How to Make a Gerbil Happy

Gerbils are gentle rodents that can make loving pets. The animals --- which grow to about 4 inches long, in addition to their 4-inch tail --- can be easily handled and aren't known to be biters. Also, unlike hamsters, gerbils are active during the daytime, making them more available for play and observation when their owners are awake. Because gerbils can bring so much joy, it's important to keep the critters happy, too. You can keep your gerbil happy by providing some necessities it would find in the wild, as well as regular exercise.

Things You'll Need

  • Gerbil companion of the same gender
  • Cage or tank
  • Shavings for bedding
  • Smooth stone or rock
  • Shredded paper towels
  • Cardboard tubes
  • Twig or bone
  • Water bottle with drinking tube
  • Water
  • Gerbil seed mix
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Running wheel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your gerbil a companion, if it is still young. Gerbils are social creatures, so they are happy with at least one other gerbil to live with. Gerbils should be introduced together when they are still young to avoid any territorial issues. If you're just now buying a gerbil, get two from the same litter --- but make sure you get two gerbils of the same sex.

    • 2

      Provide a cage that is large enough for your gerbil. Buy a cage or glass tank that offers at least 5 gallons of space per gerbil living in it. So if you have two gerbils, you'll need at least a 10-gallon cage. For added fun, give your gerbil a multi-level cage that it can explore.

    • 3

      Layer a few inches of plush shavings along the bottom of the cage. This will give the gerbil a place to dig and burrow. Aspen shavings and timothy hay are both materials that will suit the gerbil; do not use pine or cedar shavings, which have fumes that are harmful to the rodent. Clean the bedding regularly.

    • 4

      Create a natural habitat for your gerbil in its cage that is similar to what it would find in the wild. Place a smooth stone or rock in the home for the curious animal to use as a lookout. Because gerbils love to dig, give yours materials to make extra bedding from, including shredded paper towels. Provide tunnels for your pets with paper towel holders or toilet paper rolls. Also, the critter will need something to chew on, so include a twig that is free from chemicals and paints, or a sterilized bone.

    • 5

      Give your gerbil plenty of food and water to keep it happy and healthy. Provide a water bottle with a drinking tube, and change its water every day. Feed your gerbil any gerbil seed mix that has about 12 percent protein and 6 to 8 percent fat content. Also, keep your gerbil happy with small bits of fresh treats, including carrots, lettuce and broccoli, as well as apples and bananas. Remove any uneaten food to keep it from spoiling in the cage.

    • 6

      Let your gerbil run around and exercise at least a few times a week. Barricade the room or area so that there aren't any escape holes. Also, move any cables out of reach while your pet is free in the area. Help the gerbil get some exercise in its cage, too, by providing a running wheel --- just make sure it doesn't have openings that can catch the critter's tail.