What Other Animals Can Live in the Same Cage as a Gerbil?

The only other animal that can safely live in the same cage as a pet gerbil is another gerbil. Gerbils do better in captivity when they live with others of their own species, according to the American Gerbil Society. Gerbils can attract insect parasites that can potentially be lethal. Gerbil keepers need to check their gerbils every day for signs of these parasites.

  1. Evolution

    • Gerbils, or Meriones unguiculates, evolved to live in small colonies or clans in the semi-arid regions and deserts of Mongolia. This environment lacked lush plant life so food was scarce. Gerbils clans stayed together to help find enough food to store away for lean times, to look out for predators and to fight off gerbils from rival clans, according to "Gerbils" by Sue Fox. Gerbils in the wild never shared their burrows with any other living thing.

    Social Needs

    • Gerbils forced to live alone become sick due to the stress. The American Gerbil Society reports that pet gerbils living in solitary confinement tend to become obese and prone to illness. Gerbils need space in order to live comfortably. One pair of gerbils need a cage like an aquarium at least 10 gallons large or 20 inches long by 12 inches wide by 10 inches high, advises "Gerbils." In overcrowded conditions, gerbils will attack each other.

    Misconception

    • Some popular children's television series such as "Tales of the Riverbank" show small mammals and reptiles of many species able to get along together. This does not happen in real life. Although gerbils are rodents, they will not survive living with other pet rodent species, such as hamsters or guinea pigs. The two species do not know each other's body language and view the other as competitors for limited food sources. Gerbils placed with other rodents will fight or may be killed by the other rodent, according to "Gerbils."

    Parasites

    • Pet gerbils keep themselves clean but sometimes attract parasites such as mites, fleas and ticks, especially if the gerbils live in a multi-pet household. Signs of parasite infestation on gerbils include bald patches, dandruff or scratching more than usual. Parasites can be treated in gerbils with help from a veterinarian. External parasites can transmit worms. Signs of worms include diarrhea and a distended abdomen. Infected gerbils need to a trip to the veterinarian. The vet will need a fecal sample to look for parasite eggs.