Gerbils are social, burrowing rodents with specific welfare needs that are often misunderstood by pet owners. Understanding their natural behaviour helps improve their quality of life in captivity.
Gerbils are among the most frequently kept small pets but are often housed alone in small glass or plastic tanks without adequate digging substrate. Social isolation in a naturally gregarious species causes significant stress and behavioural abnormalities. The enrichment needs of gerbils — digging, gnawing, exploring — require more complex environments than most commercial setups provide. Education of pet owners and improved point-of-sale guidance could substantially improve gerbil welfare at relatively low cost.