The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is a small rodent native to the desert regions of Mongolia and northeastern China. Gerbils are social, burrowing animals that are active during both the day and night, making them fascinating and interactive companion pets.
With proper housing, nutrition, and preventative care, gerbils can be healthy, friendly pets for several years.
Gerbil Facts
Gerbils naturally live in elaborate underground burrow systems that include:
- Multiple entrances
- Nesting chambers
- Food storage compartments
Wild gerbils are naturally agouti in color (brown with darker pigmentation), although captive-bred gerbils are available in many color varieties, including:
- Black
- White
- Cinnamon
- Brown with white chest markings
Gerbils also possess a scent gland located in the middle of their abdomen that is used for marking territory.
Other interesting facts include:
- Friendly and curious temperament
- Nearly odorless compared to many rodents
- Rarely bite when properly handled
- Adapt well to captivity
- Average lifespan of 3–4 years
Diet
Fresh food and clean water should always be available.
In the wild, gerbils consume:
- Leaves
- Seeds
- Roots
For pet gerbils, the primary diet should consist of:
- High-quality pelleted rodent diets containing 20–22% protein
Seed mixtures may be offered only as a supplement.
Although gerbils prefer sunflower seeds, these foods are:
- High in fat
- High in cholesterol
- Low in calcium
Feeding seed-only diets may lead to:
- Obesity
- Nutritional deficiencies
Adult gerbils typically consume:
5–8 grams of food each day
Water
Although wild gerbils obtain much of their moisture from food, pet gerbils require a constant supply of fresh, clean water.
Water should be provided using:
- Water bottles with sipper tubes
Adult gerbils typically drink:
4–10 mL of water daily
Fresh water should be replaced every day.
Handling
Gerbils are naturally curious and usually approach people willingly.
To safely pick up a gerbil:
- Scoop it into your hand whenever possible.
- If necessary, gently grasp the base of the tail.
Never pick up a gerbil by the end of its tail, as the skin can easily slip off.
When restraining a gerbil, support the body carefully while holding the loose skin behind the neck if necessary.
Housing
Many cage types are suitable for gerbils provided they are:
- Escape-proof
- Well ventilated
- Easy to clean
Suitable cage materials include:
- Wire
- Stainless steel
- Durable plastic
- Glass with adequate ventilation
Glass and plastic enclosures reduce airflow, so at least one side should provide sufficient ventilation.
Gerbils require:
- Deep bedding
- Nest boxes
- Exercise wheels
- Tunnels
- Burrowing opportunities
Suitable bedding includes:
- Shredded paper
- Tissue paper
- Pine shavings
- Processed corncob bedding
Do not use:
- Cedar shavings
- Chlorophyll-treated wood shavings
These materials have been associated with respiratory and liver disease.
Provide at least:
2 inches of bedding
for natural burrowing behavior.
Temperature and Environment
Recommended environmental conditions include:
- Temperature: 65–85°F
- Humidity: 30–50%
- Light cycle: 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness
Adult gerbils require a minimum cage floor space of:
36 square inches
Breeding pairs require significantly larger enclosures.
Social Behavior
Gerbils are highly social animals.
Normal behaviors include:
- Grooming one another
- Wrestling
- Sleeping together
However, adult gerbils introduced to unfamiliar animals may fight, particularly if overcrowded.
Breeding pairs usually remain together for life, and males actively help care for the young.
Breeding
Gerbils generally reach sexual maturity at:
7–8 weeks of age
The first breeding typically occurs between:
10–12 weeks
Average gestation:
24–26 days
Typical litter size:
4–6 pups
Development milestones include:
- Ears open: 3–7 days
- Hair coat develops: 7–10 days
- Incisors erupt: 12–14 days
- Eyes open: 14–20 days
- Weaning: 21 days
Females generally remain reproductively active until approximately 18 months of age.
Males may remain fertile until at least 24 months.
Common Non-Infectious Conditions
Epilepsy
Gerbils have a genetic tendency to develop seizures.
Episodes may be triggered by:
- Fright
- Handling
- New environments
Most seizures are mild and do not produce long-term effects.
Providing a stable environment and frequent gentle handling early in life may reduce seizure frequency.
Tail Sloughing
Improper handling by the tip of the tail may cause the skin to detach.
The damaged tail portion may eventually slough off.
Always handle gerbils by supporting the body or holding only the base of the tail.
Nasal Dermatitis (Bald Nose)
Hair loss around the nose may occur due to:
- Rough bedding
- Cage abrasions
- Overproduction of Harderian gland secretions
Early veterinary treatment improves the chance of recovery.
Common Diseases
Kidney Disease
Older gerbils may develop kidney disease.
Signs include:
- Weight loss
- Muscle loss
- Poor appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased water consumption
Treatment focuses on supportive care.
Tumors (Neoplasia)
Cancer becomes more common after approximately:
2 years of age
Common locations include:
- Ovaries
- Skin
- Scent gland
Whenever possible, surgical removal is the preferred treatment.
Tyzzer’s Disease
Tyzzer’s Disease is the most common infectious disease of gerbils.
Signs may include:
- Ruffled fur
- Lethargy
- Hunched posture
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
Young, stressed gerbils are particularly susceptible.
Maintaining excellent sanitation and minimizing stress greatly reduces the risk of disease.
Preventive Veterinary Care
Proper husbandry is the foundation of good gerbil health.
Routine veterinary examinations, balanced nutrition, clean housing, and minimizing stress help reduce the risk of many common diseases and support a long, healthy life.
