Gerbils are wonderfully entertaining pets, known for their social nature and curious burrowing antics. Did you know there are over 90 species of gerbil? Only two are commonly kept as pets: the sociable Mongolian gerbil and the charming Fat-tailed gerbil. This comprehensive gerbil care guide focuses on Mongolian gerbils, as they are the most popular pet species, but most of this advice also applies to Fat-tailed gerbils.

Housing and Habitat: Creating the Perfect Gerbil Home

Gerbils are native to the dry, sandy grasslands of the Gobi Desert, so their habitat should replicate this environment. A glass tank or gerbilarium with a secure, wire mesh lid is the best choice, as it allows for a deep layer of substrate for them to burrow in. Wire cages are not recommended as they don’t hold bedding and can cause foot injuries.

The minimum size for a pair of gerbils is a 100cm x 40cm base with a depth of at least 50cm. The deeper the bedding, the happier your gerbils will be, as they can create intricate tunnel systems. The substrate should be dust-free; good options include Timothy or meadow hay, shredded paper, or wood shavings. Never use fluffy, cotton wool-like bedding, as the fibres can get caught around your gerbil’s legs. You can find a wide range of suitable habitats and bedding on our Gerbil Cages & Bedding page.

Enrichment is crucial for keeping your gerbils stimulated. Provide a solid-surface exercise wheel (at least 10 inches in diameter to prevent back injuries), ceramic or clay nest boxes, and plenty of chew toys like cardboard tubes, applewood sticks, and egg boxes. A sand bath filled with chinchilla sand is also essential for them to keep their coats clean and healthy.

The Ideal Gerbil Diet

A gerbil’s diet should consist mainly of a high-quality commercial dry mix specifically formulated for gerbils. This ensures they get all the essential nutrients they need. To encourage their natural foraging instincts, it is better to scatter the food in their enclosure rather than using a bowl. You can also supplement their diet with small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, such as:

  • Apples
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Sprouts

Always remember to dice fresh foods into small pieces and remove any uneaten portions promptly to prevent them from rotting. Foods to avoid include rhubarb, chocolate, and citrus fruits. Gerbils are omnivores and will also benefit from a small amount of protein, like mealworms or boiled egg, as an occasional treat. Check out our Gerbil Food & Treats page for a fantastic selection of healthy foods.

A constant supply of fresh, clean water is essential, provided via a water bottle with a metal spout. Check the bottle daily to ensure it is not blocked or leaking.

Social Life: The Importance of Companionship

Gerbils are highly social animals that live in family groups in the wild. You should never keep a gerbil alone. Ideally, they should be kept in a same-sex pair or a small group. The best and easiest option is to get bonded gerbils from the same litter. Introducing gerbils over 10 weeks old can be challenging, as they can be territorial. If you need to introduce new gerbils, do so carefully by using a divided cage to allow them to get used to each other’s scent over several days before bringing them together.

Safe Handling and Taming

Most gerbils are naturally curious and will become comfortable with human interaction with consistent, gentle handling. Start by simply placing your hand in their cage and allowing them to sniff you. You can earn their trust by hand-feeding them their favourite treats.

When picking up a gerbil, always use two hands to gently scoop them up, supporting their entire body. Never pick a gerbil up by its tail, as it can easily break or injure the animal. Handle your gerbil over a soft surface, such as a bed or a lap while seated on the floor, in case they jump or fall.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Gerbils are very clean animals and produce very little waste, but regular cleaning is still essential. You should spot-clean the surfaces of the tank daily, removing any old food or soiled bedding.

A full cage clean should be performed approximately every three weeks. When doing so, place your gerbils in a secure pet carrier. Remove all old bedding, but save a small amount of the unsoiled material to reintroduce with the fresh bedding. This helps your gerbils feel secure by retaining a familiar scent. Spray the tank with a pet-safe disinfectant, wipe it clean, and allow it to dry completely before adding fresh bedding and returning your gerbils to their home.