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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.
What size tank do I need for 2 gerbils?
Gerbils housed in enclosures that are too small can often become aggressive and temperamental. One or two gerbils require an area that measures at least 18 inches wide, 24 to 30 inches long and 12 inches high. They also do well in a 15 gallon tank (or larger).
What is the bare minimum for a gerbil cage?
A gerbil cage should be at least 20 gallons. The minimum cage size for a pair of gerbils should be 2,500 cm² (400 sq inches). The cage should have a height of at least 30 cm (12″).
Is a 10 gallon tank big enough for 2 gerbils?
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.
What type of cage is best for a gerbil?
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.
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.
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.
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 small a hole can a gerbil get through?
Like most small rodents, gerbils are chewers, and will gnaw at carpet, cords, wires and clothes. They are also very agile and can fit into holes about the size of loonies.
Can gerbils live in a 20 gallon tank?
Each gerbil requires at least 10 gallons of space. (Remember it is important to have at least 2 gerbils as they are social animals.) The minimum number of gallons needed for 2 gerbils is a tank of 20 gallons.
Should I get 2 or 3 gerbils?
Gerbils are social animals and need the constant company of their own kind. Otherwise, it is always advisable to get a pair of gerbils, either two males or two females. It’s true that they can live in larger groups, but unless you have a very big space to keep them in, they’re going to be a bit crowded.
Are boy or girl gerbils better?
Males score ‘better’ in three categories: they’re more trusting, friendlier with owners, and friendlier with other gerbils. Females score ‘better’ in two categories: their scent gland is smaller (smell better), and they’re more playful. In other areas, like lifespan and size, males and females are equal.
How many gerbils can live in a 20 gallon tank?
Get the largest possible habitat. If your cage is too small, fights might occasionally break out. Use a minimum of a 10-gallon tank for 2 gerbils. Use a minimum of a 15-gallon tank for 3 gerbils. Use a minimum of 20-gallon tank for 4 gerbils.
Is a tank or a cage better for a gerbil?
Since gerbils live in long tunnels mainly, they need at least 6-7 inches of appropriate bedding to dig and build. The best setups tend to be glass tanks filled with substrate and a wire cage topper secured above.
Do gerbils need a glass cage?
The best gerbil cages should have 10 gallons of space per gerbil and room for at least 6 inches of bedding. The gerbilarium should be made of glass or metal, as gerbils can chew through plastic.
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.
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 gerbils use flying saucer?
Gerbils can use flying saucers to run on. These alternatives to running wheels are better at preventing a so-called wheel tail. Flying saucers should be made of metal or chew-proof plastic. They should also have a large enough diameter, similar to that of running wheels.
Are gerbils or hamsters nicer?
Gerbils are ideal pets for children who have little or no experience caring for a small animal. This is due to the fact that gerbils are active throughout the day and rarely bite. Hamsters, however, do not like to be petted or held. Hamsters will bite when they are held or if they become irritated.
What is a female gerbil called?
Darling. A female gerbil name for a pet who’s perfectly precious.
