What do gerbils need in their home

Gerbils are small, active, and social rodents that need a well-structured and stimulating home environment to thrive. A properly set-up habitat not only ensures their physical health but also supports their natural instincts, keeping them happy and engaged. The key elements of an ideal gerbil home include a spacious and well-ventilated enclosure, deep bedding for burrowing, an appropriate diet, enrichment toys, and proper social companionship. The first and most important consideration is the enclosure. Unlike hamsters or mice, gerbils are avid diggers and need a tank-style cage with solid walls rather than wire cages, as they can easily kick bedding out of a wire enclosure and create a mess. 

A 20-gallon tank is a minimum for a pair of gerbils, but bigger is always better to give them ample space for digging, playing, and exercising. The cage should have a secure mesh lid to allow proper airflow while preventing escapes. Ventilation is crucial, as poor air circulation can lead to respiratory issues, but the enclosure should also be placed away from direct sunlight, drafts, or extreme temperature fluctuations. Bedding is another essential part of a gerbil’s home, as it supports their natural burrowing behavior. Unlike some other small pets that may be content with just a thin layer of bedding, gerbils need at least 6-10 inches of material to dig and build tunnels. Safe bedding options include aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or shredded cardboard. 

Cedar and pine shavings should be avoided due to their strong odors and potential to cause respiratory problems. Some gerbil owners also provide hay to mix in with bedding, which adds extra texture and enrichment while being safe for chewing. Since gerbils are natural nest builders, adding pieces of plain tissue paper or paper towels gives them materials to create cozy sleeping areas. A proper gerbil home also includes hiding spaces and shelters, as these small animals need places to retreat when they feel stressed or tired. 

Wooden or ceramic hideouts are ideal, as they are durable and safe for chewing. Avoid plastic hideouts since gerbils tend to chew everything, and ingesting plastic pieces can be harmful to their health. Cardboard tubes, such as toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes, make excellent temporary hideouts and are also great for chewing, which helps keep their ever-growing teeth in check. Chewing is a crucial aspect of gerbil care, as their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Without proper chewing materials, their teeth can become overgrown, leading to serious health issues. Providing wooden chew toys, untreated cardboard, or natural pumice stones helps keep their teeth in good condition. 

Food and water are, of course, essential components of a gerbil’s home. A high-quality gerbil-specific pellet mix is the best option, as it provides balanced nutrition. Seed mixes can also be given but should be monitored to prevent selective eating, where gerbils pick out their favorite seeds and leave behind essential nutrients. Fresh vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers, can be given in small amounts as treats, but sugary or acidic fruits should be limited. 

Water should always be available in a properly functioning water bottle with a metal spout, as gerbils tend to tip over water bowls, making them impractical. To keep gerbils entertained and mentally stimulated, their home should include various enrichment items. Exercise wheels with a solid surface (not wire) are great for keeping them active, but they should be at least 8 inches in diameter to prevent spinal issues. Tunnels, ladders, and climbing structures add variety to their environment and encourage natural behaviors. Sand baths are another essential part of a gerbil’s habitat, as these rodents use fine sand to clean their fur and remove excess oils. 

A shallow dish filled with chinchilla sand (not dust, as it can cause respiratory issues) should be provided a few times a week for them to roll around and groom themselves. Since gerbils are highly social animals, they should never be kept alone. A pair or small group of the same sex is ideal, as they form strong bonds and engage in social behaviors like grooming and playing together. However, introducing new gerbils must be done carefully, as unfamiliar gerbils may become territorial. 

The split-cage method, where gerbils are introduced through a divided enclosure before fully interacting, is the safest way to introduce new companions. Keeping a single gerbil can lead to loneliness and stress, which can negatively affect their health and behavior. Regular cleaning is also an important part of maintaining a gerbil’s home. 

While gerbils produce relatively little odor compared to other rodents, their bedding still needs to be changed periodically. Spot-cleaning should be done daily by removing soiled bedding and leftover food, while a full cage cleaning with fresh bedding should be done every few weeks. However, cleaning too frequently can remove their natural scent markings, which can cause stress. 

Instead of a full deep clean, replacing portions of bedding at a time helps maintain familiarity while keeping the habitat fresh. In conclusion, a well-designed gerbil home should cater to their natural behaviors, provide enough space, and include essential items like deep bedding, chew toys, nutritious food, fresh water, and enrichment activities. 

Keeping them in pairs or groups ensures they remain happy and healthy, while regular cleaning and monitoring of their environment help maintain their well-being. By understanding what gerbils need in their home, owners can create a comfortable and stimulating habitat that allows these fascinating little creatures to live their best lives.