Table of Contents
Where should I place my gerbil cage?
They’ll need to be placed in a quiet room that people aren’t always going in and out of. This means that you’ll want to keep them out of hallways, children’s bedrooms and living rooms. They also are a lot calmer in any areas not near running water or a television.
What should I put in my gerbil cage?
Setting Up a Gerbil Cage
- Water bottle. Don’t use a dish, as they’re easy to tip over.
- Exercise wheel. This should be 7-8 inches in diameter and ideally made of wood or metal.
- Food dish (optional).
- Toys such as wooden chew toys, bridges, tunnels, balls and swings.
- Sand bath.
- At least 6-8 inches of bedding.
What do you put in bottom of gerbils cage?
Use absorbent bedding such as recycled paper bedding or dust-free Aspen shavings. Avoid pine and cedar shavings since the fumes are harmful to gerbils. You can also use plain, shredded paper that does not have any newsprint on it.
Is it safe to keep gerbils in your bedroom?
You can keep gerbils in your bedroom and it’s recommended that you put their cage in a place that isn’t close to loud noises like a TV. Keeping your gerbils in your room can be a really great experience for you and them.
How much room does a gerbil need?
Gerbils housed in enclosures that are too small can often become aggressive and temperamental. One or two gerbils require an area that measures at least 18 inches wide, 24 to 30 inches long and 12 inches high. They also do well in a 15 gallon tank (or larger). As a pet parent, you will want to keep your gerbil safe.
Do gerbils need bedding?
Gerbils need a thick layer of dust- extracted bedding to dig into. Organic soil or peat are great natural beddings for your gerbil along with meadow or Timothy hay, plus shredded paper for nesting. Don’t use fluffy material as this can wrap around gerbils’ limbs and injure them.
How do you house a gerbil?
The best way to mimic their natural habitat and keep them happy is to buy a gerbilarium or tank with cage additions. You can also house them in a large tank or old aquarium with a secure wire lid and plenty of material for them to dig and tunnel into. Wire cages are not suitable because the bedding will be kicked out.
Do gerbils run in balls?
Some gerbils like running balls, and some don’t. Many gerbils enjoy the exercise, whereas others panic and refuse to move. If you want to try your gerbil in a hamster ball, choose one at least seven inches in diameter. It should be well-made with a sturdy lid, so your gerbil can’t escape.
Can gerbils eat toilet paper?
Toilet paper rolls are an excellent choice for a gerbil chew toy. They are made from a material that isn’t hard enough to damage their teeth. They are also fibrous, which gerbils enjoy when chewing. Toilet paper rolls are also untreated, meaning that they are safe for your gerbil to chew on.
What should I look for in a gerbil cage?
Gerbils need a nice, quiet space in which to live. Before you purchase a specific cage, have a good think about where it could go, and measure the space. You’ll need to select an environment that:
How big of an aquarium do you need for a gerbil?
The American Gerbil Society recommends a minimum size of 5 gallons per gerbil (so 10 gallons for a pair) although 15 or 20 gallons is more preferable. The National Gerbil Society recommends a simple glass or plastic aquarium of 38 cm x 30.5 cm x 25.5 cm (15″ x 12″ x 10″) for a pair of gerbils (source).
What kind of animals are attracted to gerbils?
Gerbils are small mammals that are prey to a lot of larger creatures. They are naturally very interesting to ferrets, snakes, cats and dogs. Even though your larger pet may not mean them any harm, it’s very important to keep them away from your gerbils at all times.
How often should I give my gerbil a dust bath?
Hanna uses a dog or cat food bowl measuring at least 6-inches in diameter and offers the dust bath to her gerbils at least once a week. To avoid them using it for a potty, she recommends leaving it in the cage for only an hour or so and then removing it. “They love a chinchilla dust bath,” she says.