Do gerbils need a lot of space? While previously 5-gallons per gerbil was considered adequate, now the rule of thumb is 10-gallons of space per gerbil . So, if you have a pair of gerbils, a 20-gallon cage—or an average base of 12 inches by 30 inches—is a good minimum, she adds.
Do gerbils like small spaces?
A pair of gerbils don’t require a huge amount of space , but a tank of approximately 75 x 40 x 30cm will give them enough room to run about in and plenty of space to put in lots of toys.
What is the minimum cage size for 2 gerbils?
Gerbil cages and tanks
Two gerbils need a minimum floor surface of 70cm long, by 35cm wide, by 50cm tall because they are great jumpers. In the wild, gerbils live in underground tunnels up to 3m long. The best way to mimic their natural habitat and keep them happy is to buy a gerbilarium or tank with cage additions.
How much space do 4 gerbils need?
Is it OK to keep gerbils in a 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. What is this? Keeping your gerbils in your room can be a really great experience for you and them.
Do gerbils like light or dark?
They are used to bright sunshine, so seeing a little sunshine won’t harm them at all. However, it’s best if you don’t leave your gerbil’s cage in the full sun. It’s far better to keep it somewhere shaded, not dark, but out of indirect sunlight . Gerbils find it far easier to warm up than to cool down.
Do gerbils need less space than hamsters?
However, bigger is better when it comes to gerbil habitats . As a result, you should provide the maximum amount of space possible as too small of an area can result in territory battles. The gerbil habitat should be at least one foot deep and 20 gallons/400 square inches for 2-3 gerbils from our research.
Do gerbils need a hideout?
Gerbils love to have multiple places to hide in and move around in . Placing several boxes, tubes, or other hideouts within your friend’s aquarium or home will make it happy. Offer multiple levels. Gerbils also love to both burrow underground and find hideouts on top of things.
Which is friendlier a hamster or gerbil?
Gerbils seem to enjoy handling more than hamsters . This makes handling a much more pleasant experience both for you and your pet. They seem to enjoy physical affection more than hamsters.
What to know before getting a gerbil?
- They can be messy.
- They need space to burrow.
- They like to gnaw.
- They need to live in pairs.
- They need plenty of exercise.
- They should only live with gerbils of the same sex.
- They should be separated if they fight.
- You should buy from a reputable seller.
Can 2 gerbils live in a 10 gallon tank?
Choose an aquarium the right size for the number of gerbils you plan to keep. Keep one or two gerbils in a 10-gallon aquarium , three in a 15-gallon aquarium, four or five in a 20-gallon aquarium and six in a 30-gallon aquarium.
Is a 20 gallon tank good for gerbils?
A 20 gallon is the best size for 2 gerbils , but the more space you can give them to play or run around the bettter. So if you can get a 30 or 40 gallon then go for it!
Can gerbils live alone?
Can Gerbils Live Alone? A gerbil can live alone . Many owners, especially new owners, only get one gerbil at first.
Are gerbils noisy at night?
However, your gerbils will inevitably make some noise during the night . They will need to exercise and keep themselves occupied. Sometimes, the gerbilarium itself can contribute to your gerbils’ nighttime noise.
Do gerbils need a wheel?
A wheel is important, enabling gerbils to get plenty of daily exercise . However, it needs to be a gerbil-friendly variety. A hamster wheel is dangerous for gerbils, as they can trap their tails in its rungs, which is very painful and can lead to swelling and infection.
Where should I put my gerbils cage?
You should place your gerbil cage somewhere warm and dry, away from draughts . This means that you must keep it away from radiators and other heat-producing or air conditioning units. Even though gerbils hail from hot, dry African and Asian deserts, direct sunlight will cause them to overheat and become unwell.
Do gerbils need a bed?
Gerbils need a very deep layer of bedding so that they can satisfy their nesting and tunnelling instincts . They will need at least five inches of bedding over the floor of the cage, so that they have enough material for creating these spaces.
What does it mean when a gerbil chirps?
Chirping
Chirping is the most common sound that gerbils make. It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making . Chirping, at its rawest, is the sound they make when they want attention. As such, gerbils start chirping from an early age as a means of getting their mom’s attention.
Do gerbils like to be held?
Are gerbils smelly?
Gerbils don’t smell anywhere near as bad as other rodents . Rodents have a typical and distinctive smell. The smell is variously described as musty, like ammonia or like urine. However, gerbils don’t smell anywhere near as bad as other pets like mice or hamsters.
Are gerbils easy to take care of?
Gerbils are popular pets because they tend to be easy to care for and are clean with minimal odor, but they do have some special requirements to keep them happy and healthy. Due to their social nature, gerbils need to live in a pair or group. The lifespan for a gerbil is typically 3-4 years.
What size cage Do gerbils need?
While previously 5-gallons per gerbil was considered adequate, now the rule of thumb is 10-gallons of space per gerbil . So, if you have a pair of gerbils, a 20-gallon cage—or an average base of 12 inches by 30 inches—is a good minimum, she adds.
How many gerbils should I get?
In general, it’s best to keep between two and four gerbils. Also, large groups can become unstable as individuals jostle for a place in the hierarchy, and aggression can sometimes break out – especially if there is not enough space.
What do gerbils like to play with?
Gerbils love to chew. A cardboard tube from a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll is one of a gerbil’s favorite things. Some people have expressed concern about the types of glue used in these—and now colorful safe (and a bit more sturdy and long-lasting) cardboard tubes are made for pets to play with.
Can gerbils live in a fish tank?
For many gerbils, a 20-gallon fish tanks makes a great home , or you may choose a plastic gerbil home available in most pet stores. Don’t choose a rounded tank, though, because gerbils like to curl up in corners. Just as with most pets, your gerbil’s home can never be too large.
Do gerbils bite hurt?
Do Gerbil Bites Hurt? Gerbil bites can hurt , because a gerbil’s teeth are sharp. But how much the bite hurts depends on how hard the gerbil chose to bite. Like all animals, it can bite hard or slight nip.
How much does a gerbil cost?
Gerbils can be bought from almost any pet store in the U.S. They are sold for between $5 and $10 . You’re unlikely to see much higher prices than that. Of course, cheaper doesn’t mean better.
What is a good small pet for a child?
According to the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 survey, the top eight small pets are rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice/rats, gerbils, chinchillas and ferrets . Here’s a quick review of each species’ child-friendly pet potential.
Do gerbils need free roam?
What makes gerbils happy?
Do gerbils need a house to sleep in?
They will need at least five inches of bedding over the floor of the cage, so that they have enough material for creating these spaces. As well as lots of bedding, your gerbils would appreciate a gerbil house, in which they can build nests.
