How to Keep a Gerbil Entertained

A gerbil can be a more challenging pet to own than you realize. Any type of small rodent needs gentle care techniques to keep their fragile bodies healthy and safe. If you choose to have a gerbil as a pet, you need to have a veterinarian to help you care for the gerbil, give you advice and be available if there is any issue or injury. To prevent injuries and to keep your gerbil entertained, you must learn the safest ways to play with your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Paper towel rolls
  • Cardboard
  • Non-chemically treated wood
  • Rodent wheel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get two gerbils, rather than one. Gerbils are social creatures and are happiest in pairs. The safest combinations are two males or two females. Do not mix genders or you will end up with a pregnant gerbil.

    • 2

      Add a toilet paper tube to your gerbil's cage. The gerbil can entertain itself by running through the tube, by chewing on it and by using it as part of its bedding. It can keep your gerbil entertained for hours.

    • 3

      Play with your gerbil using toilet paper and paper towel tubes outside of the cage. Set up a safe area to play with barricades so your gerbil cannot get lost. Add several tubes of varying lengths to the space. Once your gerbil gets used to the tubes in the area, add some more and switch up the order for greater stimulus.

    • 4

      Let your gerbils gnaw. Cardboard without any glue or tape items and non-chemically treated wood will satisfy your gerbil's natural desire to chew and entertain at the same time.

    • 5

      Introduce your gerbil to a wheel. A rodent exercise wheel will entertain your gerbil while offering great exercise. To keep your gerbil safe, never use a wheel with rungs. It can injure your gerbil's feet or tail. Instead, get a wheel made of solid plastic or metal.