West Norfolk’s RSPCA team are helping to care for some of a gerbil family that grew to over 60 in six months.
They are looking after some of the huge number which were rescued from a home in Great Yarmouth earlier this month.
The RSPCA’s head of animal welfare, Chloe Shorten, said: “The gerbils’ owner had bought two and they soon multiplied so asked for help when it got out of hand. They found themselves with almost 60 gerbils in only around six months!
“It goes to show how quickly unneutered rodents, like gerbils, can mate and reproduce, and how groups can grow incredibly quickly. Babies can start breeding when they’re just a few weeks old. It also illustrates why it’s important to know the sex of the pets you’re buying and check with a vet so you don’t end up with lots of unwanted babies!
“The gerbils’ owner signed over 59 gerbils, including newborn pups, and we’ve had more babies in our care since. It took two RSPCA vans to transport all of the gerbils separately and safely.”