Advice on looking after Gerbils by Rosie Ray

Gerbils are sociable animals and so its best to keep at least two together.

Gerbils are best kept in an aquarium- they have a tendency to gnaw through the bars of hamster cages. They also like to dig and so gerbils should be kept in sawdust or wood shavings so that they can dig their own tunnels.

Never give a gerbil a normal hamster wheel with open spaces in between the bars as gerbils have the risk of catching their tails in it, which could cause serious injury.

Toys will keep gerbils minds occupied- toilet/kitchen roll tubes make a good chewing exercise. The more entertained the gerbils are the happier they will be. However, better to buy ceramic toys rather than plastic because gerbils are notorious for gnawing through plastic/wood and so these won’t last very long.

Gerbils should be fed on standard hamster/gerbil seed mix but often enjoy a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables as well. To avoid obesity, limit the number of sunflower seeds, corn and other high fat foods, as gerbils will be greedy with these.

Gerbils may be desert animals but they should always have fresh water available to them.

Mineral blocks or stones are a good source of minerals in a gerbils diet and also can act as a good chewing source. Chewing/gnawing is a strong instinct in gerbils and wooden blocks should be provided. This also keeps their teeth well trimmed.

Soft bedding should be provided for gerbils to make into their nests/beds. Make sure it is broken up into small chunks before placing into the cage as this prevents suffocation.

Gerbils can be easily tamed. Human handling is the best way to tame them. Gerbils very rarely bite unless provoked and will quickly recognise their owners scent and know feeding times. The best way to pick a gerbil up is by making a small cave with both hands and scooping the gerbil up in them. Be aware that gerbils can move fast so perseverance is needed, particularly when handling young gerbils. The more used they become to handling the easier they are to pick up. Picking up by the tail is not recommended unless in an emergency- never pick up by the end of the tail, but grasp the base near the body. Gerbils have the ability to shed their tails if picked up by the tip.

Gerbils thump their backs legs on the ground- this is a communication of danger and quite often is a response to sudden movements by humans. You may notice gerbils rubbing their stomachs up against objects- this is their way of marking territory as they have scent glands on their undersides.