30 gallon tank....

[shibby69]

will a 30 gallon tank be big enough for 5 gerbils?

[Ritzie/Admin]

I think it is. I'm not used to gallon, but if the floor is for example about 90cm in lenght and 30cm in width (35, 4 x 11,8 in), it is ok, because then they have surface of 540 cm² (213 in²).

When you only keep 2-4 Mongolian gerbils in one cage you'll need a surface of at least 800 cm² (315 in²) per animal. So a surface of 30 x 60 cm (11,8 x 23,6 in) for two gerbils, 40 x 60 cm (15,7 x 23,6 in) for 3 gerbils or a surface of 40 x 80 cm (15,7 x 31,5 in) for 4 gerbils are good examples. When you want to keep more than 4 gerbils together, you can reduce the surface to 500 cm² (197 in²) per animal. The height of the cage needs to be at least 30 cm (11,8 in), because Mongolian gerbils can jump very well. You can increase the surface by making more floors, or connecting more cages together. It is better to have a cage that is bigger than the here named guidelines, but keep in mind that a cage that is too large can cause territory forming inside a cage.

So with a 30 gallon tank, I gues the gerbils do have at least a surface of 500 cm² (197 in²) per animal, even a bit more. Than I would say it is OK.

[shibby69]

oh good, i ordered one

[shibby69]

i'm not sure how i'd put shelves in it though :S do they like shelves?

[Ritzie/Admin]

Mine did! You can create shelve/extra floor, but just adding something which is higher and where the gerbils can walk under. Can be bricks with a plank or bowl on it, or a very small table, etc.

[shibby69]

thanks for the ideas

[gerbilroo]

shelves are great - make sure everything is well supported, gerbils love burrowing!

[shibby69]

i learnt that the hard way, i went to check on them and came away with a mouthful of woodshavings! they were highly amused!