They may be bought singly, but it is the owner s responsibility to provide enough interaction so that it will not be lonely. It is much better to have two to four gerbils. They require the same amount of care, and they are more fun to watch. Males and females get along well with each other, but they will produce a litter of pups every month for several years. Gerbils of the same sex may be kept together if they are brothers or sisters from the same litter, or they will most likely kill each other.
Females tend to be more gentle and sociable with people than males.
When selecting gerbils at the pet store, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. Unclean stores may have sick animals. A gerbil s coat should be soft and never oily or greasy looking. Ask to hold the animal before you purchase it. Gerbils do not generally bite, and you do not want to buy an animal that does.