Curious, social, and endlessly entertaining, gerbils are quickly becoming one of the most beloved small pets in the UK — and it's easy to see why. These intelligent little animals are not only low-maintenance but also incredibly fun to observe. From their playful digging habits and acrobatic jumps to their affectionate grooming rituals, gerbils bring joy and charm to any household. They're a perfect choice for individuals, families, or even children learning how to care for pets responsibly.
Whether you’re planning to welcome your first gerbil or looking to improve the quality of life for your current companions, understanding their specific needs is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gerbil care — including how to create the ideal gerbil home, what diet keeps them healthy and active, the best gerbil supplies to invest in, and where to find gerbils for sale or adopt a new furry friend responsibly. With the right setup and knowledge, your gerbils can thrive and live happy, enriched lives.
What Are Gerbils Like as Pets?
Gerbils as pets are a delightful mix of energy, curiosity, and charm. These small rodents are incredibly intelligent and enjoy interacting with their environment — whether it's tunneling through deep bedding, chewing on natural materials, or exploring new spaces in their enclosure. They typically live between 2 to 4 years, and with gentle handling and patience, they can become quite comfortable with their owners.
Originating from the dry grasslands and deserts of Mongolia, gerbils have evolved into hardy, adaptable creatures. Their strong hind legs make them excellent jumpers, and their natural instinct to burrow means they absolutely thrive in environments where they can dig and hide. Unlike some small rodents, gerbils are diurnal, meaning they’re awake during the day and sleep at night — making them ideal companions for individuals or families who want a pet that’s active when they are.
These animals are highly social and should never be kept alone. A bonded pair (or even a trio) of same-sex gerbils will spend hours grooming, sleeping, and playing together. Watching them interact is not only heartwarming but also provides a great deal of enrichment for the owner.
Why Gerbils Are a Great Choice:
✅ Naturally clean, producing very little smell compared to other rodents
✅ Active and entertaining, especially during daylight hours
✅ Gentle and rarely bite when properly socialised
✅ Fascinating natural behaviours like digging complex tunnel systems and standing on their hind legs
✅ Easy to care for once their environment is properly set up
Because they’re low-odour, relatively quiet, and full of personality, gerbils make excellent pets for children, students, and busy adults alike. With the right diet, habitat, and enrichment, they’re among the most rewarding small pets you can own.
🛒 Want to spoil your furry duo? Explore everything they love in our Gerbil Collection »
What Do Gerbils Need in Their Home?
Creating the ideal gerbil home goes far beyond a simple cage. These intelligent and energetic animals need a habitat that reflects their natural behaviours — especially their love for digging, chewing, nesting, and exploring. A proper setup not only keeps them physically healthy but also supports their mental well-being, reducing stress and boredom.
🏡 The Right Enclosure
When it comes to housing, the best option is a 20-gallon glass tank or gerbil aquarium with a secure, chew-proof mesh lid. Glass tanks provide excellent visibility and enough depth for the thick bedding gerbils need to build their elaborate tunnels.
❌ Avoid traditional plastic cages — gerbils are notorious chewers and can easily gnaw through plastic, posing an escape risk and potential health hazards.
✅ Look for enclosures with good ventilation, solid bases for burrowing, and space for accessories like platforms, hides, and toys.
🛏 Deep, Natural Bedding
One of the most important parts of a gerbil’s habitat is the bedding. These creatures are expert diggers and will spend hours creating complex tunnels and nests if given enough depth.
-
Use 6–10 inches of natural, dust-free bedding such as paper-based or aspen substrate.
-
Mixing in coconut fibre helps reinforce their tunnels, making them last longer and feel more natural.
✨ Pro Tip: Layer different types of bedding to mimic their natural desert environment. Add hay or dried herbs to encourage nesting and foraging behaviour.
🧱 Chews, Tunnels & Hideouts
Gerbils must chew daily to keep their teeth from overgrowing, so chewable materials are essential. Without access to safe chewing items, they may resort to gnawing on cage parts or even each other out of frustration.
Add variety to their space with safe, natural chews like:
-
🌿 Apple Wood Sticks – a classic favourite for dental health
-
🍃 Banana Leaf Basket – Chew safe food holder
-
🌿 Twisted Vine Chew – perfect for satisfying natural chewing instincts
To add hiding spots and play structures, consider enriching their space with our full range of accessories and chews »
🧠 Enrichment Extras
A happy gerbil is a mentally stimulated gerbil. Include tunnels, sand baths, and foraging toys to keep them active and engaged. Items like forage donuts or natural nibbles hanging cookies are great additions that provide both nutrition and entertainment.
With the right combination of space, depth, chewing materials, and enrichment, your gerbil's home becomes more than just a habitat — it becomes a thriving underground kingdom they’ll love to explore and rest in.
🛒 Build your perfect setup now in our Gerbil Home & Supplies Collection »
Enrichment & Playtime
Gerbils need more than food and shelter — they thrive on mental stimulation.
Add these to keep your gerbils busy:
Looking to spoil them? Tropical Treasure Bundle includes an exciting mix of chews and enrichment.
Where to Get Gerbils 🐾
Once you’ve set up the perfect habitat, it’s time to find your new furry friends! Thankfully, there are several options for finding gerbils for sale or adoption — but not all sources are equal. It’s important to choose ethical, responsible places that prioritise the health and wellbeing of the animals.
🐹 Small-Scale Breeders
Reputable small breeders can be a great option, especially if you’re looking for well-socialised gerbils or specific types like duprasi gerbils or fat-tailed gerbils. Good breeders will provide:
-
Health history
-
Same-sex pairings to avoid accidental litters
-
Ongoing advice and support
You can often find breeders advertising on trusted forums or pet networks. Be sure to do your research and ask plenty of questions.
🛍 Pet Stores
Many local and chain pet shops have gerbils for sale, but quality can vary. Look for:
-
Clean environments
-
Active and healthy animals
-
Knowledgeable staff
⚠️ Avoid shops where gerbils are housed alone, in dirty enclosures, or with mixed sexes unless clearly separated. Always verify the sex of your gerbils before bringing them home to prevent unplanned litters.
❤️ Rescue Organisations
Adopting is one of the most rewarding ways to welcome gerbils into your home. Many rescues have gerbils for adoption, including elderly, bonded, or even rare breeds in need of a second chance. Adoption often includes:
-
Health checks
-
Spaying/neutering (rare but possible)
-
Ongoing support
🌍 Prefer adoption? Explore our UK Small Animal Rescue List » to find trusted rescue centres near you.
🔍 How to Search Locally
When looking for nearby options, try using location-based search phrases like:
-
“gerbils for sale near me”
-
“gerbils for adoption near me”
-
“gerbils near me”
-
“female gerbils for sale”
-
“duprasi gerbil for sale”
These keywords will help you connect with small rescues, breeders, or local listings in your area. You can also check social platforms and local animal welfare groups.
🧾 Pro Tip: Be Prepared
Before bringing your gerbils home, double-check that your enclosure is ready, food is stocked, and chews and enrichment are in place. Explore our full gerbil-ready collections » to get everything you need in one place.
How Much Do Gerbils Cost? 💷
One of the many reasons gerbils are such popular small pets is their affordability. They’re budget-friendly to purchase, set up, and maintain — making them an excellent choice for first-time pet owners, students, or families.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved:
🐹 Cost of a Gerbil
A single gerbil usually costs between £10 and £20, depending on where you buy them — with some rare breeds like the duprasi gerbil or fat-tailed gerbil potentially costing more.
📌 Keep in mind: Gerbils are social animals and should always be kept in same-sex pairs or trios, so you’ll need to budget for at least two gerbils.
🏠 Initial Setup (Supplies + Enclosure)
The bulk of your spending will go toward the initial setup, which includes everything your gerbils need to live a happy and healthy life.
Estimated costs:
-
Glass tank or gerbilarium: £40–£100
-
Substrate & bedding: £10–£20
-
Chews & enrichment: £10–£30
-
Hides, platforms, bowls: £10–£30
-
Sand bath & bath sand: ~£10
🛒 Save on your first setup by browsing essentials from the Gerbil Collection.
Recommended products:
📦 Ongoing Monthly Costs
Maintaining gerbils is affordable and low-stress. Your monthly expenses mainly include bedding, food, and the occasional new toy or chew.
On average:
-
Food & forage: £5–£7/month
-
Bedding: £3–£5/month
-
Chews & enrichment: ~£3–£5/month
Many items like chews, sprays, and forage mixes last longer when bought in bundles, helping you save in the long run.
💡 Tip: Buy in Bulk & Rotate Toys
To keep things fresh and cost-effective:
-
Buy seasonal bundles like the Tropical Treasure Chew Set
-
Rotate hides and accessories monthly to stimulate curiosity without extra spending
In summary, owning gerbils is not only rewarding but also very affordable. With a modest investment up front and low monthly costs, you can provide an enriching life for your tiny companions without breaking the bank.
What About Fat-Tailed or Duprasi Gerbils? 🐾
While Mongolian gerbils are the most common pet variety, there’s a growing interest in exotic species like the fat-tailed gerbil — also known as the duprasi gerbil (or Pachyuromys duprasi). These adorable, round-bodied rodents have a chubby tail used for fat storage and a soft, plush coat that makes them look like tiny, fuzzy potatoes. 🥔
Originating from the deserts of North Africa, duprasi gerbils are quite different from their Mongolian cousins in both behaviour and care requirements. They’re gaining popularity in the UK among enthusiasts and exotic pet lovers, but they’re not always ideal for beginners due to their unique needs.
🐾 Key Differences:
-
Temperament: Duprasis are generally calm and docile — often described as more “cuddly” than standard gerbils. However, they can also be shy and may require gentle handling to avoid stress.
-
Solo Housing: Unlike Mongolian gerbils, fat-tailed gerbils often prefer to live alone. They can become territorial or even aggressive toward cage mates, especially in adulthood. Always house them separately unless you’re an experienced keeper managing a breeding pair.
-
Dietary Needs: Due to their desert heritage, duprasis tend to have a higher fat and protein requirement than typical gerbils. A balanced diet for them includes:
-
Quality seeds and grains
-
Dried insects like mealworms
-
High-protein forage like sunflower heads, and freeze-dried pumpkin
-
Explore healthy, natural snacks in our treats collection
-
Enclosure Needs: Duprasi gerbils are less active and burrow less than Mongolian gerbils, but they still benefit from a well-ventilated tank with cozy nesting materials. Try adding banana leaf baskets or soft hideouts for comfort.
⚠️ Things to Consider Before Getting One:
-
Availability: You won’t typically find fat-tailed gerbils in high street pet shops. They are more often sold by breeders or found through exotic pet networks. Look for listings like “duprasi for sale” or “fat-tailed gerbil for sale near me” to locate one.
-
Veterinary Knowledge: Not all vets are familiar with duprasi health care, so make sure you have access to an exotics-savvy vet.
-
Research is Key: They may be low-energy, but they’re not “low effort.” Read up on their behaviour, housing preferences, and dietary needs before committing.
Should You Get a Duprasi Gerbil?
If you're an experienced small pet owner looking for a quiet, unique companion, a duprasi gerbil could be a perfect fit. But if you’re new to small animal care or want more interactive pets, traditional Mongolian gerbils might be a better choice.
Either way, you'll find everything from enrichment to nutritious snacks in our gerbil collection
Common Questions About Gerbils 🐹❓
New to gerbil care? Whether you’re looking for gerbils for sale or preparing to welcome your first pair, you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked by future and current gerbil owners:
🧍♂️🧍♀️ How many gerbils should I get?
At minimum, you should always get two gerbils — preferably from the same litter or introduced while young. Gerbils are highly social creatures, and living alone can lead to stress, depression, and even health issues. A same-sex pair (two males or two females) is ideal for beginners, though some experienced owners manage harmonious trios.
📌 Tip: Always introduce gerbils in neutral territory and avoid housing unfamiliar adults together without careful introductions.
🚻 Can I keep male and female gerbils together?
Only if you are intentionally breeding — and have the time, resources, and experience to raise litters responsibly. Gerbils breed quickly and frequently. Just one male and female pair can lead to dozens of babies in just a few months.
For most pet owners, it's safest to:
-
Stick to same-sex pairs
-
Double-check their sexes at adoption or purchase
-
Avoid accidental litters by keeping males and females separated
👃 Do gerbils smell?
Surprisingly, no — gerbils have little to no body odour. Unlike some small pets, they come from desert environments and produce very dry waste, which naturally reduces unpleasant smells. As long as their enclosure is cleaned regularly and bedding is changed weekly, you’ll hardly notice a scent.
To keep things extra fresh:
-
Use deep, absorbent bedding
-
Offer a sand bath weekly to keep their fur clean
-
Remove uneaten fresh food and spot-clean daily
🧼 Looking for natural bedding and clean accessories? Shop our gerbil supplies
❓ Bonus FAQs
Can gerbils be handled?
Yes! With regular, gentle handling, gerbils can become very friendly. Just avoid grabbing them from above (like a predator would) — instead, let them walk onto your hand.
Are gerbils noisy at night?
Not really. Because gerbils are diurnal, they’re active mostly during the day. At night, they’re typically resting — making them great pets for light sleepers.
Do gerbils bite?
Gerbils rarely bite unless they’re frightened or mishandled. With trust and proper socialisation, they’re gentle, curious pets.
Still unsure about something? You can always contact us, or browse our full range of gerbil accessories, chews, and forages in the Moony Paw Gerbil Collection
Final Thoughts 🐾
Gerbils are more than just small pets — they’re curious, intelligent, and full of character. From their impressive burrowing skills to their playful interactions and gentle nature, these little rodents offer big companionship in a small package. When given a proper setup, the right nutrition, and daily interaction, gerbils will not only thrive — they’ll truly flourish.
Whether you’re a first-time owner or looking to upgrade your current gerbil setup, caring for these amazing animals is both rewarding and enriching. With minimal odour, affordable care costs, and their daytime activity pattern, gerbils make an excellent choice for children, families, and even adult hobbyists seeking a low-maintenance but endlessly engaging pet.
At Moony Paw, we’re here to support every step of your gerbil journey — from essential gerbil supplies and healthy forages to creative enrichment items and cozy accessories. And if you're considering adding to your furry family, we encourage you to explore both reputable breeders and adoption options through our UK Small Animal Rescue List.
Ready to spoil your little diggers?
