![]() ![]() Beddingīurrowing underground is where gerbils are happiest and they'll need lots of bedding to dig around in. It’s important to keep the cage clean, but as gerbils rely on familiar smells to feel safe, make sure you put back some of the unsoiled used bedding when you do a ‘full’ clean (about a third of the bedding is ideal). Place their tunnels and toys in – you can vary their toys or move them around to keep things interesting!.Clean their food bowls and their water bottle, using warm water and a bottle brush.Then wipe it all down and wash thoroughly with warm water.Using a pet-safe disinfectant, which you can buy in a pet shop, spray the cage.Scoop out their burrowing material and bedding using a dustpan and brush.Take out any toys or tunnels and clean them if necessary.Remove them from their tank and place them in a pet carrier or an safe, enclosed area with some toys and bedding.Make sure you also spot clean every few days by removing soiled bedding and uneaten rotten food regularly – this will help keep the cage clean and keep your gerbil happy! How to clean my gerbil's cage Because gerbils originate from desert and dry grassland areas, they do not produce much urine and waste, so it’s fairly easy to keep their environment clean and free from smells. You should fully clean your gerbilarium every two or three weeks, depending on how many gerbils you have and how quickly it gets dirty. You are not likely to disturb them, but they may disturb you! How often do I need to clean my gerbil's tank? So it's best to house them away from any of these to reduce their stress levels.Īs these little animals can be active at night, you may not want to keep their tank in a bedroom. This means they can be sensitive to ultrasound eg TVs, running water or vacuum cleaners. They communicate using ultrasonic frequencies. Gerbils will also appreciate a quieter spot in your home. They're sensitive to changes in temperature, so you should keep their tank or gerbilarium away from draughts and direct sunlight or heat. Should pet gerbils live inside or outside? Two gerbils need a minimum floor surface of 70cm long, by 35cm wide, by 50cm tall to allow them plenty of space to explore, dig, build tunnels and hop about. Cages made entirely of wire sides are not suitable because they need deep bedding to burrow in. They'll also need plenty of material for them to dig and tunnel into. You can also house them in a large tank or old aquarium with a secure wire lid that lets oxygen in. ![]() The best way to mimic their natural habitat and keep them happy is to buy a gerbilarium or tank with cage additions. In the wild, gerbils live in underground tunnels up to three metres long. You may also want to consider getting pet insurance. Plastic-free toys to keep them entertainedĪs well as the above, your gerbils need a constant supply of fresh water.Earthenware or stainless steel bowls for food.A suitable gerbilarium or tank with lots of space allowing them to dig.If they are not confident, it's best to walk away as you cannot be sure that your gerbil isn't pregnant.Ĭaring for your gerbils What do I need to buy for my gerbils? The breeder or pet shop staff should be able to show you the difference between the sexes.Gerbils should not be sold until they are at least six weeks old.Cages should have plenty of enrichment (or activities) for the gerbil and deep bedding for them to burrow in.They should have clean, good-sized accommodation and access to food and fresh water.Make sure the breeder or shop staff know how to care for them and can handle the gerbils confidently.Before you buy a gerbil, make sure you do your research and consider adopting one instead.Īnother option is to buy one from a responsible pet shop or breeder. Rehoming centres like ours take in rescue gerbils for lots of reasons, like a change in the owners circumstances or if they're not getting the care they need. So you may not want to keep their tank in the bedroom as they might disturb you while you're sleeping. Gerbils are generally diurnal which means they are mostly active during the day but can also be active in the evening and at night. Find out what to do if you're introducing gerbils and what to do if they fight. But adult gerbils (ie over 10 weeks old) can be aggressive towards any newcomers to the group. ![]() If you buy two or more baby gerbils of the same sex – from the same litter or harmonious group – they should get on well. They naturally live in a group, so it’s not fair to keep one on their own. ![]() Gerbils are very sociable and should not be kept alone. Baby gerbils Ella and Poppy Do gerbils need company? ![]()
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