It’s important to gather toys like climbing tunnels, seesaws, run-about balls, gerbil wheels, and anything that they can climb safely, because as gerbil lovers, we’ve all seen how quickly and determined our little pets are when it comes to exploring their home and ours.

The Kaytee Tree of Life accessory and Exotic Nutrition wheel seem to satisfy all of that and more, with Kaytee’s multifunctioning build and Exotic’s squeak-free and large design. Multiple gerbils can play and explore each of these toys at a time, providing both excellent companion time and exercise.

However, I know not all owners need to support 2 or more gerbils, and that gerbils come in all shapes and ages, so here’s a guide to the best gerbil toys for every household.

Read on for a guide on what to look out for, as well as what to avoid, when buying toys for your gorgeous little girls and boys!

Top 10 Best Gerbil Toys & Wheel

Kaytee Tree of Life Pet Habitat Accessory – Best Multifunctional Gerbil Toy

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The Tree of Life is a quirky gerbil accessory that covers three different bases – exercising, sleeping, and eating. This option is great if you already have a selection of gerbil toys installed or want to keep things more compact. All you need to do is add food to your gerbils’ cage and they’re ready to go!

Kaytee has made life easy by making the food bowl detachable for easy cleaning. The tree-trunk snug has no bottom to it so you can remove bedding without having to fish it out through tiny holes. If you have big hands, this is ideal! The wheel has no protruding axle and a molded track for non-slip scurrying. 

The plastic construction does mean you’ll need to watch for signs of wear. There is no clear way to anchor the Tree of Life down so if your gerbils like to scramble over each other in their nest, they might tip this over from time to time. 

Pros

• Multifunctional layout – perfect for compact living
• Cute woodland design
• Easy to clean

Cons

• No anchor points
• Watch out for signs of chewing

Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Exercise Wheel – Best Wheel for Multiple Gerbils

If your little pet is full of energy and you’re in the market for a wheel, then we recommend this exercise wheel from Exotic Nutrition. As the name suggests, it’s virtually squeak-free and big enough for a couple of gerbils to exercise together

Featuring a solid back and no central axle, your gerbils will enjoy a safe run and you won’t worry about any trapped tails. Molded track means your critters can reach top speed without slipping!

Another handy feature is that you can either use the stand or attach it to cage bars so this wheel will complement both a tank or cage setup.

This wheel is more of an investment than some of the other toys on the list. If you’re on a budget and aren’t sure if your gerbils enjoy wheel-running, think about some of our other options. If you have two or more bundles of energy that get bored quickly, this is a great choice.

Pros

• 9” diameter can accommodate multiple gerbils
• Almost-silent construction
• Choice of attachment methods to suit any cage setup

Cons

• Expensive in comparison to other toys
• Takes up quite a lot of space in your gerbil cage

Niteangel Suspension Bridge for Small Pets – Best Gerbil Ladder

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As with the Fun Tunnel, the Suspension Bridge from Niteangel allows you to create different challenges and setups for your gerbils. However, the Suspension Bridge has the added bonus of fitting inside your gerbils’ cage so they can play unsupervised.

You can attach the handy metal hooks to cage bars to create bridges, ladders, or hammocks. If your gerbils’ tank doesn’t have bars, the construction is sturdy enough to build walls or bridges on the floor of the tank. This is best suited to a cage with bars to maximize your playtime options. 

Pros

• Can create multi-level adventures in your gerbils’ cage with hook attachments
• Sturdy construction keeps its shape 
• Destructible materials for safe chewing

Cons

• Some owners notice an unpleasant smell
• Less suited to gerbil tank habitats

Kaytee Nut Knot Nibbler Toy – Best Gerbil Chew Toy

Any gerbil that loves to chew (isn’t that all of them?!) will adore the Nut Knot Nibbler. A puzzle and a snack all in one, gerbils can chomp, pull apart and bury their deconstructed treasure for hours of fun. This toy is made from safe, untreated wood – and some of the most durable – so it’ll last ages for even the most excited chewers.

One of the few colored options, this safely-dyed puzzle will brighten up your gerbils’ cage and your day when you see your pets enjoying their new toy!

As the puzzle comes apart, try and keep track of the smaller pieces of wood and clear away if they become too small. Also, avoid if you don’t like a mess – once your gerbils dismantle this, there’s no going back!

Pros

• Bright and cheerful
• Provides mental stimulation
• Gerbils can easily move when deconstructed

Cons

• Looks a mess when pulled apart
• Small pieces of wood are hard to find and remove

Prevue Hendryx 1092 Nature’s Hideaway Grass Tunnel – Best Budget Gerbil Toy

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The Nature’s Hideaway Grass Tunnel isn’t the most exciting looking toy on the list but your gerbils will love the burrowing, hiding, and nibbling possibilities it provides. 

Fully edible, signs of wear are not a worry, though this may disappear under your gerbils’ substrate in a matter of minutes. With this in mind, this is not the best option if you want to watch your gerbils playing. 

However, if you want a budget-friendly option that is ideal for any number of gerbils, young or old, this is the perfect all-rounder. 

Pros

• Cheap to buy
• Fully edible
• Light and easy for gerbils to move around

Cons

• Likely to move underground so you can’t see your gerbils play
• Won’t last as long as some toys

Ware Fun Tunnel Play Tube – Best Gerbil Toy for Supervised Playtime

Buy from Chewy

If you enjoy free-play with your gerbils, the Ware Fun Tunnel Play Tube is an exciting addition to your gerbils’ playtime routine. 

The flexible design means you can set up twisty adventure courses for your gerbils to explore while they exercise. 

Because it needs to bend, the plastic itself is quite thin. This means that gerbils should only play with the Fun Tunnel under your supervision and keep an eye for signs of wear as they will try to chew through it. 

However, if you want to give your gerbils a new, exciting challenge beyond the walls of their cage, the Fun Tunnel can be a great addition to your gerbils’ toybox. 

Pros

• Quick to set up and tidy away for free-play outside of the cage
• Flexibility means you can design different challenges for your gerbils!

Cons

• Only suitable for supervised play
• Won’t fit in a cage

Trixie Natural Living Mat House – Best Toy for Curious Gerbils

The Natural Living Mat House is a crowd-pleaser for both gerbils and owners alike. Watch your gerbils climb, tunnel, and adventure with this multi-level playhouse. This is the perfect toy for gerbils who want to explore, climb and get plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

Fill the lower level with bedding for a snug hideaway, ideal if one of your gerbils needs some quiet time while their buddies mountaineer over the top!

The wooden construction is ideal for maintaining dental hygiene, though some buyers have noticed that metal staples have become visible over time so regularly check for signs of wear. The lack of anchor points with this house means tipping is a safety concern. Combat this by wiring one of the ladders to cage bars if you’re worried. 

Pros

• Split level fun means space to climb, play and rest
• Natural wood for keeping teeth healthy
• Cute log-cabin design

Cons

• Watch out for metal staples
• No specific anchor points

Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way – Best Gerbil Toy for Older Gerbils

Buy from Chewy

If your gerbils are getting older and less active, give them a space for some R&R with this Woodland Get-A-Way.

A simple, fuss-free design is perfect for your elderly gerbils with an easy-to-access entrance but also a fun peep-hole if they are feeling a little more adventurous. You can also pamper them with a dust bath by popping some dust or sand on the top for a spa-style treat. 

Cleaning is easy with a floor-free design. Simply lift and clear away the bedding. Watch out for gerbils using the top as a toilet. The wood will absorb urine so may begin to smell over time. 

Pros

• Simple design – perfect for older gerbils to relax
• Easy to clean away bedding
• Choice of sizes depending on how many gerbils you own

Cons

• Will absorb any urine
• Less exciting than other options

Kaytee Chew-Moji Ka-bob – Best Refillable Gerbil Chew Toy

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If you want a toy that will last, opt for the Chew-Moji Ka-bob. Featuring cute, chewable emoji faces and a tinkling bell, your gerbils can signal to you when it’s treat time!

Once your gerbils finish the chews, rethread snacks to this holder for a dental chew that will last and last. 

If your gerbils live in your bedroom, a toy with a bell may not be the wisest choice. However, if your gerbils hang out in communal areas only, this is a quirky addition that your gerbils are sure to love!

Pros

• Reusable metal holder for future treats
• Funny emoji design
• Simple design suitable for any age gerbil

Cons

• Noisy bell
• Only suitable for wired cages

A Guide to Gerbil Toys and What to Look For

As with any small animal, it’s important to keep them busy and entertained. After all, a stimulated pet is a happy pet and that’s the reason you’re here, right? A variety of toys will provide your gerbils with an enriching environment. This is important as gerbils spend the majority of their time in their cage. 

What Materials Should My Gerbils’ Toys Be?

Keeping your gerbils safe should be priority number one and that’s why you need to make sure the toys you provide are of good quality. Gerbils are big on chewing so anything that will crack or splinter easily is a definite no-no. 

Keep in mind the purpose of each toy when looking at the materials – wooden toys make great chew toys but will need replacing after a fairly short space of time. You’ll want a hideaway to last so think about plastic with plenty of space to fill with warm bedding.

Always remember to replace toys once they begin to show signs of wear to keep your gerbils safe and sound.

What Sort of Toys Does My Gerbil Need?

Different gerbil toys will fulfill different needs for your gerbils and fall broadly under these headings:

• Wheels – gerbils are active little critters so a wheel is a must. Let them stretch their legs and hit their daily step count with a wheel!
• Tubes/ladders – gerbils love to climb and burrow. Providing toys that feed these natural instincts will definitely be a hit with your pets.
• Chews – gerbils need to wear their teeth down by chewing on their surroundings. Have fun with quirky chew toys and look after their dental health too!
• Hideaways – gerbils love to get some shuteye so a cozy hideaway will help them feel safe, secure, and snoozy.
• Dust Baths – just like chinchillas, gerbils love a dust bath to get clean. 

If space allows, choosing a selection from the above is best for your gerbil as they need different accessories for exercise, play, and puzzling things out. You can also see what activities and toys they prefer. 

What About Older Gerbils?

Your gerbils’ toy preferences can change as they get older. With relatively short lifespans, you might see them slowing down around two years old. When you start noticing the signs, consider swapping out high-energy toys for cozier shelters and chewable snacks.

Best Gerbil Toys: Next Steps

Having read through our reviews, you should now have an idea of what toys will suit your gerbils and their temperaments. If you’re still unsure, here are our top picks:

• The Kaytee Tree of Life is perfect for those starting out on their gerbil owner journey and already established owners. For an easy choice that ticks all the boxes and saves you valuable time, this is the one for you. 
• The Trixie Natural Living Mat House is our favorite if you want a multi-sensory toy that is super cute to boot. 
• The Kaytee Nut Knot Nibbler is our favorite chew toy if you already have hideaways and exercise covered and want to provide some mental stimulation for your fuzzy pals. 

The post The Best Gerbil Toy Reviews 2022: Huge Fun for Your Tiny Pets appeared first on My Life Pets.

As a long-time gerbil enthusiast and owner, I know it can be tricky when you want to give your gerbils the very best but don’t know where to start. With so many options out there and every gerbil having a different temperament, I know how overwhelming it is to decide on what’s best for your own gerbils. 

This is why I prefer Science Selective Gerbil Food above every other brand tested. It’s the only option on the list that is made just for gerbils and not inclusive of other small animals. I found this reassuring – your gerbil won’t be eating any unnecessary filler because it’s better for a hamster diet.

While my favorite is the Science Selective Gerbil Food, every gerbil is different and some hate pellet foods. That’s why I’ve also included mixed blends on this list and like the Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend that’s a mix of seeds, nuts, and fruits for a moreish meal and happy gerbils.

Read our reviews of our favorite picks along with our handy guide on what to look out for and delight your gerbils with a nutritious and delicious feast!

The Best Gerbil Food

Starting us off is our favorite Science Selective, but you’ll also find the best budget, value, and premium pick! I’ve even listed a couple of treats at the end that are sure to brighten your gerbil’s day.

Science Selective Gerbil Food – Best Gerbil Specific Food

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Science Selective is a highly regarded brand that specializes in specific feeds for each type of pet. I had a rabbit who thrived on Selective food when other brands caused her tummy troubles, so I know first-hand what a difference it can make when an animal’s specific make-up informs what goes into the food.

Made with 17% protein, this is ideal for juvies and younger adults. The formulation contains all the vitamins and minerals your gerbil needs as well as linseed for those all-important fatty acids. Added prebiotics also support digestive wellbeing, keeping your gerbils tummy ticking along nicely. 

The only downside here is that the pellets might not appeal to some gerbils, as with any reformed pellets. Consider livening up mealtimes with a treat or two and watch your gerbils thrive on Science Selective.

Pros

• Award-winning pellet food – ideal for fussy eaters
• Formulated for gerbils’ exact protein requirements
• Added prebiotics, linseed, and calcium-phosphorus for full-body health

Cons

• Might not appeal to picky eaters
• Some dust build-up in the bottom of the bag

Kaytee Field + Forest Hamster & Gerbil Food – Best Premium Choice

Unlike other pellets on the list, Kaytee’s Field + Forest pellets take pride in including no timothy hay, promising only premium food products that will benefit your gerbils inside and out. 

We loved the mix of grains and vegetables that you don’t find in cheaper brands’ pellets, such as sweet potato. This is for owners looking for a one-and-done deal that will please their gerbils’ bellies and tastebuds. There’s no need to worry about finding extra supplements as everything is right here in one handy bag.

Field + Forest is low in fat too, meaning you can treat your gerbils with tasty toppers guilt-free. You can rest assured that every single bite will be doing your gerbil a ton of good.

Pros

• Premium grains and vegetables
• No filler content
• No added sugar

Cons

• More expensive than some pellets

Oxbow Essentials Hamster & Gerbil Food – Best Budget Pellets

Oxbow Essentials is a pellet food designed to mimic a gerbil’s natural diet and is free from any artificial additives including colors or preservatives. 

Containing 15% protein, and 100% of your gerbils’ recommended vitamins and minerals, this ticks the box for great nutrition as well as great value for money. The fiber content is higher than average, as this feed contains a blend of timothy hay, barley, and oats. Timothy hay isn’t necessary for a gerbil’s diet so counteract this by adding some fresh fruit and veggies for a yummy treat that staves off boredom. 

We loved the excellent value you get with Oxbow Essentials and that gerbils can’t pick out their favorite bits and leave the rest. However, the amount of hay content is a downside when more premium brands don’t contain this filler food.

Pros

• Great value for money
• Pellet formula prevents selective feeding
• No hidden nasties

Cons

• Unnecessary hay content
• Gerbils could get bored

Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Gerbil Food – Best Mixed Food

If your gerbils simply refuse to eat pellets, try Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend for a mixed food packed with all kinds of tasty morsels. Containing seeds, nuts, fruits, legumes, and grains, this food is a feast for any gerbil! Dried apples, pumpkin seeds, cashews, peanuts, and pineapple are just some of the top ingredients included. (Almost sounds good enough for humans too, doesn’t it?)

The variety of this blend is its standout feature, along with its inclusion of probiotics and DHA Omega-3 to promote a healthy immune system. Keep your gerbils in prime condition with a host of other added vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids without any artificial additives or preservatives. 

As with all mixed blends, selective feeding can be an issue, so keep an eye on your gerbils’ eating habits. Some gerbils might see high-sugar fruits as high-value and shun the less exciting legumes and seeds. Consider mixing with pellets or saving for treat days if they are sneaky when it comes to snacking. 

Pros

• The largest variety of ingredients
• Added vitamins and minerals for boosted health benefits
• Resealable packaging

Cons

• Can encourage selective feeding
• Higher sugar content than some alternatives

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food – Best Value

Kaytee’s Forti-Diet Hamster and Gerbil Food is our best value pick. With over 150 years of pet dietary experience, the Forti Diet Pro ensures your gerbil is provided with the best nutrients. It’s packed with probiotics and prebiotics to keep your gerbil’s tummy healthy. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are also added to this mix to keep your furry friend’s eyes, heart, and brain in tip-top condition. 

The crunchy bit of pellets helps maintain your pet’s dental health by naturally chewing on each bit, and it comes in resealable packaging, ensuring your gerbils’ food stays fresher for longer. 

While we love these added extras, we are less thrilled by the artificial colors added to make the pellets more appealing. In our opinion, this is unnecessary and is a downside to what is otherwise a fantastic, cost-effective product. 

Bear in mind your gerbils might pick and choose their favorite tidbits out of this mix so keep an eye out for fussy foraging. 

Pros

• Added probiotics and prebiotics for healthy digestion
• Omega fatty acids promote healthy organs
• Super value

Cons

• Unnecessary added colors
• Can promote selective eating

Delicious Extras: Treats and Toppers

Kaytee Timothy Baked Apple Biscuits

This product may not be suitable for your pet’s daily meal, but it’s perfect as a treat! All animals love a delicious treat, and these high-fiber timothy hay-baked biscuits are the perfect choice for small animals. This is a crispy hay treat with your choice of either apples or carrots. The great thing about these hay biscuits is that it doesn’t make a huge mess.

These delicious and nutritious treats contain no artificial colors or flavors and are made to help encourage dental health and your gerbil’s chewing needs. However, make sure not to overfeed your pet with these, as they’re usually high in fat and sugar, which can negatively affect your gerbil’s health.

Pros

• Offer a healthy serving of fiber
• Great for out of the cage playtime and bonding with your pet

Cons

• High in fat and sugar, so must be used sparingly

Wild Harvest Natural Treat Mix – Best Mixed Topper

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A topper is an extra treat that, when sprinkled sparingly on top of food, will brighten up boring mealtimes and please picky pets. 

Wild Harvest’s Natural Treat Mix contains a selection of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts and is a great way of livening up pellet feeding for fussy eaters. If you want to introduce pellets into your gerbils’ diet, a topper is a cunning way of disguising them while your gerbils get used to the consistency.

If you have food at home that your gerbils aren’t leaping for at mealtimes, save waste and encourage feeding by adding this to the mix. It’s also ideal if you have a sensitive gerbil who isn’t keen on their special food – this can help coax their dinner down. 

Be mindful that this is not a complete feed, with not enough protein and too much fat to use exclusively. Use to compliment a pellet or mixed blend food as a topper or occasional treat. 

Pros

• Colorful variety of fruits, veggies, seeds, and nuts
• Livens up boring mealtimes

Cons

• Not suitable as a complete feed
• High fat – give sparingly!

Kaytee Krunch-a-Rounds Sesame Covered Peanut Treats – Best Playtime Treat

Buy from Chewy

Training and playtime are always more fun when you include snacks. Our favorite occasional treat is the Krunch-a-Rounds Peanut Treats from Kaytee. The size of this treat is what makes Krunch-a-Rounds stand out from the crowd. Large enough for both gerbil and human-sized fingers to grasp, enjoy quality time with your gerbils by hand-feeding these tasty treats.

A solid peanut rolled in a crispy rice coating and then covered in sesame seeds, Krunch-a-Rounds have a combination of exciting smells, tastes, and textures for your gerbils to enjoy. Use sparingly to reward your gerbils’ best behavior and watch them go wild! 

Another treat, rather than complete feed, do not exceed more than 20% of your gerbils’ daily food intake with treats and reduce further if your gerbils show signs of weight gain. Krunch-a-Rounds also won’t encourage your gerbils to eat less enticing food if used as a topper – your gerbils can just pick up their treasure and abandon their pellets.

Pros

• Large enough for hand-feeding
• Perfect training reward
• Exciting layered combination of tastes and textures

Cons

• Only suitable as a treat

Guide to Choosing the Best Gerbil Food

Go into any pet food store and you will see countless small animal foods, some aimed at one particular animal and some marketed at a group of small animals. 

Each of these foods will meet your gerbils’ basic needs, containing a combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The percentage of these will vary between formulas so doing your homework before buying guarantees a meal that not only tastes great but is doing your gerbils good on the inside too.

Different Types of Gerbil Food

Gerbil food falls into two main types and both have their pros and cons:

• Pellet foods combine all the key ingredients for a healthy gerbil diet and reform them into bite-size pellet-shaped morsels. Pellet food is great for ensuring that your gerbils are getting all the vitamins and minerals needed in every mouthful. The downside is that, because gerbils are natural foragers and love variety, they can tire of every bite being identical.

• Mixed blends contain a selection of different vegetables, fruits, seeds and/or nuts that combine to make an exciting and varied mealtime for your gerbil. Gerbils enjoy the chance to forage, dig and sift through a mix of ingredients but this can lead to selective eating. Keep an eye out for your gerbils picking out the tastiest treats and discarding the boring bits. If this happens, switch to a pellet to guarantee a healthy balanced diet.

Get the best of both worlds by feeding a combination of both pellets and mixes to stop your gerbils from getting bored. That way you’ll indulge their foraging streak while keeping mealtimes ultra-healthy too! And if you want to take it a step further, include both crunchy and chewy textures to keep their dental health in check.

Gerbil Food – Frequently Asked Questions

What Should Gerbil Food Contain?

Gerbils are omnivores and, as such, get most of their nutrients from seeds, grains, fruit, and vegetables. In the wild, they eat insects, eggs, roots, and grasses too. Manufactured foods aim to mimic a gerbil’s natural diet by providing the right levels of protein, fiber, and fats to keep them healthy inside and out. 

Check the nutritional make-up on your bag of gerbil food and aim for the following:

Remember that your gerbils’ dietary needs change slightly as they age, too. Older gerbils need a little less protein in their diet than juvies, so aim towards the 15% mark as they start to grow older.

If your gerbils’ preferred food is lower in protein or higher in fat, supplement their dry food diet with fresh fruit and vegetable treats to balance things out. 

Is There Anything I Should Avoid?

Check the ingredients list and avoid any brands that contain added colors and sugars. Gerbil foods that contain fruit will have a naturally higher sugar content but beware of foods with extra additives.

Eating too much sugar can cause your pet’s heart to race, restlessness or panting, and even liver problems. And food that’s packed with artificial ingredients may help with your pet’s growth temporarily, but in the long run, might cause various health problems in your pet.

What About Treats?

Treats, in moderation, are a great reward for your gerbils and can liven up mealtimes, especially if you’re feeding a pellet food. Just use sparingly as treats are often higher in sugars or fats than complete food mixes.

Can Gerbils Eat Human Foods?

Some of you, especially new owners, may be wondering if they can feed their gerbils with human food. Yes, you can actually feed them with certain human foods as treats. Since gerbils are omnivorous, their diet isn’t only limited to fruit and vegetables.

Here are some human foods that they can eat in small quantities:

• Cooked or unseasoned turkey, chicken, or fish
• Yogurt
• Cooked egg
• Cheese

Like most pets, avoid feeding them with chocolates as it can be fatal to them.

Gerbils also enjoy fresh fruit and veg but don’t rely on these as their main food supply. Remember they love to hoard and fresh fruit can go mushy and smelly when squirreled away under their bedding.

What Should I Do Next? Choosing the Best Gerbil Food

Hopefully, our review and guide to gerbil food will have given you a good idea of what to look out for when choosing your gerbils’ next meal, as well as some top brand suggestions.

Our overall winner is the Science Selective Gerbil Food. It’s the only food we found specifically formulated to meet your gerbils’ needs and not a combination of various small animals. We love that Science Selective understands each animal’s unique needs and creates food to match.

If your gerbils hate pellets with a passion, Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend is our favorite mixed blend, guaranteed to keep your gerbils coming back every mealtime. 

If value for money is your thing, try Oxbow Essentials Hamster & Gerbil Food for a nutritionally complete pellet that will work for tighter budgets while still keeping your gerbils healthy. 

The post Chow Time! The Best Gerbil Food Guide and Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

Having shopped for gerbil cages in the past, sifting through the countless options out there is exhausting. I ended up narrowing it down to my basic needs, a cage with space, great accessibility, and versatility. Prevue’s small animal home satisfied this beautifully with their 40-gallon cage and minimalist design that allows you to add various attachments so you can build and modify the cage to your needs.

But how do you choose what best suits your fuzzy friends? Every gerbil and parent is different, and have their own needs that shouldn’t go ignored like available space, budget, and temperament.

We’ve rounded up the 7 best options to suit all your gerbils’ needs. Read on to find out the pros and cons of each cage or tank and discover the best cage for your pet. Explore materials, cage size, depth, and layouts in our handy buyer’s guide and become an expert in gerbil housing! 

Prevue Universal Small Animal Home – Best Gerbil Cage for Multiple Gerbils

The Prevue Universal Small Animal Home is a massive 40-gallons in size so this cage is perfect if you’re homing 3 or 4 gerbils. It is also a cost-effective option if you need the space but you’re on a budget.

Made from metal and heavy-duty plastic it should stand the test of time as it’s also marketed for animals larger than gerbils. 

You can customize the layout by creating different levels and changing things up if your gerbils start to look bored with four different attachment points for the platforms. The closely grouped metal bars allow for gerbils to climb without you ever needing to worry about them slipping through and escaping. The platform included helps curb the mess from over-zealous diggers though not as well as a high-sided tank. What this cage lacks in-depth, it makes up for in floor space.

While not the most stylish cage, the fuss-free design is easy to take apart and clean and the two doors make it easier to catch your gerbils for a cuddle. 

Pros

• Easy to disassemble for cleaning
• Large enough for 3 or 4 gerbils
• Reasonably priced for the size

Cons

• Lower sides = more mess
• Functional design

Savic Habitat XL Gerbil Cage – Best Starter Cage for Two Gerbils

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If you’re looking for a spacious setup to house a couple of gerbils then look no further than the Savic Habitat XL Gerbil Cage. 

Featuring a lower-level plastic tank that clips free from its wire topper, cleaning is an absolute breeze. Mess stays at a minimum with the high-sided tank and the completely metal upper-level construction keeps your gerbils’ cage stain-free, unlike plastic alternatives. 

You’ll also get a food bowl, water bottle, and a plastic tunnel that your gerbils can hide away below their substrate for fun burrowing activities. This will likely get chewed over time, but it’s a cute toy to help make their house a home.

The Habitat XL is pricier than some other options and, for the price tag, a glass tank or stronger plastic is preferable. That said, it’s unlikely your gerbils are going to be able to make a break for it through the bottom of this cage – just be careful you don’t drop it while cleaning. 

This is a fantastic starter set as it contains everything you need to begin your gerbil journey. Add food and bedding and you’re good to go! 

Pros

• Plenty of space for two gerbils 
• All in one setup 
• Quick to assemble

Cons

• High price point
• The plastic base is not as sturdy as a glass tank

Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper – Best Add-On for a Tank

Kaytee is always a great choice when it comes to housing your small animals. They know what makes your gerbil tick and have spent years developing a range of options that will delight any small pet. 

Assembling the cage requires no tools, so it’s perfect for newbies, but you’ll need a 10-gallon tank to sit below this topper as it has no flooring on its own. Once you add this to your tank your gerbil will have a stimulating multi-level playground for hours of fun.

Made from chew-proof wire and stain-resistant plastic, this is an easy-clean option and comes with a host of accessories for your gerbil. You’ll get ramps, shelves, a food bowl, and a water bottle included in this set. Look out for the cute Little Brick House for your gerbil to use as a den or bedroom when they’re not tunneling. 

Bear in mind the size of this setup as it’s only suitable for a single gerbil or juvenile gerbils. But if you’re starting out and want to give your new babies an exciting playground, you can’t go wrong with this gerbil enclosure. 

Pros

• Quick, snap-together assembly
• Loads of accessories
• Easy to clean
• Secure and safe door latch

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a tank
• Only suitable for single gerbils or a couple of juveniles

Prevue Hendryx Deluxe Cage

With a nice pop of Bordeaux red, this cage is designed with complete space in mind for your gerbils. It comes loaded with accessories, including two houses, ladders, platforms, and even a 5 1/2 in. diameter exercise wheel.

This way, if you have more than one gerbil they can have their own nesting areas while having plenty of space to explore together. Although caution when having a wheel in a cage with multiple pets, as they can get rambunctious and accidentally hurt each other.

The base also easily snaps off, giving you easy access to cleaning and maintaining your little gerbil’s homes.

Hot tip!: Cater to your gerbil’s natural instincts and really make this a place of comfort by putting the homes on the platforms as gerbils love being above ground level.

Pros

• Simple design with a pinch of color
• Lets you create a natural enviornment for your gerbils
• Easy maintenance

Cons

• Not as premiuim desgin or build as other on this list
• Shallow sides on the base means more chance of mess

Little Friends Mayfair Gerbilarium Cage with Accessories – Most Stylish Gerbil Cage

Buy from Amazon

If your gerbils only deserve the best, then choose the Little Friends Mayfair Gerbilarium Cage. 

Packed with stylish design features including neutral accessories and a curved topper, the Mayfair features everything you need to meet your gerbils’ standards and is ideal for new owners starting from scratch.

The glass base tank feels premium and is deep enough for some top tunneling and burrowing. 

The Mayfair comes with more accessories than most gerbil cages and includes a food bowl for their fancy snacks, a hideaway, and several ramps and platforms for multi-level adventures. It even comes with a wheel so your gerbils can get their daily exercise without you having to shop around for one. 

Your gerbils are likely to chomp on the wooden platforms included and they will wear over time. This can happen with plastic too so don’t let it put you off this cool scandi-style design. 

There are few downsides to the Mayfair other than the price but you’re getting what you pay for with the sleek, grown-up design and quality materials. If you’re on a budget, keep looking. If you can afford to splash out, treat your gerbils to the Mayfair. 

Pros

• Gorgeous, grown-up design
• Packed with accessories
• Solid glass tank included

Cons

• Premium price tag
• Quick to sell out online so can be hard to get a hold of
• Wooden platforms will wear over time

You & Me Small Animal Cage Topper – Best Gerbil Cage Topper for Easy Space Expansion

Here is another high-rise tank topper that you can use for your pet’s gerbilarium. The You and Me Small Animal Cage Topper comes fully assembled so you can add an extra couple of levels to your gerbil’s home in the blink of an eye! It’s made of high-quality materials and designed to double the living space for multiple gerbils.

This cute tank topper definitely has a more trendy and homey feel to it than other toppers on this list, so it’s an excellent choice for not only increasing space but the aesthetics of your cage. Also, since it’s preassembled it’s ideal for parents that don’t have time to build toppers, or the necessary tools or skills.

As with other toppers featured, you will already need a 10-gallon tank before you start, so this is not the choice if you’re starting out and want everything ready in one purchase. But if you’re looking for a quirky little addition to your tank that’s as cute as your cage’s lodger, this is a great choice. 

Pros

• Cute pitched roof design
• All in one construction – no assembly required
• Instantly doubles a 10-gallon tank’s space

Cons

• Doesn’t come with the tank
• Difficult to store if not in use

Aqueon Fish Tank

This isn’t technically a gerbil cage, however, there are a few important reasons why we’ve recommended it.

First, it’s an easy and affordable option that pairs well with the tank toppers listed above. Now, right off the bat, you can order a multistorey setup for your gerbil and pack it full of accessories and fun toys. There are multi-level cages you can buy, but there’s something about the customization a tank and topper give that makes the experience feel way more tailored to your pet’s needs.

Second, it’s a great opportunity to reuse materials. If you’ve owned fish in the past and have an unused tank laying around, I hope this gives you the inspiration to clean it up and restore it to its former glory. In the end, a lot of these cages are similar and have great reusability with the right tools.

This fish tank is also incredibly sturdy and offers a classic look that will suit any home.

Pros

• Works with tank toppers
• Offers a clearview of your pet at all times
• No open spacing on the cage walls means less mess

Cons

• Not actually a gerbil cage
• Is cheaper to buy an already established cage

What Should I Look For When Choosing a Gerbil Cage?

There are several areas to consider before picking the best gerbil cage or gerbilarium for your pet. It’s recommended you house gerbils in pairs at the very least, so it’s important to pick a home that will comfortably house the number of gerbils you have.

Why Size Matters When Choosing a Gerbil Cage

Gerbils need about 10 gallons of space for one gerbil and then add on an extra 5 gallons for every additional gerbil you have. Check out the dimensions of any cage you’re considering and that it’s big enough for the number of pets you own. 

Having too small a space for your gerbils can cause stress and lead to fighting. Signs of stress include bar chewing and obsessive digging. If your gerbils seem stressed, you may need to size up. 

You’ll also want to provide enough depth to your cage for a good amount of burrowing. Gerbils are natural tunnelers so allow plenty of room to create secret tunnels in the depths of their home. This is why many owners convert aquariums or terrariums as a base for their gerbils’ homes.

Best Materials for Gerbil Cages

If you already own gerbils, you’ll know they love to chew. Bear this in mind when considering your cage construction. Metal and glass are the most durable options but wood and plastic help wear teeth down and are replaceable when needed.

Accessorize Your Gerbil Cage

Make sure your cage has plenty to stimulate your gerbil. Several of the cages reviewed come with toys to keep your critters entertained but, if not, remember to provide a range of toys to keep your pets happy and stimulated. 

Security and Safety

If you have a pet rodent, it’s important to always keep them safe and secure, especially if you have other pets in your home such as a cat or dog.

Like hamsters, gerbils are excellent at escaping from their cages, therefore you’ll always have to look after them from time to time just to make sure they’re still there. And to make sure they’re not escaping anytime soon, always close the doors and the opening of their cages.

For those who are using wired cages, make sure that the bars have at least one and a half spacing between them. Anything bigger and your little gerbil could potentially squeeze through the bars.

Easy to Clean

If the cage that you have chosen is easy to clean, then you have the biggest advantage. Although gerbils don’t produce much odor, it’s still good to know that the cage you’ve bought is easy to clean.

Cages with a big rooftop door are great as you’ll have more access to cleaning your pet’s habitat, therefore you might consider getting one of those.

Can They Live in a Hamster Cage?

Gerbils may look like a hamster with a rather long tail, so if you’re wondering if you can put them in a hamster cage, then the answer is no. Gerbils are very energetic burrowers, therefore they’ll need a tank that has more than 6-inch of bedding. The hamster cage’s solid base is too shallow for the recommended bedding thickness, therefore there wouldn’t be enough room for your pet. Your gerbil wouldn’t get to live out their natural digging and burrowing instincts.

If you insisted on using a hamster cage for your gerbil, you’ll only be forced to deal with the mess your pet’s about to make, because most of the bedding would only be kicked out through the wired bars of the cages.

In addition, these little rodents are also active chewers. So plastic accessories and plastic bottoms of cages, which are often used for the hamsters, will be chewed to pieces within an hour or so. And when they ingest some of the plastic, it can cause serious health complications on them.

What To Do Next?

If you want a cage that has plenty of space and comes with everything you need to get started, go for the Prevue Universal Small Animal Home. It’s a brilliant all-rounder and our overall favorite. If you already own a tank and are looking to give your gerbils more room to play, our pick would be the Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper as it creates multi-level entertainment at a reasonable price point.

Whatever your needs are, we hope you found them catered to above in our list of the best gerbil cages.

The post Top 7 Best Gerbil Cages: Guide & Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

As a gerbil owner, I know it can be a challenge to handle them, especially when you have several in your brood. I found the Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Wheel to be the ideal solution when life is too hectic to handle several gerbils daily with its size allowing for a couple of gerbils to run at once (and my two love to do everything together).

Of course, every home is different, so we’ve researched and reviewed the best picks to suit every gerbil and its owners. Read on for our guide to the best wheels and reviews of our favorites.

The Best Gerbil Wheels Reviews

We’ve put a selection of gerbil wheels through their paces to bring you a round-up of the best out there for your fuzzy friends. Read on for the best wheels for tight budgets, premium pets, and multi-gerbil families.

Kaytee Silent Spinner 10” Wheel – Best Budget Exercise Wheel

Buy from Chewy

Kaytee’s Silent Spinner Wheel is the perfect wheel for new gerbil parents who want to see how their furry babies get on with vertical wheel running. Enjoy watching your babies run with a fully open front and no protruding axle for ultra-safe exercise!

Measuring 10-inches, the size is what makes this wheel a real contender. One of the larger wheels on the list, the Silent Spinner easily accommodates two or more gerbils. A larger wheel takes up more room in your cage so check you have plenty of space before buying. 

While able to stand freely, we recommend attaching to your cage’s bars if possible as the stand is more lightweight than our more premium options on the list. 

Overall this wheel does look and feel more budget than some of our pricier options but is the perfect way of testing out a wheel on your gerbils – as long as you have the space!

Best Features

• Cheap to buy – a perfect starter wheel
• Large size is ideal for multiple gerbils
• Can free stand or attach to cage bars

Watch Out For

• Lightweight base
• Cheap appearance

Kaytee Tree of Life 3-in-1 Pet Habitat Accessory – Best Multi-Use Accessory

Buy from Chewy

This multipurpose gerbil toy is perfect if you have premium space in your gerbil setup. A wheel, hideaway, and food bowl in one, your gerbils can eat, exercise, sleep and repeat. 

The wheel itself is fairly small so it’s best suited to young gerbils or a gerbil on its own and the tree takes up a fair amount of floor space so don’t get this if your gerbils have toys aplenty already.

If you’re looking for a fuss-free starter setup that includes exercise options, this cute woodland add-on is a great addition to your baby gerbils’ home!

Best Features

• Perfect for compact living spaces
• Quirky woodland design
• Easy to disassemble and clean

Watch Out For

• Takes up more floor space
• Needing a bigger wheel as your gerbils grow

Ware Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel – Best Saucer Exercise Wheel

Buy from Chewy

If you’ve found your gerbils don’t enjoy running on a traditional wheel, a running saucer is a great alternative and the Ware Flying Saucer is our favorite of those we investigated. Designed to mimic a horizontal run, your gerbils will feel less enclosed than in a vertical wheel. Gerbils’ toes and tails will never be at risk of catching either when running on this open-air exercise wheel.

Ware’s flying Saucers come in a variety of sizes. The medium, measuring 7.5-inches should be large enough to accommodate a couple of gerbils. You’ll need less overhead space in your gerbils’ cage than for a vertical wheel but a flying saucer will take up considerably more floor space. 

Coming in a variety of colorways, your order is chosen at random, so look elsewhere if you have your heart set on a coordinating color scheme. 

Best Features

• Safe, open saucer design
• Various bright colors and sizes
• Easy to clean

Watch Out For

• Some gerbils don’t enjoy saucer running
• Takes up more floor space than an upright wheel

Exotic Nutrition 9” Silent Runner Wheel – Best Premium Quality Gerbil Wheel

Buy from Chewy

Exotic Nutrition’s Silent Runner Wheel tops many best small animal wheel lists (including ours) and with good reason. 

Featuring dual ball-bearing technology, we were blown away by just how quiet this wheel is, offering practically squeak-free running for your pets. The sturdy base plate means gerbils can enjoy running at full speed without the risk of tipping over. There is also the option to switch to a bar attachment if you prefer to free up extra floor space.

Available in a range of sizes we recommend the 9-inch for a couple of gerbils but you can upgrade to the 12-inch if you have several in one cage and the space to fit it. 

From the materials used to the innovative design features, everything about the Silent Runner Wheel is premium – and this also means the price tag. That said, if your gerbil deserves the best and you have the money to spend, the Silent Spinner won’t disappoint.

Best Features

• Ultra-quiet ball bearing technology
• Choice of free-standing or a cage attachment
• Sturdy design and premium materials

Watch Out For

• Premium price
• Some gerbils dislike a covered front

Prevue Pets 90013 Wire Mesh Gerbil Wheel – Best Metal Gerbil Wheel

Buy from Amazon

If longevity ranks highly on your gerbil wheel checklist then a metal construction is the way to go. The Prevue Wire Mesh Gerbil Wheel is entirely chew-proof and will outlast plastic and wooden wheels every time. 

We loved that the mesh track design allows any mess to fall through making cleaning a non-issue. There are also no nooks and crannies for bedding, food or feces to get trapped. 

The stand comes attached but wires can easily fasten to your gerbils’ cage bars for added stability, should you wish. 

There are four colors available but you don’t get a say in what color you receive. The design is a bit simple and doesn’t have the charm of some of the quirkier options on this list. However, if you want a great value, long-lasting wheel, the Wire Mesh Gerbil Wheel is an easy choice.

Best Features

• Long-lasting metal construction
• Easy to anchor to cage bars or leave freestanding
• Stays clean

Watch Out For

• Basic design
• Random color choice

Niteangel Super-Silent Exercise Wheel – Best Wheel for Customisable Options

Buy from Amazon

If you’ve been looking for a wheel that comes with options, then look no further! The Niteangel Super-Silent Exercise Wheel comes with over 10 different colorways so you can get your gerbils’ home looking just right. 

Available in three different sizes, the smallest at 8.2-inches is amply big enough for young gerbils (though do size up if your cage setup allows). 

Our favorite feature of this wheel is the option to adjust the height of the wheel on the base. This allows the wheel to be closer to the floor for easy access when your gerbils are younger or older and less agile. You can then raise the height and increase the challenge as they grow!

While undeniably stylish, the Super-Silent Exercise Wheel also features the substance you’d expect from Niteangel. Chew-resistant, high-quality plastic creates a wheel that is smooth and comfortable to run on. Not only this, the wheel is as super-silent as the name suggests, guaranteeing any late-night runs won’t keep you awake!

Our only bug-bear is that there is no cage attachment included but the heavy acrylic base should make up for this.

Best Features

• Choice of heights – grow with your gerbils
• Huge range of colorways
• Sleek and simple design

Watch Out For

• No cage attachment

Petzilla Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel – Best Wooden Wheel

Buy from Amazon

Knowing that gerbils are going to chew whatever is in front of them, a wooden wheel is a natural choice for providing an exercise outlet as well as helping to maintain dental hygiene. 

This is by far the cutest design of any gerbil wheel we could find, with a floral-inspired design and a choice of four different colors to compliment any gerbil’s home. 

Available in 7.5-inch and 9-inch options, there’s not much difference in the cost so we’d recommend sizing up if possible. 

As with any wooden toys, keep an eye out for signs of wear and replace if you spot signs of chewing damage. Wooden toys also absorb any urine so this wheel could smell over time and will be harder to clean than plastic or metal alternatives. 

However, if you’re looking for a chew-friendly option that is absolutely adorable, this Quiet Hamster Wheel is a clear winner!

Best Features

• Cute sunflower design
• Chew-safe wooden construction
• Choice of colors

A Guide to Choosing the Best Gerbil Wheels

Most small animals enjoy and benefit from wheel-running. Whether you’re an old hand at gerbil care or are just starting on your gerbil journey, it pays to review what options are out there before picking a gerbil wheel. Think about what is most important to you (budget, space-saving, particular materials) before weighing up our top 7 gerbil wheels and why they’ll suit you and your gerbils.

In their natural habitat, gerbils get their exercise from running massive distances in comparison to their tiny frames. This means they’re unlikely to get the exercise they need just from running backward and forwards in their cage. An exercise wheel is a perfect solution, allowing your pocket pals to stretch their legs in the confines of their cage.

Gerbil Wheels – Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Gerbil Wheel Should I Buy?

Choose a wheel that measures at least 8 inches for a single gerbil or a coupe of juvies. 

The bigger the better, though, if you have multiple gerbils – particularly ones who like to run together. Look at your current cage setup and opt for the largest wheel you can comfortably fit to give your gerbils the best chance of stretching out.

What Materials Are Best for Gerbil Wheels?

You’ll already know that gerbils live to chew. Metal wheels will outlast other materials as they won’t wear over time, however wooden wheels are kinder to your gerbils’ teeth, and are better for dental hygiene. Wooden wheels also, unfortunately, absorb urine, making for a potentially smelly – and costly – maintenance situation. 

Plastic wheels divide opinion because of the safety implications when it comes to chewing (poorer quality plastics can splinter and become sharp, as well as potentially cause harm if swallowed). But if you’re vigilant about looking out for any signs of wear and replacing any cracked or splintered plastics, you’ll find some excellent plastic wheels available. 

The brands included on this list only produce toys with your pets’ safety in mind and use the best quality, chew-resistant plastics so as long as you follow the guidance on replacing worn-out wheels you’ll have peace of mind.

What Features Should I Look Out For?

With gerbils, it’s super important that there are no gaps in the wheel that tails can get caught in. A badly constructed wheel can cause tail slip – where the skin of the gerbil’s tail will detach leaving exposed bone.

Rest assured we’ve vetted every choice for your gerbils’ safety. No trapped tails here!

Do All Gerbils Love Running On Wheels?

Unfortunately, some gerbils just don’t get the hang of running on wheels, no matter how hard you try. If unsure whether your gerbils enjoy the thrill of a high-speed run, consider one of our cheaper options first before upgrading to a more premium choice once they find their feet.

Next Steps: Which Is the Right Gerbil Wheel For Me?

When looking for a suitable exercise wheel, you’ll have some particular criteria in mind that will inform your decision-making. 

Our runaway favorite is the Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Wheel for premium technology and unbeatable build. Our runner-up is the Niteangel Super-Silent Exercise Wheel for a phenomenal colorway choice without compromising on quality. 

But if you want to go plastic-free, choose the Prevue Wire Mesh Wheel for a fuss-free exercise option that’s also excellent value for money. 

The post The Best Gerbil Wheels 2022: The Wheels Keep On Turnin’ appeared first on My Life Pets.

Searching for beds and beddings for our larger pets, like our cats and dogs, seems a much easier task than when it comes to our smaller, four-legged friends. With so many different types of small animals, we struggle to decide which bedding is best for our pet.

In particular, selecting bedding for gerbils is often the case of clicking the cheapest and most popular brands, but are they really the best choice for our little friends? From sumptuous and soft to natural and nourishing, here’s everything you need to know about the importance of gerbil bedding and what bedding best suits your gerbil.

Top 9 Best Bedding For Gerbils

CareFresh Custom Hamster & Gerbil Bedding

CareFresh created custom bedding made specifically for hamsters and gerbils. This bedding helps your furry friend maintain a burrow so that they feel secure, safe, and warm. With 10-day odor control, this bedding is longer lasting and keeps odor at bay so you don’t have to clean as often.

Three times more absorbent than shavings, this bedding ensures that your pet’s environment is dry and mold-free. This natural paper bedding comes in 25% smaller pieces so it is 99% dust-free for easy clean-up, as well as ideal for pets that have respiratory or skin issues.

Small Pet Select Natural Paper Bedding

Small Pet Select’s Natural Soft Paper Bedding is extra soft, absorbent and gently unbleached, ensuring a substrate that is both natural and comfortable for your little furry friend. 

This natural paper bedding  is suitable for gerbils, chinchillas, hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs, and each bag expands up to 3 times in volume from its packaged size providing you great value for your money.

Understanding how sensitive our gerbil’s eyes and noses can be, this bedding is completely dust-free and contains no additives, dyes, or irritants keeping your gerbil safe and snuggly each and every day. Created from recycled food grade material, no trees are used to create the bedding, just natural sources to help your furry friend and Mother Nature too.

Kaytee Kay-Kob Litter and Bedding

The Kaytee Kay-Bob Bedding and Litter is a natural corn cob product that is specially processed to eliminate wood and dust debris that are found in other bedding materials.

This bedding is guaranteed not to cling or stick for a cleaner environment and is all-natural without any toxic chemicals that can harm your adorable gerbils.

It is available in various sizes: 40, 25, 8, and 5-pound packages so you can choose one that is suitable for your gerbil’s cage. Furthermore, it can be mixed with other bedding choices and absorbs odor really well so that your cage smells cleaner for much longer.

CareFresh Complete Pet Bedding

Made from natural fiber, the CareFresh Complete Bedding provides your furry friends a cozy, comfortable, and natural home which is far better for your furry buddies, your home, and the environment.

This CareFresh pet bedding offers superior absorbency and odor control for a healthier and cleaner cage. Made from scratch, it contains raw, natural fiber that is obtained directly from its source. Your gerbil will surely love its ultra-absorbent and pillowy soft “Comfyfluff” texture. Also, it’s very easy to clean since it is low dust and offers you up to 10-day odor control.

Eaton Pet and Pasture Naturally Grown Hemp Bedding

Often when we hear the word “hemp” thrown around we associate it with the brain-altering substance of Cannabis. However, although derived from the same species of plant, this ingredient contains zero of the effects of the drug we are so familiar with.

After its benefits have been researched and emphasized across the pet world, more and more businesses are using hemp in food, treats, grooming and even bedding products due to its natural form and benefits for our furry friends. 

Used with reptiles most commonly, this type of bedding is actually highly suitable for our smaller mammals too. Highly absorbent, dust-free and odor-controlling, this material makes a pawfect substitute for traditional materials used in gerbil bedding.

Its biodegradable and natural form also means that if your gerbil munches on a little of their bedding, their bellies won’t be harmed as it is 100% safe. Available in 8 lbs bags for optimum gerbilarium care, Eaton Pet and Pasture’s hemp bedding is definitely a choice for those wanting a more natural, plant-based alternative for your pet.

Kaytee Aspen Bedding Bag

The Kaytee Aspen Bedding contains 100% natural wood shavings created to eliminate dust and debris that are usually a side effect of other manufactured wood-based beddings. Ultra-absorbent and suited for gerbils that love to tunnel and bury, this bedding is a pawfect alternative to other leading brands of wood-based substrates.

It contains no inks or aromatic oils that may harm your little buddies and can be used in all habitat. It greatly reduces odor and is highly absorbent in order to maintain a clean habitat that will prevent your pet from developing respiratory problem due to the build-up of ammonia caused by their urine. Being disposable, this bedding is environmentally-friendly.

Healthy Pet Critter Care Natural Bedding

The Critter Care Natural Bedding from Healthy Pet is made from reclaimed wood pulp, which is compostable and biodegradable after use.

It helps reduce ammonia odor that is caused by your pet’s urine, and is made up of soft pieces that are designed to absorb 3 times its weight from leaky water bottles and urine, keeping your furry friends dry, cozy and warm.

Since it’s virtually dust-free, you and your pet will experience less allergy and respiratory issues as well as an easy-to-clean habitat. Furthermore, this bedding helps promote the natural burrowing and nesting behavior of gerbils to keep them active and happy.

Kaytee Extreme Odor Control Bedding

If you have gerbils that pee frequently, then the Kaytee Extreme Odor Control Litter and Bedding is a great buy. It’s designed to reduce ammonia odors caused by pet urine for up to 14 days and is still 99% dust-free to prevent any allergic or respiratory issues.

This is super-soft and colorfast bedding that’s safe for gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, and is up to 2 times more absorbant than wood shavings.

Living World Wood Aspen Shavings

These aspen shavings from Living World are made from 100% natural aspen wood. The woods are kiln dried and virtually scent and dust-free making them hypoallergenic and free-from any harmful aromatic oils.

This bedding is ideal to use if you have gerbils that have skin and respiratory sensitivities and is also highly-absorbent. It holds up to 4 times its weight in moisture and prevents the growth of bacteria keeping your gerbil’s environment dry, clean, and safe to live – and easier to maintain.

Aspen shavings are ideal bedding material for other pets such as chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, and doubles as nesting and burrowing material to keep your furry buddy happy.

Why is Bedding Important?

In addition to providing a safe space for your gerbil in its gerbilarium (try and say that three times), bedding helps soak up odors from feces, urine and any other spillages from your furry friend.

As they love to dig and burrow, bedding is also an interactive source of play for your gerbil helping to bust boredom and encourage mental stimulation. Using the bedding to create tunnels and holes to play and sleep in, your gerbil’s bedding is a significant source of both comfort and stability in your pet’s life so it’s paramount to find the best type of bedding for your gerbil.

What Types of Bedding Can I Use?

Adapted to live in dry and arid conditions, materials such as wood chippings and hay are commonly used to support your gerbils’ comfort and interaction in their home.

However, with increased awareness of what really is the most comforting and cozy for our small mammals, businesses are using a plethora of materials to make your gerbils bedding as soft, snuggly and suitable as ever before. 

When it comes to selecting the best bedding for your gerbil, the choice is really yours. Whether you want to focus on comfort, odor-reduction, or eco-friendliness, there are multitudes of materials that you can use to create the best and most brilliant bedding for your pet. 

Pros and Cons of Bedding Types: 

• Paper – Cheap and easily acquired but absorbency is poor
• Cardboard Shavings – Highly Absorbent but can be expensive
• Aspen Wood Shavings – Natural and Absorbent but dust can cause irritation.
• Natural Wool – creates cozy environment but can be expensive and may cause irritations

What Bedding Should I Look For? 

Like all our pets, there is no one size fits all approach to selecting bedding for your gerbil. Choosing the right bedding is dependent on your gerbil’s size, age, how many gerbils you have and even the sex of your gerbil.

Understanding your gerbil’s needs and habits is the most important step in selecting bedding that is suitable for them. We all understand the importance of the correct bed, mattress and bedding for our sleep and comfort so the same approach goes for our gerbils too! 

What if I Have More Than One?

If your gerbilarium contains a few of your furry friends, it’s advised to invest in bedding that focuses on absorbency.

Often with more than one male gerbil in close proximity, the dominant male may urinate more to scent mark. Therefore, bedding that prioritizes odor-reduction and absorbance is vital, so choose a bedding that focuses on these elements to best suit the comfort of all the gerbils in their home. 

Younger Gerbils

For younger gerbils, their need to dig and bury for the first time is going to be overwhelming so their bedding needs to match their ever-growing-curiosity.

Aspen wood-based substrates are great for younger gerbils as it suits their needs to burrow and tunnel. In addition, they are low in dust meaning less irritation for your newer gerbil whose eyes and nose are highly sensitive in the first stages of their life.

Beddings To Avoid

With gerbils, you will need to avoid using pine or cedar wood shavings since they got a strong smell and contains phenol, a natural bactericide which can be dangerous to all kinds of animals, particularly smaller ones.

It can cause eye and respiratory infection, allergic reactions, liver damage, and other health issues.  However, if you can find one that is treated against phenol, dried, and dust-free than it should be fine.

Some people recommend using dry Lucerne or alfalfa, however, I suggest you only use it if you have other beddings since it is not a great type to be used by itself. Also, avoid using grass that was picked from the outside since it might be full of bacteria.

Straws are uncomfortable since they come with sharp edges. Toilet papers may be used, only if your gerbils are highly allergic to other materials and should only be used as temporarily until you find a better one.

When To Change Bedding?

Different from other small domesticated animals, such as rabbits, gerbils don’t require a significant amount of maintenance when it comes to their cage or tank (gerbilarium).

Originating from dry and grassland areas, gerbils don’t produce much waste, therefore you will notice less toilet behavior than other furry friends. 

With high-quality, absorbent and comfortable bedding, you should only need to clean out your gerbil’s home every 2-3 weeks and have a complete spring clean and wash down every few months making them a perfect low-maintenance pet for your home.

Can You Mix Various Beddings Together?

Yes, you absolutely can. There are some gerbil beddings that works better when combined with others so, feel free to try different combinations until you find that ones to suit your gerbils best.

Choosing the Right Bedding

Like all our four-legged friends, there really is no one size fits all approach to choosing the perfect substrate for their cages and homes. With so many different brands, materials, and sizes to select from, the choice really is endless.

The most important thing to do is learn and understand your gerbil’s behavior to help select the right bedding to suit their needs and wants.

If after hours of searching the web, you’re left with a mind-boggling decision to make, give our top 5 beddings a go and see which one suits your gerbil the most…you never know – the best bedding might be right here in front of you!

The post The 9 Best Bedding for Gerbils to Snuggle up to in 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.