MEET THE GERBIL
Gerbils are active and curious pets originating from the arid grasslands of Mongolia. These small rodents have been popular companions since they were introduced to the pet trade in the 1960s. They are known for their high energy and love of digging, chewing, and tunneling, which are natural behaviors they perform to create intricate burrow systems.
Lifespan
3 - 4 years
Good With Kids
Yes
Space Requirement
Small
Time Needed Outside Cage
Medium
Potty Trainability
Medium
Diet Difficulty
Low
Care Difficulty
Low
Cleanliness
High
Human Interaction Needs
Medium
Cuddliness
Medium
ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
MNPPR Recommends
DIY Ikea Deltof Habitat
Bin Cage Tutorial
Aquarium tanks of at least 20 gallons have enough room, but can be heavy. Some people choose to flip an IKEA Detolf cabinet on its side and build a custom lid, which provides double the required space and an excellent view of your gerbil’s living area. We recommend making a DIY tub/bin cage as they are appropriately sized, inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to clean. Store-bought cages such as Habitrails or similar are not recommended because even with the connecting tubes, they do not have enough floor space.
Minimum Dimensions
One to two gerbils:
30" L x 12" W x 12"H (or 2.5 cubic feet)
Other Notes
Gerbils prefer deep cages with at least 6 inches of bedding, tunnels, nesting materials, and climbing toys.
Cages should have plenty of ventilation, but be sure your gerbil can’t escape through or chew on the holes.
Any cage should have a solid floor since standing on wire can cause injuries and bumblefoot.
​
Inspect your gerbil's cage every day for any signs of chewing.
​
Gerbils enjoy burrowing and building nests. Unscented soft recycled paper, shredded paper, and paper pellets are all great bedding options, either by themselves or mixed. MNPPR strongly recommends avoiding all wood-based beddings due to the general sensitivity of pocket pets.
ENRICHMENT REQUIREMENTS
Variety
toilet paper tubes
fiddlesticks
tunnels
bird toys
bits of fabric
ladders
cardboard
treat balls
Other Items
dust bath
pet carrier
bedding: soft recycled paper such as CareFresh, shredded paper, or paper pellets
Chewing
Gerbils are known to be prolific chewers. Because of this, many owners choose not to allow any plastic at all in their environment. This is the best way to protect your pets from ingesting pieces of plastic that can cause an obstruction and make them ill. There are glass water bottles, ceramic or glass dishes, solid metal or wooden wheels, and wooden hides available on the market. Only use anti-pill fleece for cage liners and hammocks, and check them regularly for wear and tear.
FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Staple Diet
Always keep your gerbil’s food bowl full of high-quality hamster/gerbil kibble, pellets, or blocks such as Oxbow. Seed mix food should not be used. They are often missing vital nutrients, and many gerbils will only eat their favorite-tasting pieces, causing an unbalanced diet. If your gerbil is overweight, they may need fewer treats or more exercise.
Treats
There are many options for store-bought treats made for gerbils, but fresh food can also make great treats. Be sure they are not storing anything in their nests that could rot. Gerbils should never get more than 1/4 tablespoon of treats a day, or they may become obese.
Safe Treats
apples
bananas
bell peppers
blueberries
broccoli
carrots
cauliflower
Cheerios
cranberries
cucumbers
cooked eggs
green beans
mealworms
parsley
peas
pumpkin seeds
plain popcorn
raspberries
sunflower seeds
timothy hay
unsalted crackers
yogurt
any citrus fruit
apple seeds
cabbage
cheese
corn
fizzy drinks
garlic
milk
onions
peanuts
poppy seeds
raisins
raw beans
raw meat
rhubarb
walnuts
Unsafe Treats
DISCLAIMER
All information shared by MN Pocket Pet Rescue is researched, up to date, and accurate to the best of our ability. We are not a licensed veterinary organization and do not intend to present ourselves as such. All educational material contains our best recommendations for care specific to each species. However, all animals are different, and some may have unique needs. MN Pocket Pet Rescue does not assume any liability for the well-being of any animal not under our care. Always use your best judgment and follow veterinary recommendations whenever necessary. If you have any questions or find inaccurate information, please contact us.