Appropriate cage size?

[jaecamp]

I've recently got a 40 gallon(not breeder) for really cheap. And I'm just curious if this would be appropriate to keep gerbils in? If so, how may can I hold in this size of tank? Thanks

[betty]

Hello - and welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of gerbils!

And yes, your tank (as long as it had a secure lid) would be awesome for gerbils to live in with plenty of space for everything they need.

The general rule of thumb in the UK is one gerbil per 10 gallons, or 1 gerbil per foot of 'tank'. So for example, 1 or 2 gerbils in a 2-foot tank (where the tank is usually 1ft deep and over 1ft high). And 1-4 gerbils in a 4ft tank.

But there are certain clarifiers.

Groups of two gerbils are the safest option long term if you want them to live together for as long as possible. Single gerbils can have a happy life - but generally if you can buy two together this would be better.

Groups of three gerbils are quite unstable long term, especially females and especially if they are not litter mates, however if a trio are being sold together, it is best for all of them if you keep them together (not fair to leave on to live alone). There are ways to reduce the chances of them fighting later down the line, but you would always need to be prepared for that. If you see a trio of males for sale - they should also be kept together - and they are usually more stable than females but could still 'declan' later in life of course.

Groups of four or more (best only try this with males) can get on fine for months or years - but can also be unstable later in life as can all clans - even related brothers from the same litter could fall out!

And finally, you can't add gerbils together at a later date, so if you get two now - you won't be able to add two more at a later date - if you want a group you need to do it from the start while they are tiny pups (under 6 weeks ideally).

Single gerbils can be 'split' together with another single gerbil over time, but single gerbils cannot safely be added to pairs or groups - and pairs certainly cannot be added to other pairs or groups - this virtually always ends up in a declan and unfortunately lots of blood - possibly yours!

Complicated eh?

So if you want the recommendation of someone who has had a lot of gerbils, I would say if you can get a pair - go with that. Your large cage would be ideal for them to have plenty of fun in...

This is just a general summary of course - there are always exceptions.

[jaecamp]

This is very helpful! You've even answered questions that I had lined up. Because one of the petsmarts has a trio I believe, and If I do consider getting them and if they end up splitting into two groups, do I just move the one that's been abandoned to their own cage?

[tuftsnfluff]

Hey there!

Welcome to the world of Gerbil-ing!

Where a 40 gallon tank is wonderful and it certainly provides a lot of space, I wouldn't recommend it for just a pair of gerbils.

There have been occasions when too large of tanks have caused "territory" issues between the gerbils which eventually has led to spats and then possible de-clanning.

Betty gave some great information and if you do go for more than a pair, you're best bet would be to go with a trio or foursome of males.

As she stated, this could still lead them to de-clanning down the line, and if that happens, then remove the oust-ed gerbil from the others and place them in their own tank.

Then, if possible and you are able, see about getting him or her a young pup to pair with, about 6 to 7 weeks old, as gerbil don't often do very well alone.

Usually there is no issue with introducing pups this young to male or female adult gerbils, but, you do have to watch the female introduction a bit more closely.

I had a Foursome of gerbils live together quite harmoniously in a 30 gallon tank up to old age, past four!, and eventually they passed away..

[jaecamp]

This is great, alright so this next question is a little off topic. But, I have some aspen bedding from a previous mouse that I've had from a couple of months ago and I also have some "living world" fresh and comfort bedding, this does have baking soda in it. So I'm curious if either of these bedding would be considered safe for the gerbils. Or if I should use one or the other, or just a completely different type of bedding overall. Thanks 😄

[betty]

Bedding-wise, aspen is fine for gerbils as long as it isn't too dusty (as some reptile aspen bedding in particular can be) but may need something added to it (like hay or cardboardy things) to help with some great tunnels.

I haven't used or know anyone who has used the Living World substrate, but I know there were a few negative comments about substrates with baking soda in them when they first came out. It was a while ago so not sure if the 'best practice' around that has changed since then, but until I had done some more research, I wouldn't use it myself to be sure.

I use dust-extracted kiln-dried pine wood shavings for my gerbils - always have. I have tried others, but keep returning to the same thing as everything about it suits me, especialy in the bale form.

Declans in larger tanks or set-ups are more often reported where people have used narrow points like tunnels and ladders to connect sections or have the water or food only available in one isolated place. Both these things often create a place where one gerbil can 'dominate' the other and through subtle gerbil bullying over time you can get your declan.

I always love watching my groups of males, but all mine are now a dad with his sons as these virtually never declan. I used to have other groupings, but just got so sad seeing the fights...