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Gerbil bedding – diggable, dust-free and ideal for tunnels
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Gerbil bedding – diggable, dust-free and perfect for tunnels
The right gerbil bedding is the foundation of a good habitat. Gerbils are real diggers: they like to build tunnels, burrows, and create storage areas. Therefore, it's best to choose bedding that is diggable, provides structure, and preferably low-dust. In this category, you'll find exactly the bedding (and clever combinations) that work well in practice.
At DRD Rodent Shop®, we select gerbil bedding based on its ability to dig, comfort, and ease of use – with clear selection guides for both beginners and avid gerbil scapers. We've been specializing in rodents and rabbits since 2011.
Choose diggable bedding (and mix wisely) for sturdy burrows and a “buildable” habitat.
Gerbilscaping →
A good base is soft on the paws and helps keep the enclosure fresh, especially with a deep layer.
Nesting material →
Combine with tunnels, houses and foraging for daily searching and digging fun.
Houses → | Play & Forage →
What is gerbil bedding?
Gerbil bedding is the material on the floor of the enclosure that provides comfort, absorption, and—most importantly—the ability to dig and build tunnels . In a well-designed gerbil enclosure, the bedding literally forms the "construction layer" upon which the rest of your furnishings are connected.
What should you pay attention to when choosing bedding for gerbils?
Not every substrate is automatically suitable for gerbils. These are the properties that make the most difference in practice:
- Diggible and “buildable” – tunnels should not collapse immediately.
- Low dust – pleasant to use, especially when digging deep.
- No sharp parts – safe for paws and eyes.
- Highly absorbent – helps keep the room fresh for longer.
How deep should gerbil bedding be?
For gerbils, deeper is almost always better , as long as your enclosure allows it. Many keepers start with a solid digging layer of around 20 cm and expand it where possible. You don't need to have the exact same depth everywhere: a slope (from shallower to deeper) works very well and adds a dynamic touch to the enclosure.
Smart mixing: how to make the base stable and fun
Mixing is the trick for gerbils: you combine comfort with structure, so tunnels stay upright. Here are a few practical combinations (no fuss):
- Soft + structure: Cotton N Cotton with Cotton N Fibre (extra structure due to fibres).
- Sturdy “construction layer”: Cotton N Card with Card N Card Mix (stable, cardboard-like structure).
- Natural & airy: Cotton N Hemp or Cotton N Flax as a base with some wood fibre for extra volume.
- Comfort top layer: Carefresh or paper bedding as a (partial) top layer, while you get the "building force" from the underlayer.
Popular ground covers in this category
✔ Cotton N Cotton – soft, comfortable and suitable for supporting tunnels (especially in mixes).
✔ Cotton N Fibre – extra structure through fibres, ideal for adding “building strength”.
✔ Cotton N Hemp – natural mix base, ideal for digging layers.
✔ Cotton N Flax and flax – airy, easy to combine in layering.
✔ Wood fiber – volume and structure, useful for mixing.
✔ Cotton N Card & Card N Card – sturdy structure for excavation and construction layers.
✔ Coconut – natural addition to scapes (depending on your build).
✔ Cotton granule – useful as a targeted, absorbent layer (e.g. in a corner/area).
Maintenance: how to keep a deep excavation layer fresh for longer
Gerbils are relatively clean. With good, deep bedding, it's usually best to spot clean rather than replace everything. This also helps the group maintain a sense of identity within the enclosure.
Practical routine
✔ Spot clean 1–2× per week: remove wet areas and toilet zones, leave dry areas.
✔ Top up where necessary (especially in digging zones and at tunnel entrances).
✔ Major change gradually and depending on odor/moisture: replace in parts rather than all at once.
Checklist – choosing gerbil substrate
✔ Choose diggable (tunnels must be able to remain standing).
✔ Go for dust-free and safe (no sharp parts).
✔ Create a deep layer and work with height differences (slope).
✔ Mix comfort + structure (e.g. cotton/hemp/linen with cardboard/fibre).
✔ Sand belongs in a separate sandbox – gerbil sandbox .
Safety
Avoid surfaces that are very dusty or contain sharp splinters. Don't use sand as a bedding ; always offer sand in a separate sandbox . Place heavy items (such as an exercise wheel) on a stable platform to prevent digging and pinching. Not sure which bedding is best for your enclosure? Contact us via our service page .
FAQ – Gerbil Bedding
What is the best gerbil bedding?
The best choice is diggable, dust-free, and mixable . Many keepers use a combination of cotton/hemp/flax with a textured layer (such as fiber or cardboard blend) to ensure tunnels stay upright.
How deep should be gerbil bedding?
Preferably as deep as possible within your enclosure. Many gerbil owners start at around 20 cm and then expand. A slope with a deeper digging area also works well.
Can I mix different ground covers?
Yes, especially with gerbils, mixing often works best. Combine comfort (cotton/paper) with texture (fiber/cardboard) for a sturdy, buildable substrate.
How often should I change the bedding?
Spot cleaning (removing wet spots) usually works best, and you can gradually replace the bedding as needed. This depends on the depth, group size, and moisture/odor in the enclosure.
✔ Gerbil bedding that supports digging and tunnel building
✔ Smart mixing for comfort + structure (buildable base)
✔ Specialist since 2011
Order before 5 PM, shipped the same day | Delivered from our own stock | Specialist since 2011
