Gerbils are active during the day, easy to care for, clean, friendly and curious. They are one of the most popular rodents to keep as pets. See how to care for gerbils.

Adult Size and Lifespan of Gerbils:

Gerbils grow 4-5” long with an equally long furry tail. They can be expected to live about 3 years.

Social Nature of Gerbils:

Gerbils should never be housed alone because, unlike hamsters, they are highly social creatures. 2 females or 2 males are easily kept together, especially if they are acquired as siblings from the same liter. Never introduce a young gerbil with an older, already established adult without taking several days and using caution lest the younger “intruder” is killed.

Housing a Gerbil:

Gerbils are easily kept with one pair in a 10 gallon fish tank sized enclosure although more room is appreciated. Wooden cages will likely have holes chewed in them quickly. Standard wire hamster or mice cages will be messier since gerbils like to burrow in their bedding and kick the liter about.

Food and Diet Needs of Gerbils:

Pre-mixed gerbil food is usually readily available from most pet stores or you can create your own mix from hamster and parrot feed. The only food gerbils really overeat on is sunflower seeds so many gerbil owners choose to hold those back and use them as treats during play and training sessions. In the wild gerbils get all the water they need from their food, but a prepared food mix will be too dry, so fresh water should be provided. Gerbils will also appreciate fresh fruits, vegetables and other select, nutritious foods like kale, spinach, carrots, apples, cheese or hard-boiled eggs. Avoid fatty or high-starch snacks to keep your gerbil healthy.

Regular Care Needs of Gerbils:

Gerbils generally need fresh food each day but if you have to leave for the weekend simply fill their food dish with extra dry foods that won’t spoil overnight. A gravity-fed water bottle may last several weeks but should be cleaned and fresh water added at least once a week.

As desert natives, Gerbils produce very little waste so they do not produce a strong smell like some other rodents. They also tend to put most of their droppings in the same place so it is easy for caregivers to simply scoop out the waste pellets once a week. Replace full bedding as needed – once a month minimum depending on the size of the enclosure.

Gerbils do not need any special lighting or humidity requirements and easily adapt to human living conditions. They are naturally active in spurts throughout both the day and night but, captive bred gerbils especially, these rodents tend to adapt quickly to their owner's schedule.

Tameability and Handling Requirements of Gerbils:

Gerbils easily become calm and playful with regular handling. They rarely bite, and while they are not as easily trained as rats, gerbils are friendly and curious. The furry tails on gerbils are considered by many people to be more attractive than rats' tails, but they are not handles for picking up your gerbil!

Toys and Playing with Gerbils:

Gerbils are highly active rodents and enjoy play times, however they are not as easily trained to free-roaming through a home or room as rats are. If you want to use an exercise wheel with your gerbil please be sure to get a fully enclosed wheel, not a wire one with open slots. Your gerbil can get his tail stuck in the slats and, at the least, get a nasty pinch or lose some hair while, at worst, he could loose his entire tail.

Gerbils should also be provided with wood branches or wood chips to chew on. This helps them control the length of their teeth. Another common household item they enjoy playing with and chewing into pieces are cardboard tubes like toilet paper or paper towel rolls!

Purchasing or Acquiring Gerbils:

Gerbils are readily available at many pet stores and with the ease of breeding in captivity there is no reason to support the wild animal import trade when purchasing your gerbil. Look for a curious and alert animal with clear nose and eyes.