Gerbils are cute little rodents which are often considered as suitable pets for small children. However, they are quite complex creatures and it is very important (as with all animals) that they are looked after properly.

In order to provide the correct environment to house your gerbils, you will need to buy a gerbilarium. The gerbilarium should ideally be a minimum of 50cm high and the bottom half should be made of solid glass or plastic. The upper part of their home can be constructed of metal bars and include ladders and levels. It is easy to secure a drinking bottle and a feeding bowl to the upper wire mesh sides.

Your gerbils should be kept in a warm, draught-free location, in a quiet place where they can rest undisturbed.

It is important to provide your gerbils with plenty of bedding material, to a depth of about 20-30cm, covering the bottom of the gerbilarium. Gerbils love to make deep burrows and are natural nest builders. Woodchips make suitable bedding material but you will also need to provide nesting material which the gerbils can shred as they see fit. Ink-free cardboard, hay and soft shredded paper are all suitable to use as nesting material. However, fluffy fibres or cotton wool type bedding can be harmful and should be avoided.

It is also important to provide objects which can help wear down claws and toys which can be safely gnawed. Your local pet shop will sell items such as tunnels, hay covered gerbil treats and cardboard tubes.