Gerbils as Pets: Essential Care, Housing, and Companionship
Essential tips for creating cozy burrows and playful zones for your furry friends.
Gerbils are charming, lively pets that bring joy and fascination to homes around the world. Their social nature, intelligence, and curious habits make them ideal companions for families and individuals alike—provided their unique needs are understood and met. Whether you are considering bringing home your first pair of gerbils or seeking expert tips to enhance their happiness, this comprehensive guide covers every facet of responsible gerbil care, from setting up their habitat to promoting optimal health and well-being.
Understanding Gerbils: The Basics
Gerbils are small burrowing rodents originally native to arid regions like Mongolia and northern China. In the wild, they are social creatures, building elaborate tunnel systems and living in close-knit groups. Domestic gerbils retain much of this natural behavior—thriving when housed in pairs or small same-sex groups and given opportunities for exploration, digging, and play.
- Size: Adult gerbils typically measure 4–5 inches in body length, with tails of similar length.
- Life Span: With attentive care, gerbils live on average 2–4 years.
- Activity: Gerbils are crepuscular, meaning most active at dawn and dusk—making them excellent choices for families with daytime routines.
- Temperament: While generally friendly and inquisitive, gerbils are fast moving and prefer exploring to being held for long periods.
Choosing Gerbils: Companionship and Sources
Gerbils are highly social and should never be kept alone. A single gerbil can become lonely, bored, and even depressed, leading to behavioral and health issues. The most natural and harmonious home for a pet gerbil is a same-sex pair (preferably littermates or siblings adopted together), though small groups of the same sex can also thrive if introduced properly.
- Best Companionship: Same-sex pairs are ideal to prevent unwanted breeding.
- Responsible Sourcing: Seek out reputable breeders or small-animal rescues to ensure your gerbils are healthy and socialized.
- Introducing New Gerbils: If housing gerbils who are not familiar with each other, introduce them gradually using a divided cage to avoid conflict.
Setting Up the Perfect Gerbil Home
A properly designed habitat nurtures both the physical and mental well-being of your gerbils. Their enclosure should provide room for digging, running, and climbing, as well as spaces for nesting and socializing.
Choosing an Enclosure
- Tank or Gerbilarium: A 20-gallon glass tank or gerbilarium with a secure, chew-proof mesh lid is considered the best option, as it allows you to provide thick bedding for burrowing and is chew-resistant.
- Minimum Size: Floor space should be at least 100cm x 40cm (39in x 16in) per pair; bigger is always better.
- Ventilation: Ensure the enclosure has adequate airflow to prevent humidity build-up and odors.
- Avoid Plastic Cages: Gerbils are dedicated chewers and can gnaw through plastic, creating a potential escape hazard and ingesting harmful pieces.
Substrate and Bedding
- Depth: Provide 6–10 inches of dust-free, natural bedding such as aspen shavings or paper-based substrate, which allow your gerbils to dig elaborate tunnels and nests.
- Enrichment: Layer bedding with coconut fiber, hay, or dried herbs to mimic their natural habitat and encourage foraging behavior.
- Do Not Use: Cedar or pine shavings, as their oils can be harmful to small animals.
Essential Cage Accessories
- Hides and Nest Boxes: Provide places for resting and hiding. These can be made from wood or cardboard (never plastic).
- Chew Toys: Supply plenty of wood-based chew toys, gnaw sticks, and untreated fruit tree branches for dental health and entertainment.
- Sand Bath: Offer a shallow dish of gerbil-safe sand for grooming. Remove and replace sand regularly as some gerbils may also use it as a toilet. Avoid chinchilla dust, which can cause respiratory issues.
- Platforms and Tunnels: Add cardboard tubes, wooden bridges, and tunnels for climbing, exploring, and hiding.
- Water Bottle: Supply fresh water in a chew-resistant bottle, checked and refilled daily.
- Food Bowls: Use ceramic or stainless-steel bowls—avoid plastic alternatives, which can be gnawed through1].
- Rocks and Stones: Flat rocks are useful as lookout points and help wear down nails1].
Daily Care: Feeding, Cleaning, and Enrichment
Feeding Your Gerbils
A healthy, happy gerbil needs a diet that mimics its natural, varied menu. Choose a high-quality, commercial gerbil mix as the basis of their nutrition, and supplement with small portions of fresh vegetables, seeds, and occasional treats.
- Complete Gerbil Mix: Select a reputable, species-specific formula as the staple of their diet.
- Fresh Produce: Offer small amounts of fresh vegetables such as carrot, broccoli, or leafy greens a few times a week—remove uneaten portions promptly.
- Treats: Sunflower seeds, oats, and small pieces of fruit (given sparingly as treats) can be offered by hand to encourage bonding and positive association.
- Forbidden Foods: Do not give gerbils chocolate, garlic, onions, raw beans, or processed foods as these can be toxic.
- Water: Ensure a constant supply of fresh water through a sipper bottle or drip-proof bowl, cleaned and refilled daily.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Spot Cleaning: Each day, remove soiled bedding, leftover food, and waste to maintain freshness and hygiene.
- Full Cleaning: Clean the entire enclosure, changing all bedding and sanitizing the tank and accessories, every 1–2 weeks. Avoid using strong detergents—plain hot water or animal-safe cleansers are ideal.
- Sand Bath Care: Replace bath sand regularly, especially if used as a toilet.
- Wash Accessories: Clean water bottles and food bowls weekly to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
- Claw and Dental Care: Most gerbils naturally wear down their teeth and claws through normal activities. If you notice overgrown claws or teeth, consult a vet.
Enrichment and Toys
- Digging: Provide deep substrate for endless digging opportunities.
- Tunnels: Cardboard tubes, wooden tunnels, and bridges allow for natural burrowing and exercise.
- Gnawing: Wood and cardboard items encourage healthy chewing instincts and prevent boredom.
- Climbing: Add safe rocks, branches, and multi-level structures.
- Exercise Wheel: Some gerbils enjoy running wheels, but only use solid, saucer-style wheels (no bars) to prevent tail injuries.
Gerbil Grooming: Self-Cleaning Experts
Gerbils are meticulous self-groomers and rarely require human intervention. However, providing opportunities for them to roll in sand baths is essential for maintaining healthy, oil-free fur. Bath sand should be removed after use and replaced regularly. Avoid using chinchilla dust, as it can cause respiratory problems.
- If fur appears greasy, or you notice excessive scratching, gently spot-clean with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipe.
- Most gerbils will not need frequent nail clipping or dental care, as they naturally manage upkeep unless health issues arise.
Health and Vet Care
Regular health monitoring and an annual checkup at a vet experienced with small animals will help ensure your gerbils live long, comfortable lives.
| Signs of a Healthy Gerbil | Signs to See a Vet |
|---|---|
| Smooth, glossy coat | Thinning fur or bald patches |
| Clear, bright eyes | Eye or nasal discharge |
| Clean nose and bottom | Labored breathing, lumps/growths |
| Straight, tidy teeth | Overgrown/crooked teeth |
| Active, alert behavior | Listlessness, appetite loss |
- Common Health Problems: Dental issues (overgrown teeth), nasal dermatitis, baldness, epilepsy, tumors, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Transport: When visiting the vet, use a secure, well-ventilated carrier with familiar bedding, and bring photos of their cage and diet for the vet’s assessment.
Gerbil Behavior and Social Interaction
Gerbils are active, endlessly curious animals that rarely tire of digging, tunneling, and exploring. Although undeniably social, most gerbils are too busy to sit on laps for long and should always be handled gently, especially around children. Consistent, gentle handling from a young age fosters trust and tameness without causing them undue stress.
Understanding Your Gerbil’s Behavior
- Social Bonds: Gerbils thrive in pairs or small groups, forming close relationships with cage mates.
- Vocalizations: Chirps, squeaks, and thumping serve as communication, excitement, or warnings.
- Activity Patterns: Most gerbils are active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), so daily cleaning and interaction is best done during these periods.
- Handling Tips: Always scoop a gerbil up gently with cupped hands rather than grabbing by the tail, which can cause injury (and even degloving).
- Supervision: Young children should always be supervised with gerbils, who are fast and agile.
Enrichment: Keeping Gerbils Busy and Happy
Gerbils are some of the most active, playful pet rodents. Enrichment is key to preventing boredom and stress. Change up toys and rearrange elements in the habitat regularly to stimulate curiosity and encourage natural behaviors.
DIY Enrichment Ideas
- Cardboard tube mazes for hiding and chewing
- Shredded paper for nest-building
- Timothy hay stuffed in coconut shells or hanging baskets
- Flat rocks for climbing and nail maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are gerbils good pets for children?
Gerbils can make excellent pets for responsible children, especially if supervised by adults. Their active, inquisitive nature provides endless entertainment, but their delicate size and speed mean young children should learn proper, gentle handling.
How many gerbils should I keep together?
Gerbils are happiest in pairs or small same-sex groups. Never keep a single gerbil alone as they will become lonely and stressed. Always avoid mixed-sex groups unless you intend to breed (and are equipped for the responsibility).
What do I need to avoid when setting up a gerbil cage?
Avoid plastic cages and plastic accessories, as gerbils will swiftly chew through them, which is both a safety risk and an escape hazard. Also, steer clear of cedar/pine bedding and dusty sand for bathing, as both can upset a gerbil’s respiratory health.
How often should I clean the gerbil cage?
Spot clean daily and do a full bedding and enclosure clean every 1–2 weeks. A sand bath helps keep your gerbil’s fur clean between cage cleans, but change the sand regularly if it gets soiled.
Do gerbils need their nails or teeth trimmed?
Not usually—active gerbils naturally wear down nails and teeth with climbing, digging, and gnawing. Overgrown teeth or claws are signs of possible health problems; consult a vet if you notice this.
Can you keep gerbils and other rodents together?
No. Gerbils should not be housed with hamsters, mice, or other rodent species, as they have different care requirements and may be aggressive toward unfamiliar animals.
Conclusion
With proper housing, diet, daily care, and enrichment, gerbils reward their owners with lively antics, companionship, and low-maintenance care. By understanding their social needs and natural instincts, you can set your gerbils up for a healthy, happy life as part of your family.
References
- https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/gerbil/caring-for-your-gerbil
- https://www.petmd.com/exotic/gerbil-care-sheet
- https://moonypaw.com/blogs/moony-paw-blog/do-gerbils-make-good-pets-the-ultimate-guide-to-gerbil-care
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-5bm0tf-ck
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a46124578/creature-comforts-gerbils/
- https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/gerbil-care
- https://hillcountrygerbils.com/habitat-guide-craft-a-gerbilarium-paradise/
- https://www.countrymax.com/product_images/guides/Gerbil%20Care%20Sheet.pdf
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
