How to Set Up a Gerbil Cage

Gerbils are cute, reasonably friendly and relatively easy to care for, making them popular pets for both children and adults. A properly equipped gerbil cage is easy to clean and maintain, and provides a healthy and stimulating environment for the animals. Setting up the cage before bringing your gerbils home eases the transition and keeps the animals from becoming overly stressed.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon glass aquarium
  • Substrate
  • Bedding
  • Ceramic food dish
  • Heavy-duty water bottle and mount
  • Toys
  • Rocks and ladders for climbing
  • Hiding spot
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a 20-gallon or larger glass aquarium with a wire mesh top. Plastic habitats are popular, but gerbils often chew through them. Wire cages are messy, and some gerbils rub their noses along the wires. Gerbils should never be kept alone, as they are highly social creatures. Providing at least 20 gallons gives each gerbil the opportunity for privacy when desired.

    • 2

      Add substrate, an absorbent material that helps to minimize odors. Aspen shavings and recycled paper pulp are the best choices for gerbils. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, which can irritate gerbils' respiratory systems. Change the substrate once per week.

    • 3

      Create a soft bed. Unscented facial tissue or toilet tissue and timothy hay are good choices. Avoid fibrous materials, which may get caught in the gerbils' nails. Bedding needs to be replaced frequently, as many gerbils eat their beds.

    • 4

      Provide a heavy, tip-proof food dish. Ceramic is a better choice than plastic, as many gerbils chew on plastic. Mount a heavy-duty water bottle to the side of the cage. Make sure that the water bottle spout is not in contact with substrate or bedding, which is unsanitary and can clog the tube.

    • 5

      Add toys. Commercially produced wooden toys and cardboard toilet paper tubes are excellent chew toys, allowing the gerbils to grind down their teeth.

    • 6

      Provide a hiding spot. A clay pot or a sturdy jar makes an excellent substitute for a commercial piece. Make sure that the item is stable and cannot be knocked over.

    • 7

      Add a few rocks, ladders and pieces of wood for the gerbils to climb.

    • 8

      Provide an exercise wheel. Wire wheels are generally less expensive, but the animals' tails may get caught. Choose a smooth, sturdy wheel instead.