Appropriate company for gerbils

Make sure your gerbils have appropriate company

Facts 

• Gerbils are sociable animals and, in the wild, group sizes range from two to 15 animals of all ages and sexes.
   
• Groups are founded by a breeding pair and extended by their offspring and other relatives.
   
• Gerbils are prey animals, and although they can become accustomed to careful handlers, they may become frightened and aggressive if they feel threatened.
   
• Gerbils can find the presence and scent of other animals in the home stressful.
   

Things you should do

• Gerbils should never be kept alone and are happiest in same-sex pairs or small groups; see
  Housing gerbils together (PDF 93.3 KB).
   
• Do not house unfamiliar adult gerbils next to one another. Even though they are in separate gerbilariums, they can find this stressful.
   
• Reduce stress associated with handling by making sure that you have positive interactions with your gerbils and gently habituate them to you; see
  Handling your gerbils (PDF 93.8 KB).
   
• Make sure that other animals in the home do not have access to your gerbils.
   
• Never leave your gerbils unsupervised with another animal who may harm or frighten them (either deliberately or accidentally), even if you think they are good friends. This particularly includes dogs and cats which are natural predators.