A Simple Guide To Gerbils

A Simple Guide To Gerbils

Gerbils are lively, social small pets that thrive in pairs and love to dig, burrow, and build elaborate tunnel systems. Their active, inquisitive nature makes them fun to watch, and their care is straightforward with the right environment. Perfect for anyone who enjoys observing busy, energetic animals.

Lifespan: 2-4 years

Size: 4-5in (10-12cm)

Activity: Very active, mostly during the day and early evening

Sociability: Highly sociable – best in pairs or small groups. Don’t mix unknown individuals as they will fight

Suitability: Beginner

🏡Enclosure

• Wire bar with solid base, or tank-style with mesh lid for ventilation
• Floor space more important than height, however depth is needed to allow for deep substrate
• Bigger is better
• Do not place in draughts, direct sunlight, near a radiator, or humid conditions
• Do best in a quiet area of the house

🛏️Substrate & Bedding

• Kiln-dried pine wood shavings or paper-based material for base substrate
• A mix of shredded cardboard, hay, and soft, paper-based materials for bedding
• The substrate must be deep to allow for burrowing – roughly 6-10in (15-25cm)
• Avoid cedar or non-kiln-dried pine shavings, scented or fluffy bedding

🥦Diet

• Gerbil mix or nuggets
• Small amounts of fresh veg, such as broccoli, carrot, or kale
• Small amounts of protein, such as cooked chicken, boiled egg, or mealworms
• Avoid potato, onion, citrus, avocado, sugary foods
• Fresh water should be permanently available

🧩Enrichment

• Exploratory animals that enjoy tunnels, tubes, and hides
• Cardboard for shredding
• Chew toys and treat sticks to keep teeth trimmed
• Scatter feeding to encourage natural foraging behaviour
• Sand bath (using sand not dust) 2-3 times a week

🤲Handling & Behaviour

• Curious, fast and alert
• Rarely bite
• Handle low to the ground or a surface – may jump suddenly
• Never pick up by the tail

🧽Cleaning

• Spot clean weekly
• Full clean every 3-4 weeks
• Keep a small amount of unsoiled old bedding – retains the gerbil’s scent, reducing stress

🩺Quick Health Check

• Healthy signs: bright eyes, digging, steady appetite
• Concerns: bald patches, discharge from eyes or nose, diarrhoea, lethargy
• Vet: persistent sneezing, weight loss, breathing issues

🧺Shopping List

• Cage / Tank
• Paper pellets or kiln-dried pine wood shavings
• Soft, paper-based bedding
• Hay
• Gerbil mix or nuggets
• Food bowl
• Water bottle
• Enrichment items
• Sand bath and sand
• Pet-safe disinfectant