Mongolian gerbil Mongolian gerbil Meriones unguiculatus, the Mongolian gerbil or Mongolian jird, is a small rodent belonging to the subfamily Gerbillinae. It is the most widely known species of the gerbil subfamily, and is the most commonly kept as a small house pet or experimental animal. Under those conditions, it is known as the domesticated gerbil. Like the Syrian or golden hamster, it was first brought to the United States in 1954 by Dr. Victor Schwentker for use in scientific research. Forty-four pairs were caught in Mongolia and brought to England. They were described as having "squirrel colors... with long furry tails."
Fat-tailed gerbil have them. A healthy fat-tailed gerbil has bright eyes, is lively, and has a soft coat. They are dry and clean. Sick fat-tailed gerbils get lethargic and are not lively. Preventing illnesses is usually more effective than curing, especially for the fat-tailed gerbil; curing them is usually difficult. Fat-tailed gerbils are so small that even vets do not always know how they must treat the animal. Catching a cold can be fatal, although the biggest threats for a fat-tailed gerbil are draught and moisture. Hyperthermia, improper diet, and stress can lead to health problems. Not much is known about diseases