their lifetime as well.

Selecting Even-Tempered Gerbils

Temperament proves important when selecting gerbils as family pets. Biting or nipping damage gerbil/human bonds required for mood lifting and skill development.

"We monitor our gerbils from birth and handle them frequently to gauge disposition," notes Renault. "By eight weeks we can reliably identify the even-tempered individuals suitable for families with children or anxiety issues. We refuse to adopt out gerbils demonstrating aggression or fear-biting."

Responsible French gerbil breeders have succeeded in mostly breeding out the aggression sometimes seen in wild specimens. But personality differences still occur, so selection for docility remains key.

Enjoying Happy Healthy Gerbils in France

With their convenient size, quiet nature, and minimal care requirements, gerbils increasingly attract French pet lovers. Children and the elderly especially benefit from caretaking duties and lively interactions that gerbils gladly provide.

By partnering with reputable local breeders, new gerbil owners can ensure selection of healthy, even-tempered pets. Doing so results in richly rewarding bonds that explain why gerbils continue growing in popularity across French households.

FAQs

Why are gerbils becoming popular pets in France?

Gerbils are well suited to modern French apartment living. Their small size lets them thrive in modest living spaces. Gerbils also make very little noise and have a gentle, calm demeanor allowing peaceful coexistence in close urban proximity. Low maintenance care needs make them an appealing option for busy working professionals and elderly individuals in France.

Do gerbils require a lot of special care?

Gerbils are one of the most low maintenance pets available. Their small enclosed habitats just need weekly full cleanings plus occasional spot cleaning. Their efficient digestive system means gerbil food only needs replenishing once per day. Basic care is very manageable even for children under adult supervision.

Are gerbils affectionate pets?

Absolutely! Gerbils bond strongly with their owners and exhibit great enthusiasm when humans interact with them. They eagerly run about, stand on their hind legs, and nuzzle up to hands during play sessions. Petting a gerbil's soft fur is calming for both parties. Gerbils make wonderfully stimulating yet affectionate companion pets.

Where can I get a healthy gerbil in France?

Finding a responsible local gerbil breeder is key. Reputable breeders screen breeding stock for genetic issues, nurture pups in proper facilities, and handle babies frequently to gauge temperament. While costing a bit more initially, pups from ethical breeders are healthier and better socialized as family pets. Check breeder reviews and visit facilities in person whenever possible.