Caring for a gerbil
About feeding, housing, enrichment, and veterinary care for gerbils
Last updated 13 January 2026
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Nutrition for a gerbil
Gerbils are omnivores. Provide fresh clean water daily, and feed appropriate diets.
Feed mostly pellets for rodents, which are formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
Supplement with seeds, grass, grain and occasionally insects.
Some fresh vegetables and fruits as treats.
Enclosure for a gerbil
Their enclosures should reflect their natural behaviour as closely as possible, and provide them opportunities to do so.
Image source: Oddly Cute Pets. "Gerbil Cage Setup Guide." Accessed [12 January 2026]. https://oddlycutepets.com/gerbil-cage-setup-guide/
Cage
Provide enough vertical space for them to burrow.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable, paper-based bedding that is at least 20 – 30 cm deep.
Compatibility with other animals
Gerbils are social animals and should ideally by housed together with other gerbils of the same sex.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot.
Enrichment for a gerbil
Provide plenty of opportunities for your gerbils to exhibit their normal behaviours such as burrowing, foraging, climbing and chewing/gnawing.
Veterinary care for a gerbil
Bring your gerbils to the vet for regular health checks.
Seek medical help if you observe any signs of illness in your gerbils, such as:
Lethargy
Inappetence
Abnormal breathing
Abnormal or no faecal droppings and/or urine
Bloated abdomen
Head tilt/shaking
Lameness
Overgrown teeth and nails
