10 Amazing Facts About Gerbils Every Pet Owner Should Know

Gerbils are fascinating little creatures, with the Mongolian gerbil being the most commonly kept species as a pet. Native to desert areas in Africa, India, and Asia, they have adapted brilliantly to hot environments but also thrive in the cooler British climate when safely housed indoors.

Not adept climbers, gerbils are quick movers and love to burrow in sandy or loose earth. Watching several gerbils dig tunnels in a large cage with deep bedding can be captivating.

If you are considering adopting a gerbil, it's important to understand their nature and needs. Below are 10 amazing facts about gerbils that highlight their unique behaviours and care requirements to help you provide the best home.

1. Gerbils Live in Complex Burrows in the Wild

In natural habitats, gerbils form colonies that create intricate burrow systems. These tunnels, extending up to 1.7 metres deep and horizontally across 6-8 metres, contain specialised chambers for nesting, food storage, and escape routes. Their ability to burrow is critical to their survival and social lifestyle.

To support these natural instincts in captivity, ensure your gerbils have a deep layer of suitable bedding. This allows them to dig and tunnel, which promotes their mental well-being and happiness.

2. Gerbils Are Notable Food Hoarders

Gerbils instinctively gather and hoard more food than they immediately need. Their underground stores often overflow as they continuously add to their supply.

Though they lack cheek pouches like hamsters, gerbils are efficient at quickly transporting food to stockpile. Often, groups of gerbils cooperate in this process, emphasising their social nature.

3. Distinctive Long Rear Legs

Gerbils have longer hind legs compared to their front limbs. These potent legs aid in rapid digging and allow them to thump the ground to communicate danger.

Young gerbils frequently practise thumping, preparing to alert their colony if threats approach. Adult males also thump during mating rituals. While this behaviour might be noisy, it's a natural communication method.

4. Constant Gnawing Is Essential

Like all rodents, gerbils’ teeth grow continually throughout their lives. To prevent overgrowth, they must gnaw daily.

Provide your pets with safe gnawing toys such as wooden blocks or cardboard tubes. In the wild, gerbils strip pine tree needles and branches, revealing their natural gnawing behaviour.

5. Intelligent and Quick Learners

Gerbils are surprisingly intelligent. They learn survival skills, such as what foods are safe, from their parents and colony members.

While not as readily trainable as rats, gerbils can learn simple tricks and respond well to treat-based positive reinforcement, making interactions rewarding.

6. Diverse Communication Methods

Gerbils communicate using multiple senses. Aside from thumping, they rely heavily on scent marking from glands to establish territory and identify familiar individuals.

Females uniquely mark their offspring with scent to protect and recognise them, enhancing social bonds within the group.

7. Highly Social Pets

Gerbils are very social and thrive when kept in pairs or small groups. Loneliness can cause stress, so companionship is crucial for their health and happiness.

In the wild, their colonies can number up to 17 individuals living cooperatively across generations. Social contact aids in learning life skills and provides stimulation.

8. Male Gerbils Are Active Parents

Unlike many rodents, male gerbils play an important role in rearing pups. Fathers gather nesting materials, clean the young, and teach them how to find food.

Pups with involved fathers open their eyes earlier and develop more confidently, demonstrating the benefit of stable family dynamics.

9. Cleanliness and Cage Maintenance

Adapted to arid environments, gerbils drink and urinate very little, which results in less smelly and cleaner cages compared to other rodents.

This low waste output means cage cleaning can be less frequent, although maintaining hygiene is still essential to prevent health issues.

10. Wide Range of Colours and Behavioural Traits

Commonly known in the agouti colour, captive breeding has produced over thirty colour variations including spotted, black, golden, and lilac.

Differences in scent marking and behaviour may occur between colours; for example, black gerbils use scent glands more often. Females may prefer mates of similar colour, reflecting complex social behaviour.

For those looking to find a gerbil companion, you can find gerbils for sale through reputable breeders and adoption centres in the UK. Always prioritise healthy, well-socialised gerbils from responsible sources.

Understanding these fascinating facts will help you enjoy your gerbil’s company and ensure a happy, healthy life for your pet.