Table of Contents
Gerbil cages and tanks Two gerbils need a minimum floor surface of 70cm long, by 35cm wide, by 50cm tall because they are great jumpers. In the wild, gerbils live in underground tunnels up to 3m long. The best way to mimic their natural habitat and keep them happy is to buy a gerbilarium or tank with cage additions.
Can a gerbil live in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10- or 15-gallon aquarium with a wire or plastic mesh lid makes a comfortable home for two or three gerbils and provides little chance of escape. You will need shaved or shredded aspen for bedding, plus a water bottle, gerbil food and a food dish, clean wood for chewing, a sand bath and toys.
Do gerbils like big cages?
Gerbils need room for toys and enrichment, and space to exercise. They also live in groups, and most cages are too small.
Is a 40 gallon tank good for two gerbils?
Here is the rule of thumb (try not to go lower than that, you can, however, go higher, which will be much appreciated by your gerbils): 20 gallons= 2 gerbils. 40 gallons=4 gerbils.
What cage is best for gerbils?
The 10 Best Gerbil Cages – Reviews 2022 Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper – Best Overall. Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage – Best Value. Little Friends Mayfair Gerbilarium Cage – Premium Choice. Savic Habitat Cages for Gerbils and Hamsters. Midwest Brisby Hamster Cage. Midwest Critterville Arcade Cage.
Do gerbils need a wheel?
A wheel is important, enabling gerbils to get plenty of daily exercise. However, it needs to be a gerbil-friendly variety. A hamster wheel is dangerous for gerbils, as they can trap their tails in its rungs, which is very painful and can lead to swelling and infection.
Is 20 gallons enough for 2 gerbils?
While previously 5-gallons per gerbil was considered adequate, now the rule of thumb is 10-gallons of space per gerbil. So, if you have a pair of gerbils, a 20-gallon cage—or an average base of 12 inches by 30 inches—is a good minimum, she adds.
How much do gerbils cost?
Gerbils can be bought from almost any pet store in the U.S. They are sold for between $5 and $10. You’re unlikely to see much higher prices than that. Of course, cheaper doesn’t mean better. You have to consider the health of your new gerbil.
Can you put sand in a gerbil cage?
Some gerbil owners prefer to use sand as gerbil bedding, as it replicates their natural environment. Sand is safe for gerbils as long as it’s sterilized and isn’t dusty. Most gerbils enjoy bathing and burrowing in the sand, and it’s good for making tunnels.
What do I need for a gerbil?
Gerbils need: A comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean place to live, in a quiet place where they can rest undisturbed. A gerbilarium large enough to provide shelter, opportunities to dig and space to exercise, with adequate bedding and nesting material. Gerbils naturally build nests.
Can you put a gerbil in a 20 gallon tank?
A 20 gallon is the best size for 2 gerbils, but the more space you can give them to play or run around the bettter. So if you can get a 30 or 40 gallon then go for it!.
How much space do 3 gerbils need?
It’s good to give each gerbil at least ten gallons of space, and to have a very deep enclosure. This will mean that you can fit in at least five or six inches of bedding, and they have adequate space to run around on top and next to it.
How long does a gerbil live?
Gerbils/Lifespan.
Do gerbils like to be held?
Are Gerbils Affectionate Pets? Gerbils are affectionate pets that show affection towards other gerbils and humans. You can show affection by petting, holding, or cuddling your gerbil. Most gerbils will like a basic form of affection, like being pet or held.
How many gerbils should I get?
In general, it’s best to keep between two and four gerbils. Also, large groups can become unstable as individuals jostle for a place in the hierarchy, and aggression can sometimes break out – especially if there is not enough space.
Are gerbils easy to keep?
Gerbils are characterful animals, and that’s why they’re often kept by young children. However, their needs are actually very complex, so owning one is a big responsibility. If you own or are responsible for gerbils, even for a short time, make sure you care for all their needs.
Do gerbils need a sand bath?
Instead of bathing gerbils in water as you would a human, gerbils need ‘sand baths’. Sand baths involve the gerbil rolling around in a small pot of sand, an activity which looks rather strange but actually gives the animal a chance to give its fur a good scrub and to free itself of dirt.
Do gerbils run in balls?
Some gerbils like running balls, and some don’t. Many gerbils enjoy the exercise, whereas others panic and refuse to move. If you want to try your gerbil in a hamster ball, choose one at least seven inches in diameter. It should be well-made with a sturdy lid, so your gerbil can’t escape.
Can you use toilet paper for gerbil bedding?
Yes, I use toilet paper for nesting material. I don’t use tissue paper as in the stuff you put in gift bags, but tissues for your nose are fine as long as they don’t have lotion or vick’s in them. I rip them into chunks or strips so they can carry them to their nest without tripping or stepping on it.
