Gerbils: Busy Burrowers That Need a Friend and Deep Bedding

Is a Gerbil Right for You?

Gerbils are busy, inquisitive and fun to watch, with bursts of activity through the day and night. They are less smelly than many rodents because they come from dry grasslands and drink little. They generally don't enjoy being held for long, so they suit people who like watching and gentle interaction more than cuddling.

Company: Pairs or Small Groups

Gerbils are social and should live with others. The RSPCA advises same-sex pairs or groups, formed early in life; established groups rarely accept newcomers. Don't keep males and females together unless you can care for the young. A rescue or experienced breeder can help with pairing.

Home: Deep Bedding to Dig

Choose a large enclosure with a deep, solid base, such as a glass or plastic tank with a wire upper section (a "gerbilarium"), as big as possible. All-wire cages don't hold enough bedding. The RSPCA recommends 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) of bedding so they can dig proper tunnels. Mix paper-based bedding with hay so tunnels hold their shape.

• A nest box or hide, filled with plain paper.
• A sand bath of chinchilla sand to keep the coat in good condition.
• Plenty to chew: untreated wood, cardboard tubes and boxes.
• A solid wheel big enough to keep the back straight.
• About 68–72°F (20–22°C), out of drafts and direct sun.

Diet

Feed a complete gerbil food, with small amounts of fresh vegetables and the odd seed or nut as a treat. Scatter some food so they forage. Fresh water should always be available, even though they drink little.

Handling

Let gerbils come to your hand, and scoop them up with both hands, close to the floor. Never hold a gerbil by the tail: the skin can strip off. Supervise children, and keep handling short.

Health: Preventive Care

Find a vet who sees small rodents before you need one. Check your gerbils during handling for changes in weight, coat, eyes and teeth, and spot-clean rather than clearing out all their tunnels too often.