Though Gerbils are not as common as hamsters or guinea pigs, gerbils are just as fun and easy to take care of. These little guys are full of energy and love to play. Gerbils are also very clean animals; they groom themselves several times a day and rarely need a bath.
One of the best things about gerbils is that they’re not picky eaters. They’ll pretty much eat anything you give them, including fruits and vegetables. So, can gerbils eat oranges?
Gerbils should not eat oranges because they are citrus fruit and contain acid. The acid can upset a gerbil’s stomach and cause diarrhea. In addition, the seeds in oranges can be a choking hazard for gerbils. If you do decide to feed your gerbil an orange, make sure to remove the seeds and peel them first.
Do Baby Gerbils Eat Oranges?
Baby gerbils can eat the same food as adult gerbils, but they should not eat oranges because it could disturb their digestive systems.
The acid in oranges can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in these small animals.
If you give your baby gerbil an orange, be sure to remove the peel and seeds first. Give only a small amount of the fruit flesh to avoid problems.
Do Gerbils Eat Oranges in the Wild?
In the wild, gerbils typically eat a diet of vegetables, fruits, seeds, and small insects.
While oranges are not a common part of a gerbil’s diet in the wild, they are not harmful to these animals and can be eaten on occasion.
If you are considering feeding your pet gerbil an orange, be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly first to remove any pesticides or other chemicals that may be present on the skin.
Additionally, only offer a small piece of orange flesh to your gerbil at a time as too much citrus fruit can cause stomach upset.
What kind of Oranges Should You Give Your Gerbils?
There are a few things to consider when feeding oranges to your gerbil. The first is whether you want to give them fresh or dried and dehydrated oranges.
Fresh Oranges
Fresh oranges have more water content and are a good source of vitamin C, while dried and dehydrated oranges have less water content but are a good source of fiber.
If you choose to give your gerbils fresh oranges, make sure that they are washed thoroughly to remove any pesticides or other chemicals that may be on the skin.
You can either cut the orange into small pieces or give them whole slices. If you give them whole slices, make sure that the seeds are removed as they can be harmful to gerbils if ingested.
Dried Or Dehydrated
Dried and dehydrated oranges can be given to gerbils as well. These are a good source of fiber and can help with digestive issues. Be sure to give them in moderation, as too much can cause problems.
Overall, oranges can be a healthy treat for gerbils and can be given fresh, dried, or dehydrated.
You can either purchase dried or dehydrated oranges () or you can even make them using a food dehydrator.
Are Oranges Safe for Gerbils?
Gerbils can eat oranges, but they need to be careful of the seeds and the peel. The citric acid in oranges can be harmful to gerbils, so they should only eat a small amount of the fruit.
Following nutrients are present in 100 grams of orange.
Vitamin C- 53 mg
Thiamin- 0.07 mg
Riboflavin- 0.1 mg
Niacin- 1.3 mg
Pantothenic acid- 0.4 mg
Vitamin B6- 0.1 mg
Folate- 34 mcg
Vitamin A- 75 IU
Vitamin E- 0.26 mg
Calcium- 40 mg
Magnesium- 11 mg
Iron- 0.12 mg
Copper- 0.095 mg
Do Gerbils Like Oranges?
Generally, gerbils don’t like oranges but they can eat them. Like most fruits, oranges are a good source of vitamins and fiber for your gerbil.
If you do offer oranges to your gerbil,
- Remove the seeds and peel them first.
- Give them only small pieces of orange at a time, as too much citrus can cause stomach upset in these little guys.
While not their favorite, oranges won’t hurt your gerbil if given in moderation.
So if you have some extra fruit lying around, feel free to share it with your furry friend!
Can Gerbils Eat Orange Peels?
Orange peels are not part of a gerbil’s natural diet, but they can eat them in small quantities.
The main concern with feeding orange peels to gerbils is the potential for choking.
Be sure to cut the peel into small pieces that your gerbil can easily chew and digest.
You should also avoid giving your gerbil too much citrus, as it can cause stomach upset.
Offer orange peel as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet.
How Many Oranges Should You Feed Your Gerbil?
If you have a pet gerbil, you may be wondering how many oranges you should feed them. The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of your gerbil and the type of orange you’re feeding them.
For example, if you have a small gerbil, you’ll only need to give them a few slices of orange per week. On the other hand, if you have a large gerbil, you may need to give them up to 10 slices of orange per week.
As for the type of orange, it’s best to stick with fresh oranges rather than processed ones. Processed oranges often contain added sugar and other ingredients that can be harmful to your gerbil’s health.
So, to sum it up, the answer to how many oranges you should feed your gerbil depends on the size of your gerbil and the type of orange you’re feeding them. Generally speaking, though, most gerbils will do fine with a few slices of fresh orange per week.
How often should you feed oranges to your gerbil?
We recommend not to feed oranges to gerbils as it can cause diarrhea; most breeders will give you some of their food to gradually change it.
Try giving your gerbil a small amount of orange and see how they respond.
If they have diarrhea, stop feeding them oranges. Too much citrus fruit can also lead to a gastrointestinal upset in gerbils.
If you want to give your gerbil some fruit, try other fruits like grapes, bananas, or strawberries instead.
Can gerbils eat other Orange varieties?
Yes, gerbils can eat other Orange varieties. Gerbils can eat most fruits and vegetables, so feel free to offer them a variety of Oranges.
Some Orange varieties that your gerbil may enjoy include navel oranges, blood oranges, clementines, and tangerines.
But always make sure to feed them in small quantities as whatever varieties of oranges you feed all are citrus and excess can cause problems to them.
Why you should not feed oranges to your Gerbil?
According to the RSPCA, oranges should not be given to gerbils because they don’t like the taste and they are high in acidity. The acidity could potentially give your gerbil an upset stomach.
If you’re looking for a treat to give your gerbil, try offering them a piece of apple or carrot instead.
Conclusion – Can Gerbils Eat Oranges?
While oranges are a source of Vitamin C, they are not good food for gerbils. The acidic nature of oranges can upset a gerbil’s stomach and cause diarrhea.
Additionally, the high sugar content in oranges can lead to weight gain and other health problems for gerbils. For these reasons, it is best to avoid feeding oranges to gerbils.
So, in this article we have pointed out all the details around can gerbils eat oranges and why shouldn’t it is advised to feed them oranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gerbils eat other citrus fruits?
No, gerbils should not eat other citrus fruits. Citrus fruits can cause stomach upsets in gerbils and may lead to diarrhea. If your gerbil does eat citrus fruit, give him or her plenty of water to drink and monitor its condition closely.
What other fruits can gerbils eat?
Gerbils can eat a variety of other fruits, such as apples, bananas, and strawberries. Just be sure to remove the seeds and stems from the fruit before giving them to your gerbil, as these can cause stomach upsets.
