Gerbil Care - How To Set Up A Gerbil Tank/ Cage & Topper

[@TheGerbilVine]

How often do you clean your gerbil tank ?

[@paytonosborn9539]

Every week

[@PAXS0N]

@@paytonosborn9539 every year

[@jsndakjfn]

2-3 weeks

[@ssandhu0808]

I don't have one I'm getting one from a breder I'm getting 3 Yong ones

[@braceletsbyxox]

Every week to spot clean and then once a month take out all the bedding or half of it and replace it 😊

[@marinavengohecheadelgado1773]

Hi Bex! I clean my gerbil tank every 5 weeks, but I also do a spot cleaning after 2.5 weeks of the general clean to remove soiled bedding (especially in their nest and some areas used as toilet). I have two laberynths with different chambers that they use as nest / tunnels, and they love them. I also add willow tunnels as tunnels/chew toys, and many cardboard boxes and rolls. I think that the key is adding as much bedding and toys as possible to ensure that the gerbils are always busy and entertained ☺️ By the way, maybe you could do a video on how to sterilise any natural materials that you can collect for their enclosure, such as stones or certain woods 😉

[@TheGerbilVine]

Hi Marina :). Thanks for commenting, your process sounds very organized, and it seems your gerbils have a ton of great things to keep them busy. I couldn't agree more, a bored gerbil is a stressed one, we've got to keep their little hands, teeth and minds busy ! In regard to your video idea, I think that's wonderful. I do have it on my list of content ideas, I have next weeks video already planned out, but I will do one on natural forage items, and the process of cleaning, maybe the week after next. Thank you for watching & we hope your gerbils are doing great !

[@SlotCar2021]

That setup is amazing 👏. I never thought of putting wood then a topper on top. I have a topper that goes straight on to the tank and then levels that go within the topper. My only concern would be them chewing the top wooden lid. My gerbils ate through a wooden wheel in 2 days so would be a bit nervous about that. I layer timothy hay with paper pulp and then loads of cardboard tubes, cut up boxes burrow wooden boxes huge bendy bridges, small bendy bridges stick chews. They love climbing and playing and obstacles. Compared to hamsters I have had, the gerbils are a lot of fun but a steep learning curve and loads of energy. Whilst I use to get my hamsters out to play in the play pen, I just play with the gerbils in the enclosure as they would be off and I would never find them again 🤣. I think I am going back to hamsters in the future but like both in different ways.

[@mariotorrecilla254]

It is hard to clean a cage, but it is worth it once you watch the gerbils explore the new cage for the first time. In regards to the video, I would like to mention that the houses and accesories also contain the smells of the gerbils. It is not only the substrate ;) Very nice video, Bex

[@TheGerbilVine]

Tank cleaning takes so long sometimes. I never sterilize the items in between tank cleans. Thanks for watching Mario, hope your gerbil trio is doing well

[@mariotorrecilla254]

@@TheGerbilVine Thanks! Luckely, they are still fine and get along well. Copito is still like a dad to them :) The other two are still in the process of play-fighting to decide who goes second and who goes third

[@TheGerbilVine]

@@mariotorrecilla254 ahh, hierarchy squabbles. Gerbils actually go through a couple of those in their lifetime. Glad they are getting along.

[@conniewatson1951]

Would love to know where you got your topper wire cage. My current topper does not have a front door and I really want to front door on my topper. Thanks for any advice on where to get a good topper with a front door. I have two tanks on is 30 X 12 X 12 and the other is a 40 gallon breeder tank. 36 x 18 x 16. I really need a wire topper with a front door. Thanks again,

[@TheGerbilVine]

I used the prevue 528 hamster cage, secured it to a wooden frame, and it just sits on top of my 40 gallon tank.

[@conniewatson1951]

Thanks I found your video on how to make it. @@TheGerbilVine

[@conniewatson1951]

@@TheGerbilVine I got the same wire cage and used it as my topper. I secured it with bungee cords from the cage to the edge of the wooden floor of the topper. I used Poplar wood. It works great and now if I need to just remove the wire cage I can do that. Thanks so much for all your great videos.

[@doublegulpcupy]

Hey! I was wondering what that pinkish rectangler tube was I was wanting to get one for my 2 gerbs!

[@TheGerbilVine]

Its a terracotta ceramic hide. I will post the link below ! It's out of stock on Canada Amazon, but you can still get a feel for what the product looks like. Mine is size medium. Kaytee Terra-Cotta Chew Proof Hideaway, Medium a.co/d/fcwGdm1

[@nikki_arts7807]

You probably saw my earlier comments but i cant really spend a lot of money on the things i use for my gerbils so it would be really cool if you made a video about something like gerbil care on a budget and how you can use a bunch of things that you have in your house,Your cage setups are really pretty and enriching by the way i love it! I kinda feel like this comment is a bit useless since you show a lot of cheap options of chews and stuff in your videos but if you had any diy options that you use i would love to see those! I love your videos ❤️ thankyou for the inspiration!

[@TheGerbilVine]

I'm posting a video tomorrow about store bought & DIY toys. Was there something specific you were looking for ? Gerbil care on a budget is something I will make a note of for a future project. Thanks for commenting & watching !

[@nikki_arts7807]

@@TheGerbilVine Thank you so much! Im not looking for anything specific i just want my gerbils so have a good time and have something to do!Again thank you so much i love your videos!

[@animalcrossingnerd8142]

What type of cage do you recommend?!? A cheap-ish type of gerbil cage.

[@TheGerbilVine]

40 gallon tank, or if you have to, an equivalent size plastic bin, doubled up for security would be a cheaper option. You can find tanks second hand, or purchase when they're on sale. Sometimes stores have sale prices and store coupons, so if you plan to buy new be on the look out for that.

[@PreservingOurHistory]

What size tank and topper do you have? I see that you attached the topper to some wood. what did you use to attach it? Thanks!

[@TheGerbilVine]

I have a video where I discuss my topper in depth: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZmtqISOrtxnp5o

[@PreservingOurHistory]

@@TheGerbilVine Oh great! Thanks!!

[@manicobsessive]

Please can you tell me how you are able to move the enclosure when you need to? I just got two gerbils and I can't bear seeing them in the 'large' tank I had to buy them, but I can't manage a heavy glass tank 😔

[@TheGerbilVine]

Why would you have to move the tank ? I've never moved mine in 3 years.

[@manicobsessive]

@@TheGerbilVine What happens when you go away and need to take them to someone to look after them, or when you need to put it lower for access for cleaning etc?

[@TheGerbilVine]

@@manicobsessive i never lower my tank to clean it, and I have family that could help with them by coming over. Otherwise I would use their travel/ temporary 20 gallon tank depending on how long i was traveling for. I've never had to move it, and if I did it wouldn't be that heavy empty. I brought it in my house and set it up alone and it was fine.

[@melodyg5529]

really liked this video! now i want to add a coconut soil dig bowl too 🤔 where did you get this kind of substrate please?

[@TheGerbilVine]

Aww thank you so much! The coconut soil I got from the reptile section of my local pet store!

[@melodyg5529]

@@TheGerbilVine thank you so much !

[@warren8818]

Hi I'm new too gerbils I've got a 3ft tank and use tea bag bedding, but noticed there tunnels don't hold well, this tank is due a clean soon would it be better to layer, mix or just place some hay on the top and let them use it as they like? Thanks

[@TheGerbilVine]

I like to use a combination of Aspen paper based bedding and Hay. I find that on their own, these beddings won't be enough to support the tunnels. So you could definitely add in some hay and mix it around !

[@aunkster]

Where you get topper and what size aquarium is that ? And do they chew on the adhesive glue in the seems ? Thank you

[@TheGerbilVine]

Hey! I have a topper building video on my channel going in depth on size and where I got it. Also it's a 40 gallon. No chewing up to this point:)

[@mindblock3928]

If you don't mind my asking, what wood did you make your platform out of? I'm trying to make something similar for my gerbils but I don't know what to get.

[@TheGerbilVine]

For my platform I just used a melamine shelf piece, and then for the 4 legs, it was a long piece of Birch I believe that I cut in 4 strips for the legs, and then I just used screws to screw each of the legs in.

[@mindblock3928]

@@TheGerbilVine Thanks! I ended up making a topper very similar to yours. Your videos are always excellent!

[@TheGerbilVine]

@@mindblock3928 that's amazing & I'm so happy for you & your gerbils ! & thank you so much 💖

[@AnnaRubenstein-co6yn]

Where did you get the topper?

[@TheGerbilVine]

@@AnnaRubenstein-co6yn i made it! There's a video on my channel if you want some more info

[@Ross1984.]

Hi! I am so glad that I discovered your channel. I just purchased a 20 gallon high tank that I plan to use for buying 2 gerbils. I would like to also have a cage topper since I read that the tank itself is not really big enough for two. I am wondering what to do about a tank topper. I tried martin's cages but they are discontinued and hard to find. I read it is ok to use a 10 gallon topper but I think the 20 will be better since it's more room for my future furry friends. Any and all advice for this first timer would be amazing!!!!!

[@TheGerbilVine]

Thank you for watching and were so happy you found us! I have a video on my channel where I discuss building my tank topper, it was much cheaper than what was available online, and in my own opinion looks prettier. Thats what I would do compared to buying one. For the tank, the bigger you can go the better. I have a video called comparing gerbil tank sizes. It may be helpful for you to see how small the 20 gallon actually is. I believe a single male mouse would be okay to house in a 20 gallon! But for 2 gerbils I would advise it's not enough room :) the 10 gallon topper would fit but would be limited in space.

[@Ross1984.]

@@TheGerbilVine okay cool. I am looking into getting materials to build a 20 gallon topper so I can have more room. Thank you so much for the advice

[@LL-pq7qc]

Where did you get the wooden platform? Link please

[@TheGerbilVine]

I made the platform myself from a sheet of wood.

[@ixxgxx]

where you buy the topper

[@TheGerbilVine]

I made my topper! I have a video on how it was done on my channel

[@olivia2215]

Hi, I recently adopted gerbils and one of them has passed away, I think she had something wrong with her. What do I do with the other gerbil, do I have to buy another gerbil and put them in the same enclosure?

[@TheGerbilVine]

I'm so sorry for your loss. How old is your current gerbil ? It's up to you if you want to get another gerbil and go through the split cage introduction, or if you want your gerbil to live out her days alone. If you plan on owning gerbils after she passes, I would attempt the split tank intro to a younger female pup. DO NOT put both gerbils in the same tank immediately. It is a process , you can Google split tank introduction, or check out this video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXvdmHWHidZ7sNU ) where I briefly discuss it.

[@jacqualinepfeiffer95]

How did you get the toper

[@TheGerbilVine]

I built it, I have a video on it!

[@Rawrwrwrr]

Where'd you get the topper and the tank for your gerbil, and what is the name of the topper and tank

[@TheGerbilVine]

So for my tank I just bought a 40 gallon reptile terrarium from petsmart and for the topper it was a combination of buying the preview 528 hamster cage and using the top part, and then using some wood and screws and zip ties that I bought from Rona. I actually have a video on my channel where I discussed my topper building process in depth if you're interested in going and checking that out :)

[@Tracor3k99]

Wow, do you ever see your gerbils?

[@TheGerbilVine]

All the time.. I can see them in their burrows, and they explore the entire topper

[@caytinf543]

I want to adopt to gerbils from a shelter near me. I am doing a lot of research right know before I get them. They are females. I have always had hamsters and am looking forward to get these girls. I was wondering if the cage I have would work for them, it is a 4ft by 2ft and 2ft high melamine cage with a plexiglass Front with silicone filler spread out in the corners. I am worried that they will declan. I do have a bin cage in case of that. I currently have it set up with 14in of paper bedding on one side with a divider with an opening to a 10in high platform with a 12in wheel and a piece of marble tile and a water and vegetable dish on it, and under that is a sand bath and I popcorn box full of shedded paper. So I it would be awesome if you guys could go be me some pointers. Thank you.

[@TheGerbilVine]

Hey, it sounds like you're off to a great start ! You've got an appropriate sized wheel, tons of enrichment, and a large sand bath, those all are great staples for a gerbil home. I would be cautious using a wood and plexi glass home, I had used a wood home prior to my tank & they had started to chew it. You could try them out in it, and if you notice any chewing remove them and put them in something more secure. It seems like you've done your research, thank you for providing them with a large home. My only advice to you would be to upgrade them slowly. It's crazy sometimes that gerbils get along in a small space, but upgrading then too fast can cause issues to arise, such as dominance, claiming items, or ignoring the other gerbil ( too large a space ). They likely will be coming from a smaller, temporary home, so gradually add more bedding and enrichment items, don't give it to them all at once. Good luck to you & your future girls !

[@JWE2Lover]

what kind of tank is that?

[@TheGerbilVine]

Its just a 40 gallon terrarium and I made a topper for it using wood and the prevue 528 hamster cage.

[@evaluise22]

The enclosure is very nicely decorated! And the video is realy nice. However, I find that the ventilation below is not enough. Everything above the litter should actually be clear. I have a level for the drinking troughs, the sand bath etc. at a height of 50 cm.

[@TheGerbilVine]

Thank you for your comment and your concern. I can assure you through my research before creating my topper, it is 100% safe to have 2/3 of the floor cut out for air flow, leaving 1/3 for play space. If you've seen my other videos you may have noticed I also drilled holes on each side where the cage falls short meeting the wood. Ventilation was a heavily considered issue when constructing my topper, and I most certainly did right by the gerbils. Thank you for watching.

[@evaluise22]

@@TheGerbilVine Thanks for the answer. I didn't recognize that in the video, great :-)!

[@Pinkcandy777]

Do yours sleep at night?

[@TheGerbilVine]

Yes. Gerbils are diurnal, And go through many sleep and awake periods. They do not just sleep through the whole night or the whole day.

[@Pinkcandy777]

@@TheGerbilVine ty x

[@maisiemoo6245]

I've got 14 gerbils

[@TheGerbilVine]

Holy!

[@maisiemoo6245]

We thought we had 2 girls but turned out to be 1 boy and 1 girl . 😂

[@dubliners0999]

Luckiest gerbils ever. :)

[@ssandhu0808]

WhTggt that is a fish tank 😂 😂

[@loveyrosado5686]

I'm sorry but that's too much bedding! They like to walk and run on a flat surface too

[@TheGerbilVine]

Did you miss the part in the video where I have a topper? That would be their flat surface. As well as the bottom layer of their burrow system where all of their hideouts are. And I would actually have to disagree with you about too much bedding. I don't think there is ever enough when it comes to our furry friends.