How to Care for a Gerbil

Taking care of a gerbil seems like hard work, but it really isn't. A lot of gerbil care is just common sense. The rest of it is really just caring about your gerbil enough to ensure it is safe, comfortable and healthy. Keep in mind that your gerbil should live no less than 3 to 5 years when cared for properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Food
  • Bedding
  • Treats
  • Toys
  • Veterinarian experienced with gerbils and willing to treat them regularly.
  • Gerbil care book (PetSmart will give you one of these when you buy your gerbil)
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Instructions

  1. Nutrition

    • 1

      Feed your gerbil foods that enable it to receive all of its nutrients. These foods include "pet block" and gerbil mix.

    • 2

      Add supplements if your gerbil is not getting enough vitamins and minerals. There are salt and mineral blocks and vitamin supplements that you can add to their water.

    • 3

      Give additional foods only as treats. Otherwise, your gerbil may be getting too much of one vitamin and not enough of others.

    • 4

      Take your gerbil to the vet if they are not eating properly for more than one or two days.

    Environment

    • 5

      Keep your gerbil away from drafts, heat and direct sunlight. If they get too hot or cold, they cannot get away from it.

    • 6

      Use bedding to cover the floor of the cage. This makes it more comfortable for the gerbil and soaks up urine. This should be changed once a week or when it gets dirty, whichever happens first.

    • 7

      Keep your gerbil's cage clean and stocked with plenty of food and water.

    • 8

      Be sure to change the food out if it gets wet to avoid mold.

    Health and Happiness

    • 9

      Install an exercise wheel for your gerbil. They need to exercise, and this is the most enjoyable way for them to do so.

    • 10

      Place a sand bath in your gerbil's cage with very fine sand or chinchilla dust. This helps them to clean their coat.

    • 11

      Allow your gerbil to chew on wood gnaws. This helps them to keep their teeth short.