EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Gerbils need a spacious cage that allows them to burrow, run, and explore. The minimum recommended cage size for two gerbils is 12” x 24” (around 30 x 60 cm) of floor space. The larger the cage, the more space they have to play and burrow. Make sure to choose a cage with solid floors, as mesh or wire-bottomed cages can cause injury to their feet.
• Type of Cage:
  • Glass aquarium (10-20 gallon size) is a popular choice because it offers a clear view of your gerbils and retains bedding well.
  • Wire cage with a plastic base (avoid wire floors) works well too. Just ensure the spacing between the bars is narrow enough to prevent escapes (less than 1/2 inch).
  • Plastic or wooden enclosures can be used, but make sure they are well-ventilated.
• Bedding: Gerbils are natural burrowers and need deep bedding to dig and create tunnels. Use shredded paper bedding or paper-based bedding (e.g., Carefresh or Kaytee Clean & Cozy). You can also add aspen wood shavings or hemp bedding, but avoid cedar or pine, as the oils can be harmful to gerbils.
  • Burrowing material is essential—aim for bedding that’s 3-4 inches deep or more, so they can create their own tunnels.
• Cage Location: Place the cage in a quiet area away from loud noises and direct sunlight. Gerbils are sensitive to temperature extremes and should be kept in an environment with a temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing their cage in damp or humid areas.
• Accessories:
  • Wheel: Gerbils are active and need an exercise wheel for running. Make sure the wheel is at least 8 inches in diameter and has a solid surface (not wire), as it will prevent injury to their feet and tail.
  • Tunnels & Tubes: Gerbils love to explore tunnels, so add plastic or cardboard tubes, cardboard boxes, or small wooden houses to provide hiding spots and places to explore.
  • Sand bath: Gerbils enjoy dust baths to clean themselves. You can provide a small dish of chinchilla sand (never regular sand or kitty litter). They will roll in it to keep their fur soft and clean.
  • Food & Water: Use a heavy ceramic food dish and a water bottle with a ball bearing mechanism to prevent spills and maintain clean water.

• Gerbil Food Mix: Gerbils are omnivores and need a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, grains, and pellets. You can feed them a high-quality gerbil mix or hamster food mix that includes a variety of seeds, grains, and a small amount of dried vegetables.
• Fresh Foods: You can offer small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables as treats. Some good options include:
  • Carrots, broccoli, cucumber, spinach, and lettuce (in moderation).
  • Apple or banana (offered in small portions).
  • Avoid giving citrus fruits, onions, or garlic, as these can upset their stomach.
• Protein: Gerbils also need some protein in their diet. You can offer occasional treats such as mealworms, boiled egg, or small amounts of cooked chicken.
• Nuts & Seeds: Small amounts of unsalted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or unsweetened cereals can be offered occasionally as treats.
• Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. A water bottle with a ball-bearing mechanism is ideal. Make sure to clean the bottle regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

• Wheel: Gerbils need regular exercise, and an exercise wheel is one of the best ways to help them burn off energy. A solid-surfaced wheel is essential to prevent injury.
• Tunnels and Burrows: As natural burrowers, gerbils love to dig. Provide deep bedding to allow them to create their own tunnels. You can also add cardboard tubes or plastic tunnels for them to explore.
• Chew Toys: Gerbils have continuously growing teeth, so it’s important to provide chew toys to help keep their teeth healthy and trimmed. Wooden blocks, cardboard, and safe chew sticks are great options.
• Sand Bath: Gerbils love to take dust baths to clean their fur. Provide a small dish of chinchilla sand (not dust or litter) for them to roll in and keep their coat in good condition.
• Playtime Outside the Cage: If you set up a gerbil-proofed play area, you can let your gerbil explore outside of the cage for short periods. Make sure the area is safe and free of hazards, like loose wires or small objects that could be ingested.

• Handling: Gerbils are generally friendly and enjoy gentle handling, but they can be a bit more cautious compared to other small pets. Start with short, calm interactions, and always scoop them up gently by supporting their body. Hold them close to the ground to prevent injury in case they jump or fall.
  • Gradual Bonding: Let your gerbil get used to your scent by placing your hand inside the cage and allowing them to sniff your fingers. Over time, they will become more comfortable with being handled.
  • Social Animals: Gerbils are very social and thrive in pairs or small groups. It’s best to keep same-sex pairs or groups together. Be sure to introduce them slowly and monitor their behavior. If aggression or fighting occurs, you may need to separate them.
• Avoid Stress: Gerbils can be easily stressed by loud noises, sudden movements, or rough handling. Always approach your pet gently and avoid loud or sudden changes in their environment.
• Vocalizations: Gerbils make a variety of sounds to communicate, including chirps, squeaks, and chattering. These sounds can indicate excitement, curiosity, or sometimes even stress. Be mindful of your gerbil’s body language to interpret their emotions.

• Regular Grooming: Gerbils are clean animals and usually groom themselves. However, they may need occasional help with grooming, especially if they have a long coat (though most gerbils have short fur). Simply brush their fur gently with a soft toothbrush or comb if it gets matted.
• Teeth Care: Since gerbils’ teeth grow continuously, it’s important to provide them with chew toys and hay to help wear down their teeth. If their teeth grow too long, they can cause problems with eating.
• Nail Trimming: Gerbils’ nails generally stay short naturally, but you may need to trim them every 4-6 weeks if they grow too long. Use small animal nail clippers or human clippers and trim carefully to avoid cutting the quick.
• Signs of Illness: Watch for signs of illness, such as:
  • Lethargy, loss of appetite, or excessive drinking
  • Weight loss or bloating
  • Discharge from the nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Wet tail (diarrhea, which can indicate a bacterial infection)
  • Changes in behavior (e.g., excessive aggression or hiding). If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian experienced with small animals.

• Breeding: While gerbils are relatively easy to breed, it’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with breeding. Female gerbils typically go into heat every 4-6 days, and after mating, the gestation period is 24-26 days. The average litter size is 3-7 pups.
• Separate Males and Females: Male and female gerbils should only be housed together if you intend to breed them. Otherwise, it’s best to keep them separate to prevent accidental pregnancies. Female gerbils can become pregnant at a very young age, so be sure to separate males and females if you do not want babies.

• Toxic Plants & Foods: As herbivores, gerbils can nibble on plants, but many plants are toxic to them. Keep them away from toxic plants like:
  • Lilies, poinsettias, and daffodils
  • Onions, garlic, or citrus fruits
• Escape-Proofing: Gerbils are excellent escape artists, so make sure their cage is secure and the lid is tightly fitted. Always check for gaps in the bars or any weaknesses in the cage material.

Gerbils make fantastic pets for families, singles, and people of all ages. Their playful, curious nature, coupled with their relatively low-maintenance care requirements, makes them an ideal choice for small pet owners. By providing them with a safe, enriched environment, a balanced diet, and plenty of social interaction, you can ensure your gerbil leads a happy, healthy life. With proper care, your gerbils will reward you with years of fun, companionship, and affection.