The Gerbil’s Nest

Bedding and Litter for Gerbil Cages

Gerbils require a comfortable and absorbent covering for the floor of their cage.  This makes the home closer to their natural habitat, and soaks up urine to keep the space cleaner and reduce odors. 

Wood shavings are the most common and practical type of gerbil cage litter. Avoid using sawdust, because it can be extremely messy, dusty, and will irritate the eyes of your gerbil.

Never use cedar wood shavings for your gerbil’s home, since the scent oils (phenols) within that type of wood causes severe irritations in gerbils.  Though pine does cause fewer problems, there is still a risk, so it should be used only as a last resort.  If you must use pine, opt for kiln dried pine, which can be used without the risk of irritation.

Though corn cob bedding has become popular among rodent keepers, it becomes wet very easily, and retains the moisture, allowing mold to grow.  Though gerbils produce very little urine, any spilled water will become a health hazard.  Furthermore, if your gerbil eats the bedding, it can swell and cause health problems in your gerbil.

Your best and most practical choice is to use hardwood shavings from wood such as Aspen, or wood-pulp small animal litter.  They will keep odors down, the cage clean, and won't hurt your gerbil.

Though slightly more expensive, wood-pulp small animal litter is the ultimate in gerbil bedding.

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Aspen and hard woods are the best shavings for gerbil litter.

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