If you’re looking for a small pet that’s playful, curious, and surprisingly easy to care for, Mongolian gerbils might just steal your heart. These little rodents, about four inches long with an equally long tail, are social, affordable, and full of personality, making them a favorite choice for beginner pet parents.
With the right setup and gentle handling, gerbils are tame, active companions that thrive in pairs and love to explore. They don’t take up much space, rarely bite, and their upkeep is simple compared to many other small mammals. Plus, their average lifespan of 2–3 years (sometimes up to 8!) means you’ll have plenty of time to bond and enjoy their playful antics.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about gerbil care, from setting up the perfect home, choosing the right diet, and keeping them healthy, to understanding their behavior and social needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to give your gerbils the happy, enriched life they deserve.
Listen to the Podcast: Gerbil Care Guide for Beginners
What Makes Gerbils Great Pets?
Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) originally come from the dry deserts of Asia and parts of Africa, where they live in underground colonies and rely on teamwork to survive. This background explains a lot about their personalities: they’re social by nature, playful in spirit, and generally very tame when treated gently.
Unlike some small pets that prefer solitude, gerbils thrive when they have a companion of the same sex. Watching a pair groom each other, dig tunnels, or curl up for a nap is a joy in itself, it’s like having your very own tiny desert community right at home.
When compared to other small mammals, such as hamsters or guinea pigs, gerbils stand out for their lively curiosity and lower maintenance needs. They don’t have strong odors, they rarely bite, and they’re happiest when they’re exploring, chewing, or building nests. If you’ve ever wondered how gerbils fit into the wider world of little pets, you’ll find they share many essentials with other companions we love, take a peek at our guide on Caring for Small Mammals Made Easy to see how they compare.
Gerbils vs. Hamsters vs. Guinea Pigs: Quick Snapshot
| Pet | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gerbils | Social in pairs, low odor, playful, rarely bite, fun to watch dig tunnels | Need at least two (same sex), chew everything, shorter lifespan (2–3 years) |
| Hamsters | Cute and fluffy, live happily alone, more variety in species | Can be nippy, nocturnal (active at night), stronger cage smell |
| Guinea Pigs | Longer lifespan (5–7 years), gentle, cuddly, fun vocalizations | Require larger cages, more daily care, can be noisy, more expensive upkeep |
In short: gerbils are ideal if you want active, social little pets that don’t demand too much space or cleaning. Hamsters may suit you if you prefer a single pet, while guinea pigs are perfect if you have room and time for a bigger, more vocal companion.
Housing Your Gerbil
Choosing the Right Enclosure
Gerbils may be small, but their housing needs are specific. The right setup keeps them safe, active, and happy:
- Glass aquariums are the most popular choice. They allow for a deep layer of bedding, perfect for digging and burrowing, which is a gerbil’s natural behavior. A secure mesh lid is essential for ventilation and escape prevention. As a rule of thumb, provide at least 5 gallons of space per gerbil.
- Wire cages can also be used, but they come with a few drawbacks. Gerbils often kick bedding through the bars, creating a mess outside the cage. If you choose wire, ensure:
- The spacing is wide enough for airflow but narrow enough to prevent squeezing out.
- Bars aren’t so narrow that little legs or tails risk getting stuck.
- Plastic cages should be avoided. Gerbils are relentless chewers, and plastic simply doesn’t hold up. It also fails to provide adequate ventilation.
Tip: Always double-check for gaps or weak spots. Gerbils are natural escape artists!
Bedding, Nesting, and Enrichment
A gerbil enclosure should feel like a playground mixed with a safe hideaway:
- Bedding: Provide 2–3 inches of safe material such as aspen shavings or paper-based bedding. Avoid cedar or pine, they can cause respiratory problems.
- Enrichment: Keep life interesting with:
- Thick wood pieces, ladders, ramps, and platforms for climbing.
- Stable large rocks to explore.
- Safe chew toys (wooden toys for small animals or even bird toys work well).
- Toilet paper tubes, cheap, safe, and a gerbil favorite (even if they don’t last long).
- Exercise wheel: Choose one with a solid surface. Wire wheels can catch tiny tails or feet and cause serious injuries.
- Nest box: Essential for sleeping and hiding. Options include:
- Sturdy wooden or ceramic boxes (longer lasting than plastic).
- Clay flower pots (a surprisingly cozy alternative).
- For creative setup inspiration, check out Unique Guinea Pig Cage Ideas, many of the cozy enrichment tips adapt beautifully for gerbils.
Cleaning Routine
Gerbils are naturally tidy, but a clean home keeps them healthy:
- Spot-clean daily: remove soiled bedding and leftover food.
- Fully clean weekly: wash with mild soap and warm water, rinse well, then refill with fresh bedding.
- Pro tip: Save a handful of old bedding during a full clean and place it back inside. The familiar scent helps your gerbils feel secure in their refreshed home.
Feeding Your Gerbil
Staple Diet
When it comes to feeding, consistency is key. The safest and most balanced option is a high-quality pelleted gerbil food designed specifically for their nutritional needs. Pellets prevent picky eating, ensuring your gerbil gets all the vitamins and minerals they need. Place the food in a sturdy ceramic dish, it’s chew-proof, won’t tip over, and is easy to clean.
Treats and Extras
Gerbils love variety, but it’s important to offer extras in moderation:
- Seeds: Small amounts of seed mixes can be fun and enriching. Stick to healthy blends and avoid overdoing fatty seeds like sunflower or pumpkin, which can quickly lead to weight gain.
- Fruits & Veggies: A few times a week, offer small bites of safe produce like:
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Apple (seedless)
- Cucumber
Always remove uneaten food within a few hours to prevent spoilage.
- For inspiration on safe and fun treats, take a look at our guide on Homemade Treats for Happy Small Mammals. Many ideas can be adapted for gerbils.
Water and Portions
Gerbils may be desert animals, but they still need fresh water daily:
- Water bottle: The most hygienic choice. It keeps the water clean and can’t be tipped over.
- Water dish: Useful for young or untrained gerbils, but dishes tend to get knocked over or filled with bedding.
- Portion size: Because gerbil appetites vary, it’s best to follow your pellet manufacturer’s guidelines and, if in doubt, check with a small-animal vet for tailored advice.
Tip: Refill food and water during the early morning or evening, these are the times gerbils are most active and likely to eat or drink.
Gerbil Health and Grooming
Common Health Issues
Gerbils are hardy little pets, but like all animals, they can face certain health challenges. Being aware of the warning signs helps you catch problems early:
- Tail injuries: Gerbils can lose part of their tail if it’s pulled, always handle gently.
- Digestive issues: Diarrhea can signal stress, infection, or an unsuitable diet.
- Skin problems: Mites, hair loss, or scabs may point to parasites or allergies.
- Seizures: Some gerbils are prone to mild seizures, often when startled, these usually pass quickly but should still be monitored.
- Kidney disease: Common in older gerbils, signs include excessive thirst and weight loss.
- Ear tumors: May appear in senior gerbils and should be checked by a vet.
Tip: Keep a little notebook to track changes in eating, drinking, or behavior, small shifts can tell you a lot about their health.
Grooming
One of the easiest parts of gerbil care? They groom themselves! You won’t need to give them baths (in fact, water can stress them out and harm their coats). Instead:
- Let them self-groom as they normally would.
- If a bit of bedding or dirt sticks to their fur, gently wipe it away with a slightly damp cloth.
- Provide safe chewing toys to help naturally wear down their ever-growing teeth, this is part of “grooming” too, as it prevents dental issues.
Gerbils may not require fancy grooming sessions like dogs or cats, but a little observation and care go a long way in keeping them clean and healthy.
Vet Care
It’s smart to find a gerbil-savvy vet before you need one. Not all veterinarians specialize in small mammals, so ask around or check online reviews to ensure yours has experience with rodents. Regular checkups, even when your gerbil seems healthy, can prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems.
When to Call the Vet
Even though gerbils are low-maintenance pets, sometimes professional help is the best (and safest) option. Call your vet if you notice any of the following:
- Sudden weight loss or refusal to eat/drink
- Persistent diarrhea or wetness around the tail
- Bald patches, scabs, or constant scratching
- Lumps, bumps, or swelling (especially around the ears)
- Labored breathing, wheezing, or constant sneezing
- Unusual lethargy, your usually active gerbil is very still
- Tail injury, bleeding, or wound that won’t heal
- Frequent or prolonged seizures
Rule of thumb: If something feels “off” and doesn’t improve within 24 hours, it’s better to have your gerbil checked. Quick action can make a huge difference for these little pets.
Exercise and Playtime
In the Enclosure
Gerbils are naturally curious and love to stay on the move. A well-equipped enclosure doubles as both home and playground. Make sure to provide:
- A solid exercise wheel (no wire rungs, these can trap tiny feet and tails).
- Chew toys to keep their teeth healthy and boredom at bay.
- Climbing structures like ladders, tunnels, and ramps for exploration.
These small touches not only enrich their daily routine but also help prevent obesity and stress-related behaviors like constant bar-chewing.
Outside the Enclosure
Daily playtime outside the cage is just as important. A safe, supervised play area allows your gerbils to stretch their legs and explore new surroundings. You can:
- Set up a secure playpen lined with bedding and cardboard tubes.
- Offer climbing toys or tunnels for extra adventure.
- Always supervise, gerbils are fast, clever, and love to test boundaries!
Comparing Gerbils and Hamsters for Play
Many new pet parents wonder if gerbils need as much exercise as hamsters. The answer: yes, but in a different rhythm. Gerbils are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk), so they’ll often use their wheel or dig during these times. For more insight into exercise and play habits of small pets, take a peek at The Complete Hamster Care Guide for Beginners. It’s a helpful way to see how these two popular pets compare.
Tip: Rotate toys and tunnels every couple of weeks. It keeps their environment exciting without the need to constantly buy new items.
DIY Playtime Ideas for Gerbils
You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your gerbils entertained. With a little creativity, everyday items can become the best toys:
- Cardboard maze: Cut and tape together small boxes into tunnels and chambers.
- Paper roll fun: Stuff a toilet paper tube with shredded paper or hay for them to dig out.
- Sand dig box: Fill a ceramic dish with chinchilla sand for burrowing and rolling.
- Foraging scatter: Hide a few pellets or treats in shredded paper for them to sniff and search.
- Egg carton puzzle: Place seeds inside an empty egg carton and let them chew their way through.
Always supervise playtime and avoid using items with glue, staples, or ink that could harm your little explorers.
Gerbil Behavior and Social Needs
Living in Pairs
Gerbils are naturally social animals, living in family groups in the wild. A single gerbil can become lonely, stressed, or even depressed. The happiest setup is a same-sex pair, ideally littermates who already know each other. This prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the risk of fights.
Introducing adult gerbils who weren’t raised together is risky and can lead to serious, even fatal, conflicts. If you’re adopting for the first time, always start with a bonded pair from the same litter or a reputable rescue.
Activity and Temperament
Gerbils are often described as the “quiet workers” of the small pet world. They’re:
- Crepuscular: most active at dawn and dusk.
- Energetic explorers: love to dig, chew, and build tunnels.
- Gentle by nature: rarely bite if hand-tamed with patience.
Spend a few minutes each day hand-feeding treats and letting them sniff your hand. Over time, they’ll learn to trust you and may even climb into your palm voluntarily.
Safety Around Other Pets
While gerbils are sturdy for their size, they’re still prey animals. The presence of cats, dogs, or even curious birds can cause stress. Keep their enclosure in a calm, safe spot where other pets can’t bother them. This not only prevents accidents but also helps your gerbils feel secure in their environment.
Comparing Social Needs With Other Small Pets
If you’re still deciding between gerbils and other small pets, remember:
- Hamsters are mostly solitary.
- Guinea pigs, like gerbils, thrive in pairs or groups but require much larger enclosures.
For a bigger-picture look at which small pet fits your lifestyle, check out The 10 Best Small Mammals Breeds for Your Lifestyle.
Should You Breed Gerbils?
It’s natural to wonder if you should ever breed your gerbils, especially when you see how adorable and social they are. But the truth is, breeding gerbils isn’t something we recommend for beginners (or most pet parents).
- A single litter can result in 4–6 pups, and gerbils can quickly become overpopulated in a home environment.
- It’s challenging to rehome pups responsibly, especially ensuring they go to experienced owners.
- Introducing a male and female pair can create continuous litters if not carefully managed, which isn’t healthy for the mother.
Instead of breeding, we encourage focusing on adoption. Many rescues and ethical breeders already have gerbils looking for loving homes. The American Gerbil Society is a good resource for finding reputable sources.
At PetSweetJoy, we’ve always chosen adoption over breeding. Not only does it help animals in need, but it also deepens the bond you build, knowing you gave them a second chance at a happy life.
The safest, kindest choice? Keep gerbils in same-sex pairs. This way, they’ll enjoy the companionship they need without the risks of accidental litters.
Why Adoption Over Breeding Matters
Choosing adoption instead of breeding benefits both pets and pet parents:
- Helps animals in need: You give a gerbil a second chance at life in a loving home.
- Reduces overpopulation: Prevents unwanted litters that may be hard to rehome.
- Healthier pets: Rescues often ensure animals are treated for common health issues before adoption.
- Builds stronger bonds: Adopted pets often show remarkable gratitude and affection.
- Supports ethical care: Adoption encourages responsible pet ownership over impulse breeding.
Myth vs. Fact: Gerbil Care Edition
- Myth: One gerbil is fine living alone.
Fact: Gerbils are social animals and thrive in same-sex pairs. A single gerbil can become lonely and stressed. - Myth: Breeding gerbils is an easy way to enjoy more pets.
Fact: Breeding often leads to overcrowding and can harm the mother’s health. Adoption is a safer, kinder option. - Myth: Plastic cages and toys are okay if the gerbil seems happy.
Fact: Gerbils chew constantly, plastic breaks easily, can cause injuries, and doesn’t provide proper ventilation.
Remember: Understanding the difference between myths and facts helps you give your gerbils the best, happiest life possible.
Final Thoughts on Gerbils as Pets
Gerbils may be small, but they bring big joy into the lives of pet parents. They’re lively, curious, and surprisingly low-maintenance compared to many other small pets. For beginners, this makes them a wonderful choice, especially when you’re ready to commit to giving them a safe enclosure, daily enrichment, and the companionship of a same-sex buddy.
Pros of Having Gerbils
- Affordable to care for
- Social and entertaining to watch
- Rarely bite when hand-tamed
- Minimal mess and odor compared to some rodents
- Don’t require a lot of space
Things to Keep in Mind
- Lifespan is shorter (average 2–3 years)
- Must be housed in pairs to stay happy
- Love to chew, wires, furniture, and plastic need protection
- Expert escape artists if housing isn’t secure
The bottom line: Gerbils are ideal for families and first-time pet parents who want small, active companions without the high costs or space needs of larger animals. With proper housing, a balanced diet, and lots of enrichment, your gerbils will thrive, and you’ll enjoy hours of fun watching their busy little world unfold.
Key Takeaways and Advice
- Gerbils are social: Always keep them in same-sex pairs (ideally littermates) to prevent loneliness and unwanted breeding.
- Housing matters: A glass aquarium with a secure mesh lid and deep bedding is the safest and most natural setup.
- Diet should be balanced: High-quality pellets form the staple, with seeds, veggies, and fruits as occasional treats.
- Health checks are essential: Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or appearance, and find a vet experienced in small mammals.
- Enrichment keeps them happy: Chew toys, tunnels, exercise wheels, and supervised playtime prevent boredom and stress.
- Adoption over breeding: Rescues and ethical breeders are the best sources, giving homes to gerbils in need while avoiding overpopulation.
Final Advice: If you’re ready to welcome gerbils into your family, focus on creating a secure, enriched environment and nurturing them with gentle interaction. In return, you’ll gain curious, active little companions who bring endless joy and charm to your home.
Gerbil Care Guide for Beginners. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, gerbils are colony animals and can become lonely, stressed, or even depressed when kept alone. Always keep them in same-sex pairs (ideally littermates). A single gerbil is not a happy gerbil.
Yes! While not essential every day, a dish of chinchilla sand makes a great enrichment activity and helps keep their coats clean. Just avoid dust (it can cause respiratory issues) and stick to true bathing sand.
Gerbils can be excellent family pets, but supervision is key. They are gentle, but too small and quick for very young children to handle safely. Older kids who understand how to be gentle will love watching and caring for them.
With enough food, water, and enrichment, gerbils can be left for a day or two, but they still need daily checks. If you plan to be away longer, arrange for someone to feed, water, and check on them.
Not exactly. Gerbils are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. They nap throughout the day and night in short bursts, so you’ll see them pop in and out of activity often.
Yes, over time. With daily interaction, like hand-feeding treats or letting them explore your hand, gerbils learn to recognize your scent, voice, and presence. They may not cuddle like a cat or dog, but they’ll show trust by climbing onto your hand without fear.
