How to Take Care of a Gerbil

Introduction

Gerbils are curious, active, and social small pets that are often overlooked in favor of hamsters and guinea pigs. But gerbils have a lot to offer — they're diurnal (active during the day), rarely bite when properly socialized, and are endlessly entertaining to watch. Here's a complete guide on how to take care of a gerbil.

Gerbils Are Social — Always Keep in Pairs

Gerbils are highly social animals that should never be kept alone. A solitary gerbil will be stressed, lonely, and prone to depression. Always keep gerbils in same-sex pairs or small groups. Introducing gerbils as babies (from the same litter) is the easiest approach; introducing adult gerbils requires a careful split-cage method.

Housing

Gerbils are natural burrowers that need deep substrate to dig tunnels. The best housing options are:

• Glass tank/terrarium — The Niteangel MDF Aspen Terrarium or a glass aquarium (minimum 20 gallons for a pair) allows for deep bedding without substrate escaping through bars. Gerbils can chew through plastic, so glass or solid wood is preferred.
• Bin cage — A large plastic storage bin with ventilation holes cut in the lid; inexpensive and allows for very deep bedding

Avoid small wire cages — gerbils kick substrate through the bars constantly, creating a mess, and the floor space is usually inadequate.

Bedding

Deep bedding is essential for gerbils — at least 6 inches, ideally 8–10 inches, to allow natural burrowing. Niteangel Coco/Cork Bedding holds burrow tunnels well. Natural aspen wood shavings are a safe, affordable alternative. Avoid cedar and pine shavings.

Diet

Gerbils eat a similar diet to hamsters:

• Quality seed mix — Kaytee Supreme Hamster & Gerbil Food is formulated for both species and provides a nutritionally complete base diet
• Fresh vegetables — Small amounts of broccoli, cucumber, and carrot 2–3 times per week
• Protein — Small amounts of mealworm or cooked chicken once or twice a week
• Fresh water — Via no-drip water bottle, changed daily

Exercise and Enrichment

Gerbils need a solid-surface exercise wheel (8-inch minimum), burrowing opportunities through deep bedding, and enrichment items like apple wood chew sticks and cardboard tubes. The Niteangel Super-Silent Wheel (S) is an excellent choice for gerbils.

Sand Bath

Like chinchillas, gerbils enjoy sand baths for grooming. Offer the Niteangel Sand Bath Box filled with fine reptile sand or chinchilla dust 2–3 times per week for 15 minutes. Remove after the session.

Handling

Gerbils are fast but generally less prone to biting than hamsters when properly socialized. Never pick up a gerbil by the tail — the skin can detach. Use the scoop method, supporting the body fully. Build trust through daily hand feeding with Oxbow Organic Rewards Biscuits.

Health Basics

Gerbils are generally hardy animals. Common health issues include Tyzzer's disease (bacterial infection), epilepsy (common in some lines), and dental problems. Find an exotic animal vet before you need one. Keep a pet thermometer on hand.

Lifespan

Gerbils typically live 3–5 years, making them longer-lived than hamsters but shorter-lived than guinea pigs and chinchillas.

Conclusion

Gerbils are rewarding, active, and social pets that thrive when kept in pairs with deep burrowing substrate, a quality diet, and daily enrichment. They're an excellent choice for owners who want a small pet that's active during the day and genuinely entertaining to watch.