Why is it better to get gerbils from a hobby breeder?
There are lots of places to get gerbils - pet store chains, independent pet stores, and private hobby breeders. While independent pet stores often take excellent care of their animals and know a lot about their history, those are few and far between these days. Chain pet stores are not evil, but there are some definite advantages to opting for a private hobby breeder instead.
Private breeders have much more time to "hand tame" their animals. This means that, from the time the pups are born to the time they become your pets (usually when they're about six weeks old), they have been talked to, hand fed, and handled. They are significantly more used to people, and you can be much more sure of the fact that you are taking home an animal with a great personality who will integrate smoothly into your family.
Additionally, private breeders know all about their animals' histories - who their parents are, what kind of health conditions they might have inherited, and even what kinds of genes they have in terms of coat color! This kind of knowledge is very helpful not only for gerbil owners who are planning to breed their animals, but for people who are merely interested in having fun and loving pets.
Finally, private hobby breeders usually offer certain perks and guarantees. For instance, if you can no longer care for your gerbils, I will take them back from you and find them new homes. If you have questions or concerns, I am available and eager to answer those for you. If you have a single, lonely gerbil who needs a friend, I will happily take care of the split caging and introduction process; all you have to do is leave your lone gerbil with me, and pick him or her and his or her new friend up in 4 to 14 days! I love to "talk shop" when it comes to gerbils, and I look forward to building mutual and helpful relationships with the future owners of my precious critters.
Private breeders have much more time to "hand tame" their animals. This means that, from the time the pups are born to the time they become your pets (usually when they're about six weeks old), they have been talked to, hand fed, and handled. They are significantly more used to people, and you can be much more sure of the fact that you are taking home an animal with a great personality who will integrate smoothly into your family.
Additionally, private breeders know all about their animals' histories - who their parents are, what kind of health conditions they might have inherited, and even what kinds of genes they have in terms of coat color! This kind of knowledge is very helpful not only for gerbil owners who are planning to breed their animals, but for people who are merely interested in having fun and loving pets.
Finally, private hobby breeders usually offer certain perks and guarantees. For instance, if you can no longer care for your gerbils, I will take them back from you and find them new homes. If you have questions or concerns, I am available and eager to answer those for you. If you have a single, lonely gerbil who needs a friend, I will happily take care of the split caging and introduction process; all you have to do is leave your lone gerbil with me, and pick him or her and his or her new friend up in 4 to 14 days! I love to "talk shop" when it comes to gerbils, and I look forward to building mutual and helpful relationships with the future owners of my precious critters.