Gerbils
Curious, active by day and passionate diggers, gerbils are happiest with companions in deep bedding where they can build tunnels.
- Typical lifespan
- 2–4 years
- Social needs
- Should live with at least one companion of its kind
- Active hours
- Active by day
- Experience level
- Suitable for beginners
Values are typical ranges and vary with breed, husbandry and the individual animal.
Quick care summary
The care essentials for Gerbils.
- Nature and behaviorCurious, lively and social.
- Living spaceRather than a cage, a glass or acrylic enclosure (with a ventilated top) that allows a deep layer of bedding is recommended.
- Feeding routineA balanced mix or pellet made for gerbils is the staple; small amounts of suitable vegetables add variety.
- Care notesSand bath: A dish of dust-free, suitable sand keeps their coat clean.
In depth
In short
- Gerbils are social and usually live in same-sex pairs or small groups introduced when young.
- Deep bedding for tunnelling is very important.
- Because they are active during the day, they are a joy to watch.
- A sand bath is part of their coat care.
- Never pick them up by the tail.
Gerbils (usually Mongolian gerbils) are small rodents from the dry steppes of Central Asia. In the wild they live in complex underground tunnel systems.
Nature and behavior
Curious, lively and social. Compatible companions groom each other and sleep together. Introducing new gerbils as adults can be difficult; those raised together from a young age usually get on well.
Living space
Rather than a cage, a glass or acrylic enclosure (with a ventilated top) that allows a deep layer of bedding is recommended. The bedding should be deep enough for tunnelling. Add hiding places, chew materials and a suitably sized, solid-surface wheel.
Feeding routine
A balanced mix or pellet made for gerbils is the staple; small amounts of suitable vegetables add variety. Clean water must always be available.
Care notes
- Sand bath: A dish of dust-free, suitable sand keeps their coat clean.
- Handling: Carry your gerbil cupped in your hands, close to the floor; holding it by the tail can cause serious injury.
Good to know
The most important points.
- When to contact a vetThings can change quickly in small rodents. If you notice loss of appetite, inactivity or a change in appearance, contact a veterinarian experienced with exotic pets.
Similar animals
Other animals in the same group.
Guinea pigChatty, social and fond of routine, guinea pigs make delightful companions when they have friends of their own kind, plenty of hay and a roomy space. Their need for vitamin C in the diet is a detail every owner should know.Explore
HamsterSmall animals with big needs: hamsters want to dig tunnels in deep bedding, run in a roomy space and explore at night. A well-built habitat is half of good hamster care.Explore
FerretCurious, playful and endlessly exploratory, ferrets need experience but give a lot back. A safe home, a carnivorous diet and plenty of play are their basic needs.Explore
ChinchillaWith one of the densest coats in the world, chinchillas come from the cool, dry Andes. Dust baths, a cool home and plenty of hay are their basic needs.ExploreHappier together
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