3 replies to this topic

[Binder]

Heyo, been a hot minute since I’ve made a topic like this (or one in general)

My friend is offering me her 3 gerbils, they come with everything (prevue, wheel and a few hides), which I’m pretty sure isn’t suitable.


I can’t find anything online I trust, so I need some health with gerbil care.


What cage for 3 gerbils? How much bedding (preferably, not minimum), etc. really anything you can tell me, thanks!

Edited by Binder, 10 May 2022 - 10:02 PM.

[daisy~]

So the Prevue isn't ideal for gerbils but it's not "Crittertrail levels of badness" so there would be things you could do to make it more suitable while you source a better enclosure. You can put cardboard or grass mats round the sides to increase the bedding depth to around 8 inches. It won't be ideal longer term but it means there would be less urgency to find a new enclosure.

 

Gerbils do best in a tank. I wouldn't recommend any smaller than a 40 gallon but ideally a 55 gallon or bigger if possible. In terms of bedding depth, 10 or 12 inches works well.

 

Gerbils are not too hard to please. They needs lots of stuff to chew and shred such as cardboard, paper and hay. Also grapevines, cork logs, wooden platforms etc to help with tunnel structure. They also need a sand bath. They don't need (or want) as much clutter in their tanks as hamsters. If they have a wheel it should be at least 11 inches. There are some housing photos here: Gerbil Housing Pictures III - 2021 on | The Gerbil Forum (proboards.com).

 

I do recommend joining The Gerbil Forum. Information in past threads may or may not be trustworthy but I can vouch that asking questions now will get you good answers. We're currently in the process of updating the pinned posts and creating new FAQs with better information.

[Binder]

So the Prevue isn't ideal for gerbils but it's not "Crittertrail levels of badness" so there would be things you could do to make it more suitable while you source a better enclosure. You can put cardboard or grass mats round the sides to increase the bedding depth to around 8 inches. It won't be ideal longer term but it means there would be less urgency to find a new enclosure.

Gerbils do best in a tank. I wouldn't recommend any smaller than a 40 gallon but ideally a 55 gallon or bigger if possible. In terms of bedding depth, 10 or 12 inches works well.

Gerbils are not too hard to please. They needs lots of stuff to chew and shred such as cardboard, paper and hay. Also grapevines, cork logs, wooden platforms etc to help with tunnel structure. They also need a sand bath. They don't need (or want) as much clutter in their tanks as hamsters. If they have a wheel it should be at least 11 inches. There are some housing photos here: Gerbil Housing Pictures III - 2021 on | The Gerbil Forum (proboards.com).

I do recommend joining The Gerbil Forum. Information in past threads may or may not be trustworthy but I can vouch that asking questions now will get you good answers. We're currently in the process of updating the pinned posts and creating new FAQs with better information.

I’ll def sign up, one more question


Gerbil diets?

[daisy~]

Gerbil diets are fairly similar to hamsters though they don't need quite as much protein. 14-15% protein is fine for gerbils over about 4 months. Under 4 months and 16%+ is better. Higgins Sunburst, without any lab blocks, is suitable, or Robin's Gourmet Gerbil mix for a higher quality option.