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My new gerbil isn't drinking or climbing for food. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Gerbil | Female

We just brought home a gerbil and she doesn't seem to be drinking a lot of water. also we bought the little creature play house cage and it came with the whole set up. Her food sits on a tray but to get to it she must climb up a tube to get there yet she hasn't figured out how to climb up inside and threw it to get to the food which is her only way.so we had to leave it on her bedding but want her to learn to climb the tube for her food and since it's for hamsters she should too plz help us

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on November 12th, 2018

Thanks for reaching out about Babygirl. Eventually, she should figure out the extent of her surrounds and will investigate the cage. But until then, do place food where she can find it.
Gerbils are desert animals and don't have a high need for water and are able to extract water from food well. Monitor urination.
Good luck.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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