What Is a Gerbil? Your Complete Guide to Pet Gerbils

Power is built low to the ground, and once you welcome a gerbil into your home, you’ll soon understand the truth in this phrase.

These mammals belong to the order of the Rodentia, and the family Cricetidae. The most common breed of pet gerbil is the Mongolian gerbil, whose scientific name (meriones unguiculatus) translates to "little clawed warrior" in Latin. There are many species of gerbils, over 80 of which have been identified, and you can probably see how well this translation physically describes your gerbil. The name, however, can be a little misleading, since your gerbil is known as the most docile and calm of furry pets.

A Mongolian gerbil usually weighs between four and five ounces, and will grow to just under six inches long. Mongolian gerbils tend to be "agouti" in color, meaning golden brown with black-tipped fur, and sport a long-furred tail with a tuft of fur at the end. There are other species of gerbils you may run across. However, more exotic species are usually harder to find, not as friendly and more expensive.

Other species you may find

Larger than a Mongolian gerbil, this species is more aggressive. It grows to approximately eight inches long.

Smaller in size than the Mongolian, this species will grow to only three inches in length. It has a compact and slender body, much like that of a rat. This species gerbil is also a prolific breeder.

This gerbil measures about two inches in length and has no fur on the pads of its feet. But be careful, this species tends to be a nasty biter.

A little larger than the Mongolian, this species’ coloring is more red than agouti. But, just like the Indian Gerbil, this gerbil is reputed to have an unhappy disposition.

Often called the "Snow Shoe" gerbil, this species has very large hind feet. It will grow to be about three inches long.

One of the largest known gerbils, this species measures approximately eight inches in length. It has thick, coarse fur with hairless forelimbs. Overall, this breed more closely resembles a rat due to its heavy body and short tail.

What's the difference?

Mongolian gerbils are small, typically white-bellied, agouti-colored rodents found in Africa, Central Asia, India and the Middle East. These gerbils have enlarged front and hind legs, enabling them to be very skillful jumpers—which is important to remember when handling your little guy. It’s important to always keep your gerbil low to the ground and near a soft place when holding them; you don't want your furry friend to jump from your grip and get hurt. The combination of large hind feet and long tail enables gerbils to balance themselves as they stands upright. You may think your gerbil resembles other rodents, but they are actually very different.

Comparison to other rodents

With only a few scattered hairs on its tail, it is difficult to confuse a rat's tail with your gerbil's furry one. Rats are also larger than your gerbil and have round, slightly bulging eyes.

A mouse is smaller than your gerbil, and has a differently shaped head and ears. Mice also have smaller eyes and a sparsely haired tail.

A hamster is larger than your gerbil, but has a shorter tail and smaller eyes.

Another important distinction is that your gerbil is highly sociable and enjoys the companionship of other gerbils. So, it might be a good idea to adopt two gerbils if you can handle it.

Pet of distinction

Aside from their sociability, there are also other distinctions that make your gerbil an ideal pet:

• Gerbils are extremely clean animals, and continually groom themselves, and any roommate gerbils around. They should be given a dust bath at least once a week. The dust will absorb oils from their skin resulting in a healthy coat.
• Your gerbil will rarely bite because they have non-aggressive “fright and flight” mechanisms, which are not easily provoked or stimulated.
• Gerbils tend to be more curious than scared, and while noises tend to send rats, mice and hamsters scurrying for cover, your gerbil will probably be standing on their hind legs wondering, “what’s going on?”
• Your gerbil is also very active and friendly. The Mongolian gerbil is diurnal, not nocturnal, and will have bouts of endless energy throughout the day (and perhaps the night) separated by naps in between. These short naps or rest periods may last for a few hours, and will leave your pet refreshed and recharged.

Gerbils are highly social colony animals, and they can become depressed when left alone. So, unless you have some compelling reason not to, gerbils should always be adopted in pairs. A solo gerbil won't be content unless you spend a great deal of time together.

Naturally, your gerbil will depend on you to provide the basic necessities like appropriate housing, food, water, general care and love. Other than that, your gerbil will require very little time from you. Gerbils crave companionship, which can easily be satisfied by welcoming another gerbil as a roommate. Since gerbils are somewhat territorial, you should keep a few things in mind when selecting a roommate for your gerbil. It’s best to get two gerbils of the same sex and age, and do so at the same time. Selecting two gerbils at five to six weeks old that are from the same litter tends to be a good policy when adopting a pair of furry friends.

When you introduce two gerbils, do so on neutral ground to minimize the risks of fighting. You might try a clean, deodorized habitat that has been rearranged. This can distract your first gerbil and makes them more likely to accept their new roommate.

A pair of gerbils interacting can be quite a sight. Due to their social nature, they often groom, lick and snuggle together. When they are feeling energetic, they can often be seen wrestling and chasing each other.

Introductions

If this method does not work, you can try the masking method. Through this option you must mask the scent of each gerbil by placing a strong odor, like perfume or vanilla, on each of your gerbil's noses. As the scent wears off, they will gradually become accustomed to the other animal's scent.

There is no guarantee that these methods will be 100% effective, but, there is a good chance of success. As stated previously, it’s just easier and better to get two gerbils at the same time, from the same litter. When introducing two gerbils that have not been together before, it is always a good idea to quarantine the new gerbil for a few days to make sure they show no sign of disease. If your new gerbil is active and curious, with a shiny coat and steady appetite, you probably have a very healthy gerbil, and it is safe to begin the introductions.

If you decide that you now want to adopt a new roommate for your single gerbil, there are many ways to introduce a new gerbil into your household. It’s important that you adopt your second gerbil before they are seven weeks and introduce your new gerbil before your first gerbil is 10 weeks old. Gerbils are not very territorial around this time, so that’s why age is so important when introducing the two.

When introducing one gerbil to another, there are two common methods of introduction:

One is a “split habitat” method, where a divider or barrier separates the two inside of their habitat. This is done to let them see and smell each other, before ever meeting whisker to whisker. With this method you will need to swap your gerbils from side to side every few hours for about three days to one week. At the end of that time, both animals should be used to each other's scent and get along just fine. Sometimes this process must be repeated.

Eating out of the palm of your hand

Did you know that you can tame your gerbil? That’s right, with a little patience, some tasty morsels and a soothing voice, you can gain your gerbil's trust easily. If you have never picked up your gerbil, it is recommended that you let the animal first become accustomed to your scent. You can accomplish this by putting your hand in the habitat with your fist balled (making a fist helps your pet not mistake your fingers for food). With your fist balled, let your furry friend come to you. Repeat this action a few times until your gerbil becomes used to your scent.

Once your pet is comfortable with your scent, extend the palm of your hand into their home, with a tasty treat like a raisin or a piece of cheese. Soon, your gerbil will be coming up and taking treats right from your hand.

If they appear shy at first, don't worry; a gerbil’s innate curiosity will eventually make them drawn to your touch. After some time, your pet will associate your scent as something good. Eventually, no coaxing will be needed to hold your pet.

Once your gerbil is comfortable being held, you can scoop them up from the side and gently cup your hands around them. When taking gerbils out of a habitat, remember that they’re quick jumpers, so be careful.

Also, when taking your gerbil out of the habitat, make sure that you’re in a room with closed doors, so that if they do escape, they won't be able to go far. Always speak to your gerbil in a soothing tone of voice. Screaming at anyone, or any pet, only adds stress to the situation. Stress is dangerous, because it can lead to illness in small animals like gerbils. So, whether you’re handling or feeding your pet, always act calm and patient.

Even though your gerbil is an eager explorer, it’s never recommended to take your gerbil outside. It may be very difficult to catch them if they escape, and there are many hazards such as poisonous plants and predatory animals.

Keeping your gerbil on a routine will help them stay happy and healthy. This is especially true when it comes to an eating routine.

Establishing a handling routine for your gerbil is also important. Always handle your pet gently, with love and care. Should your behavior change in the way you handle your gerbil, your gerbil will likely sense it and become stressed. The worst thing you can do when handling your gerbil is to restrain your pet on its back. This will likely strike panic and fear into your pet.

Gerbils have a number of distinct traits, so it’s important to be conscious of what exactly is normal behavior.

• Highly sociable - Gerbils enjoy the companionship of another gerbil, as well as humans.
• Gnawing - This helps their incisor teeth from growing too long to be functional.
• Scratching - This keeps their claws relatively short.
• Docile - Gerbils are not easily frightened.
• Curious - Gerbils are eager explorers.
• Active - Gerbils have boundless energy between resting periods, and are not nocturnal.
• Grooming - By using their teeth, tongue and sometimes claws, gerbils keep themselves very clean. They need a dust bath once a week.
• Burrower - Gerbils have nesting instincts.

• Touches noses with other gerbils - A form of gerbil greeting.
• Licking - Gerbils will lick their habitat or tank as an indication of thirst.
• Thumping - This behavior signifies danger or sexual excitement.
• Eye winking - Believe it or not, gerbils will wink when you give them treats. This is a sign of pleasure or gratitude. If you blink, your gerbil just might blink back at you!
• Purring - Although you can’t hear it, gerbils will purr by vibrating. This is a sign of feeling comfortable.

Gerbils are loving, friendly and innately curious animals. They can provide you with hours of entertainment, as well as boundless affection. Your gerbil will not only bond with a roommate, but also with you. And as you routinely feed, handle and love your pet, this bond will only grow stronger.

How to choose your gerbil

The decision to adopt a gerbil should be made carefully and with common sense. Impulsive or spur of the moment adoption is always a bad policy when adopting any pet. There are several factors you need to consider before you become a pet parent, and these factors will help you identify important needs that must be met.

By answering these questions prior to adoption, you can better maintain a sense of logic in your decision-making:

Reality check

Just as there are situations where a gerbil makes the ideal pet, there are other instances where a gerbil is truly inappropriate.

Parents should not count on one of their kids to be the pet's primary caregiver. While a child may have the best intention to care for their pet, they can easily lose interest or become too busy. A gerbil's need for care and attention will always remain constant.

No matter what the occasion, presenting a gerbil as a gift is presumptuous and dangerous. All potential parents need to review their situation to determine if caring for a gerbil is a good idea for them. While the gift of a gerbil may be well-received in some instances, it can also be an unwanted surprise.

Basic rules for choosing your gerbil

Purchasing any pet can be an emotionally driven decision. So, when selecting your gerbil, remember to choose with your head, not just your heart. Both you and your gerbil will be better off that way.

To help you with this decision, follow these basic rules:

• If a child is making the selection, remember that their decision is usually based on looks and emotion. Kids can also be easily overwhelmed by too many choices, so it’s a smart idea to give them intentionally limited options.
• Allowing time for an adjustment period is wise if you have other pets. Your new gerbil will need to be left alone so that they can acclimate to their new surroundings in peace.
• Have everything ready to go beforehand so that you can welcome home your gerbil without distractions. It’s important to have your gerbil settle in before they have any company.

Transport your gerbil safely home in a carrying container made of transparent plastic with a barrel lid. Carriers with two handles usually work best for transporting your gerbil. When transporting your gerbil, it’s also important that you line the carrier with litter, tissue or hay to keep your gerbil from sliding or being injured. Keep the container upright and out of the sun. This will make your furry friend feel secure.

During short trips, it’s not necessary to feed them extra, because they usually lose their appetite due to the stress of moving. Be aware that the cardboard or paper cartons supplied by pet stores will rarely stand up to the gnawing teeth of a gerbil. So, it’s best not to use them more than once.

With careful observation and the help of the following checklist, you should be able to tell if your gerbil is healthy. Before you make your final selection, thoroughly examine your gerbil for the following:

• A key temperamental quality to seek out is curiosity. While holding the baby gerbils make sure they give you a thorough once-over. Sniffing at your hands and looking at you with clear, large eyes are good signs.
• A healthy gerbil should have a tail as long as their body, with a burst of soft fur at the end. A healthy gerbil should also have a well-formed, stocky body.
• A healthy gerbil's nose should be clean and free from any scabs or discharge. Avoid gerbils that have sore, red or bleeding noses. This could be an indication of infection or an allergy cause by their bedding.
• Dry or ruffled fur, and runny or dull eyes usually signal a sick gerbil.
• Sometimes a healthy gerbil will seem depressed if they have been alone for too long. So, give your gerbil a chance to perk up once you pet them. If all other signs point to a healthy gerbil, odds are they're just lonely.

A final word

It’s not a bad idea to arrange a visit to the veterinarian on your way home from picking up your new gerbil. The veterinarian will check and make sure your little one is healthy, and can answer any other questions you might have.

Another important side-note is how to properly handle your gerbil. It takes time for your gerbil to learn that you mean them no harm, so allow your gerbil time to gradually build confidence. Make sure you always support them with both hands as well.

Just like a gerbil, always use your instincts when making your final selection. Common sense is your best guarantee for living happily ever after with your furry little friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gerbil, and is one right for me? A gerbil is a small, social rodent belonging to the order Rodentia and the family Cricetidae. The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is the most common pet species — calm, curious and diurnal, meaning it's active during the day alongside you. If you want an interactive, low-odor small pet that thrives with a companion, a gerbil is a strong choice for most households.

How long do gerbils live? Mongolian gerbils typically live three to five years with proper nutrition, housing and veterinary care. Because their lifespan is relatively short, committing to a pair from the start means neither gerbil faces those years alone.

What do gerbils eat? Gerbils do best on a nutritionally complete commercial diet formulated for small pets, supplemented with fresh vegetables in small amounts. Like all small animals, their nutritional needs are specific — overfeeding seeds or sugary treats can lead to imbalances. Treats should make up no more than 10% of the total diet. Always consult your veterinarian if you have questions about your gerbil's nutrition [https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals].

How much space does a gerbil need? A pair of Mongolian gerbils needs a secure, well-ventilated habitat with plenty of room to burrow, explore and exercise — a minimum of 10 gallons of space is a commonly cited starting point, though larger is always better. Deep bedding (at least four to six inches) lets them satisfy their natural digging instincts. Avoid housing them in a bare or cramped enclosure, as lack of enrichment can cause stress.

Are gerbils social — do I need more than one? Yes. Gerbils are colony animals by nature and can become stressed or depressed when kept alone. Adopting a same-sex pair from the same litter at five to six weeks of age is the most reliable way to ensure a harmonious bond. A solo gerbil can adapt only if you commit to extensive daily interaction — but a bonded pair will keep each other company around the clock.

What common household items are toxic to gerbils? Several everyday substances pose real risks to small pets. Cedar and pine wood shavings release aromatic oils that can irritate the respiratory tract. Many houseplants, certain fruits (such as grapes and rhubarb) and cleaning product residues can also be harmful. If you suspect your gerbil has been exposed to a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].

Gerbil Species at a Glance

Wondering which gerbil is right for your home? The Mongolian gerbil is by far the most common species kept as a pet in the US — and for good reason — but a handful of other species do occasionally appear in specialty rescues or exotic pet circles. Use this table to compare the species you're most likely to encounter, so you can make a confident, informed choice for your family.

Petco's recommendation: For the vast majority of pet parents — especially families and first-time small-pet parents — the Mongolian gerbil is the clear choice. He is the most studied, most handleable and most readily available species, and he genuinely thrives with a same-sex companion by his side. All other species listed above are significantly harder to source, less accustomed to human interaction and may require specialized care that goes beyond standard gerbil husbandry. Always consult your veterinarian before bringing home any exotic or non-Mongolian gerbil species to discuss species-specific nutritional and housing needs.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.