Quick Answer

Looking for the perfect gerbil? Our encyclopedia covers 1+ gerbil breeds with detailed info on temperament, health, exercise needs, and grooming requirements. Browse below to find your ideal match.

🐹1 Breeds

Gerbil Care Guide 2026

Mongolian gerbils are curious, social desert rodents that love to burrow and dig. They are cleaner and less smelly than most small rodents, produce minimal urine, and are active during the day. Their deep burrowing instinct means housing setup is key.

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3-5 yrs

Average lifespan

👥

Must be kept in pairs

🕳️

8-10 in

Deep bedding needed

✨

Low

Odor level

How to Choose the Right Gerbil

Social Needs

Gerbils must live in same-sex pairs or groups. Never keep one alone.

Burrowing

Need deep bedding (8-10 inches) for tunneling — their primary natural behavior.

Activity

Active in short bursts throughout day and night. Fun to watch during the day.

Housing

Glass tanks (gerbilarium) work best — wire cages let bedding scatter everywhere.

🐹 Types & Categories

Mongolian Gerbil

Agouti, Black, White, Lilac

Most common pet species, hardy, social

Fat-tailed Gerbil

Duprasi (single species)

Solitary, docile, hamster-like, rarer as pets

Browse All 1 Gerbil Breeds

Click on any breed to learn about their personality, care needs, and health considerations.

Small

Gerbil

Gerbils are social, burrowing rodents that are more active during the day than hamsters. They should be kept in same-sex pairs or groups.

SocialActiveCurious

Frequently Asked Questions

Do gerbils smell?▼

Gerbils are one of the least smelly small pets. They are desert animals that produce very little urine and dry droppings. A properly maintained tank needs full cleaning only every 2-3 weeks.

Why do gerbils need deep bedding?▼

Burrowing is a fundamental gerbil behavior. They build complex tunnel systems for sleeping, food storage, and security. Without at least 8-10 inches of bedding, gerbils become stressed and may develop repetitive behaviors like bar chewing.

Can I introduce a new gerbil to an existing one?▼

Adult gerbil introductions are risky and require the "split cage method" — a divided tank where they can see and smell each other for 1-2 weeks before supervised contact. Never put two stranger gerbils together directly — they may fight to the death.

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Trusted sources: AVMA Pet Selection