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Persian Gerbil Information – Housing, Feeding, Enrichment & Safe Choices
The Persian gerbil ( Meriones persicus ) is a larger, lively gerbil species that enjoys digging, jumping, and climbing. They are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, and they are usually most enjoyable to observe in an enclosure that truly "works": deep litter, trails, hiding places, and foraging challenges. DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011 and is happy to help you design a gerbil that prioritizes well-being and safety.
Directly to Gerbil range: Gerbil (all) · Cage & enclosures · Bedding · Gerbil food
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Persian Gerbil Checklist (Good Basic)
- ✓ Preferably keep them with at least one other bird and provide sufficient space and several hiding places.
- ✓ Choose a habitat with floor space and height (digging and climbing), with a sturdy, deep base.
- ✓ Use diggable ground cover and place heavy items first (anti-sinking).
- ✓ Provide a sand bath with suitable sand and keep it hygienic.
- ✓ Food: complete gerbil food as a basis + controlled variation (herbs/plants/snacks).
✓ Active & curious
Make the habitat “workable”: routes, foraging and material to gnaw on.
✓ Digging + climbing
Combine a deep excavation layer with sturdy climbing structures and safe platforms.
✓ Peace in the group
Prevent competition: multiple hiding places, feeding places and clear zones.
Keeping together & group peace
Persian gerbils are generally sociable animals. In practice, it works best if the animals are kept together from a young age . Provide extra space, several hiding places, and preferably more than one feeding station to keep the group calm.
Stay: digging + climbing, without risks
Think about zones: digging zone (deep), sand zone (dry), and routes (tunnels/bridges/platforms). Use sturdy materials and check them regularly for wear and tear.
Sand bath & hygiene
A sand bath promotes grooming and activity. Keep the sand dry and clean; gerbils can also use it as a toilet, so refreshing/sifting it is wise.
Nutrition: basics, variation & pitfalls
Start with a complete gerbil food . Supplement with a controlled variety (herbs, plants, and seeds) and use snacks primarily as enrichment. Watch out for hoarding behavior: "bowl empty" doesn't necessarily mean "everything's gone."
Relevant shopping links for Persian gerbils
Layout & behavior:
Cage & enclosures · Bedding · Houses · Tunnels · Sandbox · Exercise wheels · Rodent materials · Play & forage
Power supply:
Gerbil food · Hay, herbs & seeds · Fresh plants · Snacks
Inspiration via tags: Gerbilscaping · Graafzand · Gerbil exercise wheel
For general background information you can also consult the LICG .
FAQ – Persian Gerbil
Are Persian gerbils cuddly toys?
Usually not. They can become tame and enjoy contact, but are often less amused by being picked up or held. Expect them to observe and interact at their own pace.
What is the biggest gain from the stay?
A deep, stable digging layer plus multiple hiding routes (tunnels/houses) and daily foraging enrichment.
Tip: start with the basics from “Ground Covering + Sandbox + Houses/Tunnels” and then expand to include foraging and gnawing material.
✓ Targeted range for digging, climbing and foraging
✓ Specialist selection assistance since 2011
✓ Practical tips for safe design and smart nutrition
