How to Set Up a Small-Pet Gerbil Cage?
Create a comfortable home for your gerbils with at least 10 square feet of space.
Space Requirement
For two gerbils, provide a cage with at least 10 square feet of space. This ensures they have enough room to burrow and play.
A 20-gallon aquarium or a cage with a floor space of 24 inches by 18 inches is ideal. This size allows for a deep layer of substrate and multiple levels for climbing and hiding.
- 10 square feet of space
- 20-gallon aquarium or equivalent floor space
- 24 inches by 18 inches floor space
Setup Order
Start by choosing the right space for your gerbils. A 20-gallon aquarium or a cage with a floor space of 24 inches by 18 inches is ideal.
Next, ensure the environment is stable. Keep the temperature between 65–75°F (18–24°C) and the humidity at 30–50%.
Add a cover to the cage to provide a sense of security. Gerbils are burrowing animals and enjoy having a space to hide.
Include essentials such as a water bottle, food bowl, and a hideaway. Place the food bowl and water bottle on different levels to encourage foraging.
Test the setup for a few days before bringing the gerbils home to ensure everything is functioning properly.
- Choose a 20-gallon aquarium or equivalent floor space
- Maintain a temperature of 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Keep humidity at 30–50%
- Add a cover for hiding
- Include a water bottle, food bowl, and hideaway
Day One Checklist
On the day you bring your gerbils home, make sure you have everything in place.
The cage should be set up with a deep layer of substrate, at least 4 inches deep, to allow for burrowing.
Provide fresh water and food, and ensure the food bowl is filled with a balanced gerbil diet.
Place the cage in a quiet area away from direct sunlight and drafts.
Check that the heating pad is working if you're using one to maintain the temperature.
- Deep substrate layer of at least 4 inches
- Fresh water and food
- Quiet area away from direct sunlight and drafts
- Working heating pad if necessary
Common Setup Mistakes
One common mistake is not providing enough space. Gerbils need room to burrow and play, so ensure your cage is at least 10 square feet.
Another mistake is not maintaining the correct temperature and humidity. Gerbils are sensitive to temperature changes and need a stable environment.
Avoid using a water bath for sand baths, as gerbils prefer a dry sand bath. Use a shallow dish with dry sand instead.
- Not providing enough space (at least 10 square feet)
- Not maintaining the correct temperature (65–75°F or 18–24°C)
- Using a water bath for sand baths
Keep reading about Gerbil: Gerbil care sheet
Related questions
How much space do I need for two gerbils?
At least 10 square feet of space is recommended for two gerbils.
What temperature should I keep my gerbil's cage at?
Maintain a temperature between 65–75°F (18–24°C) for your gerbils.
What type of substrate should I use for my gerbils?
Use a deep layer of substrate, at least 4 inches deep, for burrowing.
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.