Essential Supplies for Pet Gerbils
Gerbils are active, social, and curious rodents with a powerful instinct to dig and chew. Setting up their habitat correctly from the start is the key to a happy and healthy life. This checklist covers all the essential items you’ll need to welcome your new gerbils home.
The Gerbil Shopping Checklist
| Category | Item | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Enclosure (Gerbilarium) | A 20-gallon long tank is the minimum for a pair of gerbils, but bigger is always better (e.g., 40-gallon). Tanks are essential as they allow for a deep layer of bedding for burrowing. [1] |
| Bedding/Substrate | A mix of aspen, kiln-dried pine, and soft paper bedding is ideal. Provide a very deep layer—at least 8-10 inches—to satisfy their need to create extensive tunnel systems. [2] | |
| Food & Water | Primary Diet | A high-quality gerbil-specific food mix that includes seeds, grains, and pellets. This encourages natural foraging behavior. [3] |
| Water Bottle | A glass water bottle with a metal sipper is a must, as gerbils will chew through plastic. Ensure it is hung securely so it doesn’t get buried. | |
| Food Bowl | A heavy ceramic bowl is recommended, though scatter-feeding is a more natural and enriching way to provide their food. | |
| Enrichment | Exercise Wheel | A solid-surface wheel (no wire or mesh) with a diameter of at least 8-10 inches is necessary for exercise. [4] |
| Sand Bath | A sand bath is crucial for gerbils to keep their coats clean and free of grease. Provide a sturdy bowl with chinchilla sand (not dust). | |
| Chew Materials | This is vital for gerbil dental health. Provide an abundance of cardboard (toilet paper rolls, boxes), apple wood sticks, and other safe-to-chew wooden toys. [5] | |
| Hiding Places | Offer several hideouts made from wood, ceramic, or cardboard to provide a sense of security. | |
| Nesting Material | Hay (like timothy or orchard grass) and shredded, unscented toilet paper are excellent materials for them to build cozy nests within their burrows. | |
| Health & Safety | Travel Carrier | A small, secure carrier is necessary for safe transport to and from the veterinarian. |
References
[1] Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Providing a Home for a Gerbil. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/gerbils/providing-a-home-for-a-gerbil
[2] RSPCA. (n.d.). Creating a Good Home For Gerbils. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/gerbils/environment
[3] PetSmart. (n.d.). Gerbil Care Sheet & Supplies. https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/small-pet-care/gerbil-care-guide/A0333.html
[4] Little Critter Crew. (n.d.). Gerbil Care Guide. https://littlecrittercrew.org/gerbil-care-guide/
[5] Animal Humane Society. (n.d.). Gerbil care. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/gerbil-care