8 Things to Know Before Getting a Pet Gerbil
Thinking about bringing home a gerbil? Good call. These pint-sized diggers are curious, social, and honestly more entertaining than pets three times their size.
They're also one of the easiest animals to care for — no daily walks, no grooming bills, no decade-long commitment.
But "easy" doesn't mean "no homework." Before you head to the pet store, here's what actually matters — from firsthand experience.
2–3 yrs
Typical lifespan (up to 5–8 with great care)
20 gal
Minimum tank size for a pair
Pairs
Gerbils do best with a same-sex buddy
Gerbils Aren't Clingy — But They Do Need You
Here's what surprises new owners: gerbils don't demand constant attention. Work a 9-to-5? They'll happily entertain themselves all day.
But don't confuse "independent" with "fine alone." Gerbils are deeply social and do much better in pairs.
What this means in practice: buy your pair together from the start, and you'll skip a whole world of drama.
They're social — but they're also fragile. Here's how to handle them.
Gentle Hands Only
Gerbils are small, fast, and delicate. That combination makes them a tricky pick for very young kids.
One rule above all others:
“Never, ever pick a gerbil up by its tail — it can cause a serious injury.”
They also startle easily. Loud noises and sudden grabs stress them out, so keep their space calm and quiet.
- Scoop them gently with cupped hands
- Supervise kids closely during handling
- Wash your hands before and after
- Grab or lift by the tail
- Handle near loud TVs, speakers, or chaos
They're Clean — Their Cage? Not So Much
Gerbils groom themselves constantly, so the animal is genuinely tidy. The habitat, on the other hand, is a different story.
They live to dig and burrow, which means bedding gets flung everywhere. It's not dirt — it's enthusiasm.
Now, about those never-stop-growing teeth...
Chewers and Movers
A gerbil's teeth never stop growing. That means they need safe things to chew — all the time — just to keep those teeth in check.
Safe to chew
Wooden rodent chew toys, plain cardboard tubes, and untreated apple sticks.
Toxic — avoid
Cherry, pine, and redwood are dangerous. Never DIY a toy from these.
Daily exercise
A solid running wheel is a must. A supervised playpen session burns energy too.
Exercise balls
Fine for short, supervised bursts only — gerbils can overheat or get stuck.
Treats Are Okay — In Moderation
Gerbils have their own balanced food mix, but small treats are a fun bonus (and a great bonding tool).
Pros
Good treats
- Tiny bits of carrot
- A little cucumber
- Apple — no seeds!
- Plain Cheerios
Cons
Skip these
- Chocolate
- Iceberg lettuce (causes diarrhea)
- Anything sugary
- Anything salty
Keep portions tiny. A treat should be a garnish, not a meal.
Housing: Think Spacious and Safe
A 20-gallon glass tank is a solid starting point for a pair. But when it comes to gerbil real estate, bigger is always better.
They need room to dig, hide, and sprint. Set the tank up like a proper little burrow.
- Deep bedding for tunneling
- A hideout box
- Food and fresh water
- Chew toys and a wheel
- Placed in direct sunlight
- Left in a drafty or noisy spot
One last thing that quietly keeps them alive longer.
Health: Don't Skip the Vet
Most gerbils live 2–3 years, though some reach 5 — or even 8 — with excellent care.
Regular checkups catch problems early. The big one to watch? Dental issues.
“I've seen gerbils stop eating entirely because of overgrown teeth — and they can go downhill fast. A quick vet trim makes all the difference.”
Quick poll
Have you ever taken a small pet like a gerbil to the vet?
Frequently Asked Questions
It's not ideal. Gerbils are social and thrive in same-sex pairs. A lone gerbil can become stressed and lonely, so plan on adopting two who already know each other.
They can be — with supervision. They're fast and fragile, so very young children need close guidance on gentle handling. Older kids who can be calm and careful tend to do great.
Aim for a full clean about once a week, and spot-clean as needed. A glass tank makes this easier and keeps flung bedding contained.
Not much. Gerbils produce very little waste and groom themselves constantly, so with weekly cleaning their setup stays surprisingly odor-free.
Typically 2–3 years, though some reach 5 or even 8 with excellent care, a good diet, and regular vet checkups.
Avoid chocolate, iceberg lettuce, and anything sugary or salty. Stick to their food mix plus tiny bits of safe veggies and fruit (no apple seeds).
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.