5 replies to this topic

[Elliei]

Hello all! I am a prospective gerbil owner and wanted to get a second opinion on what a pair of gerbils need. Personally, i am unsure of what floor size and bedding depth is required because of conflicting opinions online. I also feel like information on gerbils’ needs are misunderstood and limited compared to modern advice on hamster keeping. I definitely feel that they should be in larger cages but what is the equilibrium between a comfortable cage size and the risk of declanning? I have thought about putting a pair of gerbils in a 30x18x25in (LxWxH) tank and am wondering if that would be suitable for them, or possibly even 3 gerbils. I am concerned more-so about floor size because it is only 540sq inches. Also, what is the minimum vs. Ideal tank size? Thanks in advance for your help.

[lil BIG dwarf]

I have heard controversial things about whether or not a large cage causes declanning. IMAO 8 inches is the minimum for bedding, but ideally 12+. For cages, 20 gallons is the minimum (360 sq inches), but ideally 40 breeder+ (620+). I HAVE seen/heard of 3 gerbs (female) is a detolf (950 sq inches) for there whole lives with no problems. ofc this is just one example, but like I said, there are other opinions on it. `

[daisy~]

You don't really need to be concerned about too much space with a pair. Just about everyone agrees with that nowadays. Theoretically there might be an upper limit - some have suggested 300 gallons but I'm not sure on what evidence - where declanning may be a concern, but the ideal tank size of 40 or 55 gallons, or even a bit bigger, is certainly not a concern. The exception would be a newly introduced pair, where you would want to introduce new space gradually, and a pair that is seriously arguing, where less space can often be better temporarily.

 

With groups of 3+, things can get more complicated and controversial. Declanning rates do seem to be higher in groups in larger tanks. Large tanks probably do not cause declans in groups. Small tanks can delay or suppress declans. A small tank can be a useful tool when dealing with a clan on the brink of declan, but it's not an ethical long term solution to keep a group together. Some people will put 4 gerbils in a 15 gallon and say they're fine, and they can't possibly upgrade because then they would declan from "too much space", but the reality is, they don't declan in a 15 gallon because there's not enough space to argue over. They're not a happy, functioning clan in that size tank, they're just not killing each other. Most configurations of groups have a high risk of declanning in any case. What this means is, you should aim to get just a pair, not a group (unless you have kept a few pairs already, are informed of the risks and would like a challenge). You should also aim for as large a tank as reasonably possible, however many gerbils you are getting. 

 

I agree with Lil BIG Dwarf with regard to minimum and ideal sizes and bedding depth. The minimum is 20 gallons but aim for 40 or bigger. If you already have the tank you described, it may well work out for a pair, because it is very tall, so you can have plenty of bedding plus other enrichment on top. If you're buying a tank new, I would look for something longer if possible. 

[GummyBear]

I have a pair of female gerbils, they were in a 40 gb to a 55 gallon tank. They have TONS of bedding (Aspen mixed w some paper bedding & a little straw) for building tunnels. Gerbils LOVE sand.. LOVE IT. I use a vase so they can jump in and out. I give them toys (rabbit chew toys and wicker balls etc. They are not in any danger larger of de-clanning in my opinion in a larger space. In fact giving them more to do seems to make that less likely. One reason they de-clan is due to stress. Give them A LOT to do, as they are more active than hammies and they will be happy 😊. Just an aside- my Gerbils had never seen a wheel or been w a wheel. I initially set them up w a wheel in the initial 40gb tank. It was the Kaytee 8.5 inch bucket wheel. They kept filling it w bedding...no interest. So I took it out and have them different digging substrates which they loved. Now that I upgraded them to the 55 gallon I had a gut feeling I should try a wheel again. I added the new Niteangel silent wheel from Amazon. Gerbils are very inquisitive, so when one got on and it moved smoothly and silently she was interested. Suffice it to say, they have become OBCESSED with their wheels. They seem so much happier too. I did do 1 more experiment- I added a Niteangel acrylic wheel- the clear one w no running grips..They wouldn't touch it..😑But now they have the 2 silent Niteangel wheels from Amazon in there ( 1- 8 inch & 1-10 inch) (they prefer the 8 inch one 😑..weird) They have longer periods of rest and seem less anxious. They still tunnel, chew and love their Sand, but the wheels really make a difference. I think the type of wheel is a large factor w gerbils. I think they are more picky or intimidated by wheels than hamsters tend to be, but far more active and playful. 😊
I have a pair of female gerbils, they were in a 40 gb to a 55 gallon tank. They have TONS of bedding (Aspen mixed w some paper bedding & a little straw) for building tunnels. Gerbils LOVE sand.. LOVE IT. I use a vase so they can jump in and out. I give them toys (rabbit chew toys and wicker balls etc. They are not in any danger larger of de-clanning in my opinion in a larger space. In fact giving them more to do seems to make that less likely. One reason they de-clan is due to stress. Give them A LOT to do, as they are more active than hammies and they will be happy 😊. Just an aside- my Gerbils had never seen a wheel or been w a wheel. I initially set them up w a wheel in the initial 40gb tank. It was the Kaytee 8.5 inch bucket wheel. They kept filling it w bedding...no interest. So I took it out and have them different digging substrates which they loved. Now that I upgraded them to the 55 gallon I had a gut feeling I should try a wheel again. I added the new Niteangel silent wheel from Amazon. Gerbils are very inquisitive, so when one got on and it moved smoothly and silently she was interested. Suffice it to say, they have become OBCESSED with their wheels. They seem so much happier too. I did do 1 more experiment- I added a Niteangel acrylic wheel- the clear one w no running grips..They wouldn't touch it..😑But now they have the 2 silent Niteangel wheels from Amazon in there ( 1- 8 inch & 1-10 inch) (they prefer the 8 inch one 😑..weird) They have longer periods of rest and seem less anxious. They still tunnel, chew and love their Sand, but the wheels really make a difference. I think the type of wheel is a large factor w gerbils. I think they are more picky or intimidated by wheels than hamsters tend to be, but far more active and playful. 😊

[Rapha689Pro]

Any larger than a 20 gallon tank (360 sq inches) it’s fine for a gerbil,like a 106 qt bin cage that it’s 434 sq inches,that it’s also fine for 2 gerbils,3 gerbils or more need more than 500 sq inches of floorspace

[Rapha689Pro]

Any larger than a 20 gallon tank (360 sq inches) it’s fine for a gerbil,like a 106 qt bin cage that it’s 434 sq inches,2 gerbils need more than 500 sq inches of floorspace or Moreland 3-4 need more than 600 sq inches of floorspace,5-6 need like 800 sq inches of floorspace