Gerbil Care Guide

Gerbils are delightful, active rodents that make excellent pets for beginners and experienced owners alike. Originally from desert regions, they’re naturally clean, produce minimal odor, and are fascinating to watch with their energetic digging and exploring behaviors.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about pet care and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for specific health concerns or medical guidance.

About Gerbils

Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) are the most common pet gerbil species. They’re desert-adapted rodents originally from Mongolia and northern China, making them uniquely suited to life with minimal water and specialized substrate needs.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 4-5 inches body length, plus 4-5 inch tail
• Weight: 2-4 ounces
• Lifespan: 2-4 years
• Activity: Diurnal (active during day and evening)
• Tail: Long, furry, never detaches (unlike some lizards)
• Water needs: Minimal compared to other rodents

Natural Behaviors

Digging and burrowing: Essential behavior requiring deep substrate Social grooming: Important bonding activity between pairs Scent marking: Using scent glands on their bellies Drumming: Hind leg thumping to communicate danger Gnawing: Continuous tooth growth requires constant chewing

Housing Requirements

Tank Setup

Minimum Size:

• 20-gallon long tank for a pair of gerbils
• 40+ gallons recommended for optimal space
• Glass tanks preferred over wire cages (better for substrate depth)

Essential Features:

• Secure, well-ventilated lid
• 6+ inches of diggable substrate
• Multiple hiding spots
• Different levels for climbing

Substrate Requirements

Best Options:

• Aspen shavings (excellent for digging)
• Paper-based bedding (CareFresh, Yesterday’s News)
• Hemp bedding
• Coconut fiber substrate

Avoid:

• Cedar shavings (respiratory irritant)
• Pine shavings (aromatic oils harmful)
• Cotton bedding (impaction risk)
• Corn cob bedding (mold risk)

Environmental Enrichment

Hiding Spots:

• Wooden houses or coconut shells
• PVC pipe sections
• Cork bark tubes
• Multi-level platforms

Exercise Equipment:

• Solid-surface exercise wheel (8+ inches)
• Tubes for exploration
• Climbing branches
• Cardboard boxes to destroy

Diet & Nutrition

Staple Diet

High-quality gerbil pellets:

• 16-20% protein content
• 1-2 tablespoons per gerbil daily
• Timothy-based formulations preferred
• Avoid seed mixes as primary diet

Fresh Foods (Limited)

Safe vegetables (small amounts, 2-3 times per week):

• Carrot pieces
• Broccoli florets
• Apple slices (no seeds)
• Cucumber
• Pumpkin seeds

Foods to Avoid

❌ Never feed:

• Citrus fruits
• Onions and garlic
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Raw beans
• High-water content vegetables (can cause diarrhea)

Water Requirements

• Small water bottle with fresh water daily
• Many gerbils drink very little
• Monitor for changes in drinking habits
• Never use water bowls (substrate contamination)

Health & Wellness

Signs of Healthy Gerbils

✅ Good health indicators:

• Active and curious behavior
• Bright, clear eyes
• Clean, dry nose
• Smooth, well-groomed fur
• Regular eating and grooming
• Social interaction with companions

Common Health Issues

Respiratory Infections:

• Symptoms: Sneezing, labored breathing, lethargy
• Causes: Poor ventilation, dusty bedding, stress
• Prevention: Clean environment, appropriate bedding

Seizures (Epilepsy):

• Symptoms: Brief episodes of immobility or convulsions
• Causes: Genetic predisposition, stress, overstimulation
• Management: Reduce stress, gentle handling

Overgrown Teeth:

• Symptoms: Difficulty eating, drooling, weight loss
• Causes: Lack of appropriate chewing materials
• Prevention: Provide wooden chew toys, hard treats

Tail Injuries:

• Symptoms: Fur loss, wounds, or degloving
• Causes: Improper handling, grabbing tail
• Prevention: Never pick up by tail, handle gently

Social Needs & Behavior

Companionship Requirements

Pairing Guidelines:

• Same-gender pairs work best
• Introduce gerbils when young if possible
• Monitor for aggression during introductions
• Provide multiple resources to prevent competition

Understanding Gerbil Communication

Normal Behaviors:

• Boxing: Play fighting, normal between companions
• Grooming: Sign of bonding and hierarchy
• Drumming: Warning signal, excitement, or attention-seeking
• Scent marking: Territorial behavior, completely normal

Handling & Taming

Proper Handling Technique:

1. Let gerbils become familiar with your scent
2. Offer treats from your hand
3. Scoop with both hands, supporting body
4. Never grab by tail or scruff
5. Keep sessions short initially

Breeding Considerations

Sexual Maturity

• Males: 10-12 weeks
• Females: 9-12 weeks
• Gestation: 24-26 days
• Litter size: 3-7 pups typically

Breeding Challenges

• Requires significant space for growing families
• Pups need specialized care and socialization
• Finding homes for offspring can be difficult
• Inbreeding risks if not managed properly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Setup Errors

1. Insufficient substrate depth: Gerbils need 6+ inches for natural digging
2. Wire cage floors: Can cause foot injuries and doesn’t contain substrate
3. Single housing: Gerbils are social and become depressed alone
4. Wrong bedding choice: Aromatic woods can cause respiratory issues

Care Mistakes

1. Overfeeding fresh foods: Can cause digestive upset
2. Inadequate ventilation: Leads to respiratory problems
3. Sudden temperature changes: Stress and health issues
4. Improper introduction: Fighting between gerbils

Environmental Issues

1. Too much water: High humidity can cause problems
2. Loud noises: Stress and potential seizures
3. Inconsistent lighting: Disrupts natural rhythms
4. Overcrowding: Territorial disputes and stress

Advanced Care Tips

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer: Ensure adequate ventilation, avoid overheating
• Winter: Maintain consistent temperatures, provide extra bedding
• Year-round: Monitor for changes in behavior with weather

Enrichment Rotation

• Change toys and hiding spots monthly
• Introduce new textures and materials safely
• Create digging boxes with different substrates
• Provide foraging opportunities

Health Monitoring

• Weekly weight checks
• Daily observation of behavior and appetite
• Monthly habitat cleaning and inspection
• Annual veterinary check-ups

Related Care Guides

For comprehensive gerbil care, explore these related articles:

• Small Pet Housing Essentials - Tank setup and substrate guidance
• Pet Nutrition Fundamentals - Understanding rodent dietary needs
• Small Pet Veterinary Care - Finding exotic pet vets
• Introducing New Pets - Safe gerbil pairing techniques

Remember: Gerbils are wonderful pets that bring joy and activity to any home. Their unique desert adaptations make them relatively low-maintenance while still being engaging and social companions when properly cared for.