How to Wash Your Gerbil

Like all animals, gerbils require periodic bathing. However, soap and water bathing disrupts the natural balance of oils on a gerbil's skin and fur. These oils are necessary for healthy fur and even help to assist in regulating body temperature. Instead, gerbils in the wild would take a dust bath. This is accomplished by rolling in dirt or dust, which absorbs excess oil from the fur and skin. Gerbils living in captivity, as pets, also are best served by providing an occasional dust bath.

Things You'll Need

  • Small bowl
  • Chinchilla sand
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase chinchilla sand at your local pet store, for your gerbil's bath. Chinchilla sand is different from chinchilla dust; it has a coarser texture.

    • 2
      A pet dish makes an ideal gerbil bath.

      Place the chinchilla sand in a shallow bowl, about ¼-inch deep. Using a bowl keeps the sand contained, when your gerbil is rolling around in it. This sand can be preserved for later use.

    • 3

      Set the dish of sand in your gerbil's cage. Allow the dish to remain in the cage for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, then remove it. If you do not remove the sand, your gerbil will use it as a toilet, and it will no longer be good for bathing.

    • 4

      Offer a bath to your gerbil twice a week. This will keep its fur and skin in good condition. The same sand can be offered several times, unless it becomes soiled. If the sand becomes soiled, discard and refill the shallow bowl with fresh sand.