You know where you are with us gerbils, when we're asleep, we're asleep, but when we're awake, Look out! That's when you'll see us really burn some energy.

We can be a bit shy at first, so always handle us gently and don't make any sudden movements. We'll soon learn to trust you and then you'll see just how friendly and nosey we really are!

We're very social animals and get lonely and unhappy if kept alone. We're very easy to look after, so it's best to get at least a pair. Two boys or two girls will live happily together if they are littermates. A boy and a girl gerbil will get on together, but they'll also have babies.

We like lots of space in which to run around and play, so make sure your gerbil has a nice big cage in which she is free to stand up on her hind legs. Plastic or glass cages are best, with a solid floor to avoid foot injuries. We love to dig, burrow and scatter our bedding, so a cage with a deep base saves a lot of mess!