Gerbil bedding
Gerbils are natural burrowers and need a genuinely deep layer of safe bedding, not just a thin covering on the cage floor. Here's what to use and how deep to go. Getting the depth right is one of the simplest welfare improvements an owner can make, and it costs little more than buying a slightly bigger bag.
Why depth matters more for gerbils than most small pets
Gerbils are diggers by instinct, and in the wild they build extensive burrow systems. A cage with only a thin layer of bedding on the floor stops them expressing that behaviour almost entirely, which is a bigger welfare gap for a gerbil than it would be for a species that does not naturally burrow.
A depth of at least fifteen to twenty centimetres of digging-safe substrate is a reasonable working target for a proper gerbilarium, giving them enough material to build and maintain tunnels rather than just scratch at the surface.
Safe bedding choices
Paper-based bedding and aspen shavings are the standard safe choices, the same as for rats and mice, and both hold a burrow shape reasonably well once a gerbil has packed it down. Avoid untreated pine and cedar shavings, since the oils they release can irritate a small rodent's respiratory system over time.
Some owners mix a paper-based bedding with a play-sand layer lower down to help tunnels hold their shape, though this is optional rather than essential — a sufficiently deep layer of ordinary safe bedding on its own works well for most gerbils.
Keeping a deep bed clean
A deep bedding layer needs a slightly different cleaning routine to a shallow one — spot-clean the surface and any obvious toilet area daily, but leave the bulk of the tunnel system undisturbed rather than digging it all out every time, since gerbils invest real effort in building it.
A full bedding change every few weeks is usually enough for a deep, well-maintained setup, more often if the cage starts to smell between changes or if you notice damp patches building up at the base.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Adjustable Tortoise Harness and Lead
An adjustable harness and lead set sized for tortoises and turtles, for safe garden adventures.
£7.99
Four Flags Quick Ferret Muzzle — Grooming & Handling Aid
A temporary, reliable muzzle designed specifically for ferrets — useful for grooming, medicating, and routine handling.
£14.99
Hamster Exercise Ball
A clear rolling exercise ball that lets your hamster roam and stay active safely around the home, with ventilation slots and a secure lid. Supplied in a random colour.
£7.99
Rabbit No-Rinse Dry-Cleaning Foam
A no-rinse foam that gently cleans and freshens your rabbit's coat between full washes, no water needed.
£7.99
PawHut 12-Panel Small Animal Playpen for Guinea Pigs, 105cm, White
Twelve 45 x 35cm panels and multi-angle connectors that build a 105 x 105cm open pen at 45cm high, for evening floor time with guinea pigs or hedgehogs.
£35.99
Poultry Nappy Harness for Chickens, Ducks & Geese
A washable fabric nappy harness for house poultry, catching droppings to keep your home clean.
From£7.99
Hanging Cage Hammock for Small Pets
A soft sherpa-lined cage hammock that gives small pets a warm, lofted spot to curl up.
From£8.99
Selective Timothy Hay
UK-grown Timothy hay for rabbits and other small animals, for unlimited daily feeding
£9.99
Small Pet Carrier Shoulder Bag with Bubble Window
A ventilated travel carrier bag for hamsters, guinea pigs and other small pets, with a clear bubble window and breathable mesh panels. The adjustable shoulder strap makes outings and vet trips easy.
£13.99
Selective Naturals Woodland Loops
Dandelion and rosehip flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Orchard Loops
Apple-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Meadow Loops
Pea-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Common questions
- How deep should gerbil bedding be?
- At least fifteen to twenty centimetres is a reasonable target, since gerbils are natural burrowers and need real depth to dig proper tunnels. A shallow layer that only covers the cage floor does not give them enough to work with.
- Can gerbils use the same bedding as hamsters?
- Yes, paper-based bedding and aspen shavings are safe and suitable for both, and are the standard recommendation across most small burrowing rodents. Avoid pine and cedar shavings for either species.
- Why does my gerbil keep digging at the corners of the cage?
- This is usually a sign the bedding is too shallow for them to burrow into properly, rather than a behaviour problem. Adding more depth of a safe bedding often resolves it, since it gives them the material to tunnel instead of scratching at a solid surface.
- How often should I fully clean out a gerbil's bedding?
- Every few weeks is typical for a deep, well-maintained setup, with daily spot-cleaning of the surface and toilet area in between. Avoid disturbing the whole tunnel system too often, since gerbils put real effort into building it.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.