All About Gerbils: The Ultimate Care Guide
Gerbils are delightful, inquisitive rodents that make fantastically engaging pets for families and individuals alike. With their curious nature, active personalities, and sociable behaviour, they’re fascinating to watch and rewarding to care for.
Is a Gerbil Right for You?
Gerbils are small but full of energy. Unlike some small pets, they are generally diurnal or crepuscular, meaning they’re awake and active during the day and in the early evening. They enjoy exploring, digging, and interacting with their environment, so they’re best suited to owners who can provide space, stimulation, and daily interaction.
Housing your Gerbil
Gerbils need a spacious, secure home that allows them to express natural behaviours like burrowing and exploring. A glass tank or deep-based gerbilarium is typically best, as it prevents bedding from being kicked out and gives them room to dig. Aim for a minimum of 100cm × 40cm of floor space for a pair, with at least 8–10 inches (20–25cm) of bedding depth to enable normal tunnelling.
Diet & Nutrition
A balanced gerbil diet should consist of high-quality commercial gerbil pellets or mix as the core staple. These provide essential nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy. Fresh vegetables and small amounts of fruits can be offered as treats, but always introduce new foods slowly and in moderation to avoid digestive upset.
Socialisation & Enrichment
Gerbils are highly social animals and can become stressed if kept alone, so it’s important to keep them in pairs or compatible small groups of the same sex. They enjoy human interaction, especially gentle handling and supervised playtime outside their habitat.
Health & Care
Gerbils are generally robust but should be monitored for signs of illness such as changes in appetite, lethargy, sneezing, or changes in stool. Dental health is particularly important since their teeth grow continuously; plentiful safe chew toys help wear their teeth naturally.
Food & Treats
We have a wide range of nutritious food & treats for all of your small animals
Toys & Enrichment
Find the perfect toys & enrichment to keep you furry little friends entertained all day long.
Hutches & Cages
We have suitable Hutches & Cages for indoors or outdoors.
Straw & Hay
We have an ever growing selection of straw, hay & bedding, to keep your fluffy friends safe, warm and healthy.
Grooming
We have a large selection of small animal grooming and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamsters
1. Should gerbils be kept alone or in pairs?
Gerbils are very social animals and should always be kept in pairs or small same-sex groups. Keeping a single gerbil can lead to stress, boredom, and behavioural problems.
2. Are gerbils good pets for children?
Gerbils can make great pets for families, especially with older children. They are active, curious, and enjoyable to watch, but they can be quick and may not enjoy rough handling. Adult supervision is always recommended.
3. Do gerbils bite?
Gerbils are not aggressive by nature and rarely bite when handled gently. Biting usually happens if they feel frightened, startled, or handled incorrectly. Slow movements and regular, calm handling help build trust.
4. How do I handle hamsters safely?
4. How long do gerbils live?
On average, gerbils live 2–4 years, though some may live longer with excellent care, a balanced diet, and a clean, stress-free environment.
5. Do you sell Gerbils?
Yes! We offer Gerbils for sale. We aim to ensure every gerbil goes to a safe, loving, long-term home. Our team can provide advice on housing, diet, and care to ensure a smooth transition. We may ask for proof of a suitable cage setup if not purchased from us and reserve the right to refuse a sale if we feel the home isn’t suitable.
6. Do gerbils smell?
Gerbils are naturally very clean and produce very little odour compared to other small animals. Regular spot-cleaning and weekly cage maintenance help keep smells to a minimum.
7. Do gerbils need exercise wheels?
Yes, gerbils benefit from a solid-surface exercise wheel to burn off energy and stay healthy. The wheel should be an appropriate size to prevent back strain and never have wire rungs.
8. Can gerbils be handled every day?
Yes, gentle daily handling helps gerbils become more confident and relaxed. Keep sessions short at first and always handle them close to the ground in case they jump.
9. Do gerbils need baths?
Gerbils should never be bathed in water. Instead, they clean themselves and benefit from a sand bath 2–3 times per week using chinchilla sand (not dust).
10. What are common signs of illness in gerbils?
Warning signs include lethargy, weight loss, sneezing, rough or thinning fur, diarrhoea, or changes in behaviour. Any concerns should be checked promptly by a vet experienced with small animals.
Some of our trusted brands for our Small Animals
Just a few of the trusted brands we stock in our stores.
