Some people might refuse it just because they don't own snakes, and they only see gerbils as pets. I work at a Pet Supplies plus and sell my fellow BP owners gerbils quite frequently. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the snake loves gerbils because aren't gerbils their native food source? As in gerbils are native to Africa, and so are BPs . I think it's in their DNA to loveeee them some gerbils. Too bad gerbils are like, 15$ a piece. Lol