What to do with gerbil on a trip

[Kate]

Hello! I’m going on a 3 week trip in about a month and I don’t know how my gerbil is going to do without me. He’s a pretty old guy at about four and a half years old and he lives alone. Because of this, I make sure that I take him out of his habitat at least twice a day. I’m pretty sure I’ll put him wit my aunt but I doubt she’ll take him out of his tank very often. Is there anything I cans do to make it easier for him? Does he need more toys or something? I’m just a bit worried about him especially since he’s kind of old.

[mygerbilprince]

I understand your concern with an older gerbil. Make sure your aunt is comfortable interacting with him because he seems pretty fond of people or at least you. If you don't think she wants to take him out, encourage her to give him daily treats. Definitely supply him with some boredom breakers.

I'm not sure if this would help at all, but if you think he will miss you (and since you two seem so close he probably will) you could rub some toilet paper on your palms and leave that for him so it will smell like you. I think he will be okay as long as your aunt knows proper care - No burning candles or smoking around him. This includes putting him in a room with a fireplace that is used often, it's not good for their little sensitive lungs. No strong cleaners (bleach, etc.) in or around his tank. Make sure you give her safe treats. If there are any young kids or pets in the house that might disturb him make sure you let her know to keep them from stressing him as much as possible. Let her know signs of an unhealthy gerbil so she can let you know if something happens (I doubt it will though, don't worry about it) None of this is meant to scare you, as I know leaving pets while you're away is stressful, but it's very important to be thorough.

You could also just keep him at your house, but he might be lonely without people being there. Make sure he is in a spot where he can see people passing around the house.

Good Luck!

[Markpd]

And also give more boredom breakers so that your aunt can pop some in the cage over the 3 weeks, obviously you can't dump them all in there at once!

Great age he's got to btw!