Gerbil Welfare and the Needs of a Social Burrowing Species

Gerbils are social, burrowing rodents with complex behavioural needs that are frequently unmet in standard pet shop cages and conventional husbandry.

Key Facts

Gerbils are naturally social animals that live in family groups and show distress when housed alone
Wild gerbils excavate burrow systems up to 2 metres deep and spend much of their time digging
The minimum recommended enclosure depth for burrowing substrate is 30 cm, though most sold cages are far shallower
Gerbils are banned as pets in some countries including New Zealand and California due to invasive species concerns
Epileptiform seizures affect up to 20 percent of gerbils and can be triggered by stress or sudden stimuli

Welfare Considerations

Gerbil welfare is routinely compromised by housing conditions that prevent natural behaviours. Pairs or groups housed in shallow, barren tanks without adequate burrowing substrate cannot express digging, which is central to gerbil behavioural repertoire. Single housing causes chronic stress and stereotypic behaviour. The gerbil's popularity as a cheap starter pet means welfare information is often inadequate at point of sale, and owners are unprepared for the space and enrichment requirements of a genuinely well-housed gerbil. Adoption of minimum cage size and substrate depth standards would significantly improve welfare outcomes across the kept gerbil population.

What You Can Do

House gerbils in same-sex pairs or established family groups, never alone
Provide at least 30 cm of burrowing substrate such as coconut fibre or peat-free compost mix
Choose an enclosure with a minimum floor area of 100 cm x 50 cm for a pair
Minimise sudden loud noises or handling that can trigger stress-related seizures
Support retail welfare standards requiring adequate information provision for gerbil buyers