Everything you need to know about gerbils: Care, Diet, and Tips

Gerbils are members of the rodent family, just like rats, mice, hamsters, and other small furry animals. The word ‘rodent’ stems from the Latin ‘rodere’, meaning ‘to gnaw’, which reflects their nature perfectly. If you own a rodent, you’ll know how much they enjoy chewing!

These adorable creatures are popular pets because they are friendly, curious, and active. With a generally passive temperament, gerbils offer endless enjoyment as you watch them explore their environment. They are also low maintenance, making them an excellent first pet choice, especially for children.

Native to desert and semi-desert regions of Mongolia and Africa, gerbils are adapted to hot, dry conditions. This means they drink less water than other rodents, resulting in less cage odour and cleaning. However, fresh water must always be available in a bottle to keep your gerbil hydrated.

What do gerbils eat? A balanced diet for health

Pellets for nutrition

Gerbil pellets, available at most pet stores or online, form the diet's core. They are nutritionally balanced to meet your pet’s needs. However, feeding pellets exclusively can become dull for your gerbil.

Seed mixes for variety

Adding quality seed mixes can enhance your gerbil’s diet. These provide variety and additional nutrients, but be aware that gerbils often pick their favourite seeds, leaving behind others, which may affect nutritional balance.

A combination of pelleted food, seed mixes, and occasional treats works best. Some safe treats to offer occasionally include:

• Small pieces of fresh vegetables and fruits
• Sunflower seeds
• Raisins
• Small bits of cheese
• Mealworms
• Plain, non-sugared breakfast cereals

Looking after your gerbil’s teeth

Gerbil teeth grow continuously, so they need appropriate items to gnaw on to avoid dental problems. Provide chew sticks, untreated wood, cardboard, or specialised chew toys. If you use natural sticks from your garden, ensure they don't have thorns or toxic substances.

Yellowing teeth are normal due to the iron in their diet and are not a cause for concern. Noticeable issues arise if your gerbil stops eating or seems uncomfortable; in such cases, seek advice from a qualified vet.

Gerbil housing: Making a happy home

Modern pet markets offer various cage options: glass tanks, wire cages, and plastic cages. Plastic cages remain the most popular as they are lightweight, cost-effective, and simple to clean and accessorise.

Gerbils are social animals that thrive with space to run and burrow. The American Gerbil Society suggests a minimum of 5 gallons of space per gerbil. Providing ample space prevents stress and promotes natural behaviours.

Essential cage equipment includes a water bottle, chew toys, a nesting box, a running wheel, and a food bowl. Choose generous, absorbent bedding to cover the cage floor for comfort and burrowing opportunities.

Do’s and don’ts when handling gerbils

Always handle gerbils close to the ground to prevent injury if they wriggle free and fall. Wrapping a nippy gerbil gently in a soft towel can help it feel secure while protecting your fingers from bites.

Never lift a gerbil by its tail; it is designed to detach as an escape mechanism and does not regrow, causing trauma to your pet.

Maintain a calm demeanor when handling your gerbil. Feeling calm helps your gerbil feel safer and more relaxed around you.

What to do if your gerbil bites

Biting is usually a fear or defence reaction. Gerbils can also nibble because they naturally gnaw on objects. Building trust gradually, especially handling from a young age, reduces biting chances. Older gerbils are more set in their behaviours and may require more patience.

Learn to read your gerbil’s body language; back off if it seems stressed or threatened. Creating a stress-free environment encourages friendliness and reduces the risk of bites.

Useful gerbil tips and interesting facts

When cleaning the cage, move items to new locations to stimulate your gerbil’s curiosity, creating a ‘new’ environment to explore, which keeps them active and happy.

Gerbils generally live around 4 to 5 years with good care, longer than some smaller rodents like mice and rats.

They enjoy both human interaction and companionship of other gerbils, being naturally social creatures.

Their furry tails are about as long as their bodies, and on average, gerbils reach about 4.5 inches in length.