How to Maintain the Right Nighttime Temperature for Your Gerbil's Cage?
Keep your gerbil's cage between 65–75°F (18–24°C) at night for optimal health.
Basking/Warm Side vs. Cool Side
Ensure your gerbil's cage has a basking/warm side and a cool side. The warm side should be around 75°F (24°C) to allow your gerbil to regulate its body temperature. The cool side should be at least 65°F (18°C) to provide a cooler resting area.
Gerbils are small and can easily overheat, so it's crucial to have a temperature gradient within the cage. This allows them to move to the cooler side if they feel too warm.
- Warm side: 75°F (24°C)
- Cool side: 65°F (18°C)
- Temperature gradient: 10°F (6°C) between warm and cool sides
Humidity Range
Maintain a humidity level between 30–50% in the cage at night. High humidity can lead to respiratory issues, while low humidity can cause skin dryness and stress.
Humidity is controlled through the substrate and ventilation. Use a deep burrowing substrate like aspen shavings and ensure good air circulation.
- Humidity range: 30–50%
- Substrate: Aspen shavings
- Ventilation: Ensure good air flow without drafts
Lighting
Gerbils are nocturnal, so they need darkness at night. Use a timer to turn off the light in the cage at dusk to simulate a natural night cycle.
Avoid using bright lights or heat lamps, as they can disrupt the gerbil's sleep pattern and temperature regulation.
- Lighting: Turn off at dusk
- Avoid: Bright lights or heat lamps
Controlling Variables
Use a heat source with a thermostat to maintain the warm side of the cage. Place the heat source on the cage floor, away from the gerbil's resting area.
Monitor humidity with a hygrometer placed at the animal level. Adjust the substrate or ventilation as needed to maintain the desired humidity.
Measure the temperature at the animal level using a digital thermometer.
- Heat source: Thermostat-controlled
- Humidity control: Hygrometer at animal level
- Temperature measurement: Digital thermometer at animal level
Observable Signs
If the temperature is too high, your gerbil may appear restless, have puffed-up fur, or seek shade. If it's too low, they may huddle together, have a puffed-up fur, or shiver.
Signs of high humidity include matted fur, respiratory issues, and skin infections. Low humidity can lead to dry skin and hair loss.
- High temperature signs: Restlessness, puffed-up fur, seeking shade
- Low temperature signs: Huddling, puffed-up fur, shivering
- High humidity signs: Matted fur, respiratory issues, skin infections
- Low humidity signs: Dry skin, hair loss
Keep reading about Gerbil: Gerbil care sheet
Related questions
How often should I check the temperature in the cage?
Check the temperature at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
What should I do if the humidity is too high?
Increase ventilation or use a desiccant to reduce humidity.
How can I tell if the cage is too warm?
If the cage feels warm to the touch or your gerbil is seeking shade, it may be too warm.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your gerbil is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.