Gerbils are very active
and need physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Good toys for gerbils
include seesaws, climbing tunnels, gerbil wheels, and Run-About Balls; basically
just about anything on which they can climb or explore.
Exercise wheels
Be sure that any exercise wheels you use are absolutely safe—tails can easily
get caught and broken or even torn off in open-wire wheels. You may wish to use
special wheels designed for gerbils, or you can use a wire hamster wheel if you
make some alterations. Cover the entire outside of the wheel with a heavy
masking tape (sticky side on the inside of the wheel). Avoid thread-reinforced
tapes such as duct tape. Cover the inner sticky surface with small amounts of
bedding so the gerbil's feet will not stick to it. Alternatively, cover the
outside of the wheel with thin card board or other material which will not cause
harm if it is chewed and swallowed, and then apply the masking tape to securely
hold it. You will routinely need to recover the wheel as the gerbil chews on
whatever outside cover you have used.
HINT: Remember that you can mount the wheel on the wire
cover of the cage, and let it hang down into the cage.
Run-About balls
Run-About Balls, which provide them with much needed exercise, can be a good
choice for gerbils. Allow time for adjustment. Some pets may initially be overly
cautious or frightened. If your pet seems hesitant, don't force him to use the
Run-About Ball. Simply place it in his cage and he'll likely investigate it and
learn to use it happily. You can also place a few small treats inside for added
encouragement.
Important: Run-About Balls are interactive exercise toys.
Supervision is necessary. Following a few precautions, you will help your gerbil
have a safe and enjoyable time. First, make sure the door of the ball locks
firmly. If in doubt, use masking tape to keep it shut. Since overheating can be
a potential problem, even with well-vented balls, never use in direct sunlight.
Limit exercise time in the ball to 15 minutes at a time and watch for signs of
overheating. Also, do not use the ball on a table or near stairways. Wash out
the ball after use, so it is clean and ready the next time your gerbil is ready
to play.
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Tunnels and hiding
Gerbils enjoy running through tunnels, and into and out of holes. You can
purchase logs with holes and tunnels drilled into them, or you can make some
yourself by drilling through untreated 4x4 lumber. Gerbils chew on and destroy
plastic very quickly, and may swallow small pieces, so wood and PVC pipe are the
best choices for tunnels and hide-a-ways.
Dust baths
Gerbils originate from deserts in Mongolia. As part of their normal behaviour,
they take dust baths, which helps cleanse their fur. Your companion gerbil will
also enjoy taking dust baths. Fill a small ceramic bowl with commercial
chinchilla bath sand, and watch your gerbil have utter enjoyment.
Toys for chewing
Gerbils love to gnaw, and need to for their health, so provide them with wood on
which to chew. An untreated piece of 4x4 works well. They also like to play with
and chew cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towelling. Larger cardboard
boxes can also be good toys, but like the tubes, they will not last long and you
will need to replace them often. Special chew toys are also available from pet
supply companies.
Toys to avoid
Do NOT give your gerbil toys made of plastic that can easily be chewed and
swallowed, as this could cause intestinal blockage or irritation. Select toys
that do not have any moving parts in which your gerbil could catch his tail.
