How To Set Up a Gerbil Cage

Here's How:

1. Get an aquarium, the larger the better but a minimum 12x24 inches (30x60 cm) for two gerbils. More gerbils means more space is required.
2. You will also need a tightly fitted mesh cover that allows good ventilation.
3. Place a thick layer (2 inches) of aspen shavings or paper pulp based bedding in the aquarium.
4. Provide a water bottle, with a metal spout, hung on the side of the cage so that the spout does not touch anything.
5. Use a heavy ceramic food dish that won't easily be tipped.
6. Add a nest house - wood or ceramic ones are durable and available commercially (plastic ones will be quickly chewed to bits). A clay pot with holes works well too.
7. Provide materials for climbing - stable chunks of wood, stable rocks, ladders, ramps and platforms will all be used.
8. Add some chewable toys - wood toys from pet stores, branches, hay, and cardboard. Toilet paper tubes, though quickly destroyed, will likely be a favorite toy.
9. Provide soft chewable bedding materials such as hay, tissues, and shredded paper.
10. Consider getting an exercise wheel, but get one with a solid surface, and no place for a tail to get caught.

Tips:

1. Gerbils will chew on wire cages and may get sores on their nose as a result. Plastic hamster cages will not last long due to chewing.
2. Gerbils can jump very well, so the lid is a necessity!
3. Arrange the cage so there is room to run and dig. Rearranging cage furnishings and changing them periodically will help keep the gerbil active and curious.