Mongolian gerbil
Meriones unguiculatus
Social; needs to live with conspecifics to thrive. Social activity is crucial.
Overview & key figures
Regulations
Companion animal
ℹ️OPAn: group housing (social species), deep digging substrate; respect minimum enclosure sizes. Professional sale requires competence.
Lifespan
from 3 to 5years
Adult weight
from 65 to 110g
Lifestyle
Diurnal, nocturnal and mainly crepuscular
Body temperature
from 37 to 38.5°C
Sexual maturity
from 2 to 3months
ℹ️2 months (female), 3 months (male)
Gestation
from 24 to 28days
Litter / clutch size
from 2 to 12
ℹ️6 on average
Habitat & environment
Type of housing
Large multi-level cage, sheltered from drafts
Substrate & bedding
Plant-based bedding (hemp, corncob), paper (Twistynest), cellulose (Carefresh).
Exercise & outings
Social activity is very important. Regular out-of-cage time recommended.
Required equipment
- ✓ Wheel
- ✓ Hideouts (PVC, small house)
- ✓ Branches to gnaw (hazel)
- ✓ Food bowl
- ✓ Water bottle or heavy water bowl
Technical parameters
| Ambient temperature | 21–25 °C Optimal temperature |
Nutrition
Daily base
Vegetarian with omnivorous tendencies. Very sensitive to dietary changes. Pellets or extruded food recommended.
🪵 Pellets
🥕 Vegetables & greens
Fresh and/or dried (1-2×/day). Remove fruit after 12 hrs.
⏰ Feeding frequency
Supplements & pellets
NO seed mixes (predispose to obesity).
Treats
Occasionally. Don't overdo it.
To avoid
- 🌻 Seed Mix — Predisposes to obesity
- 🍽️ Table Scraps — Obesity risk
- 🍊 Citrus
- 🥔 Potato — Raw
- 🥬 Cabbage — Cabbages / Brassicas
Behaviour & socialisation
Social life
Social. Inter-species cohabitation not recommended.
Activity cycle: Diurnal / Nocturnal / Crepuscular
Enrichment
- Cohabitation (conspecifics only)
- Multi-level setup
- Gnawing material (hazel)
Health & prevention
Preventive medicine
Deworming if necessary.
Vaccination
None
Surgery & sterilisation
Female: abdominal spay (from 4 months). Male: scrotal castration (prevents testicular tumours and seborrhoea).
Clinical warning signs
If any of these symptoms appear, prompt veterinary care is essential. Contact an exotic-pet vet as soon as possible — they can assess your animal's condition and make the appropriate diagnosis.
Common conditions
Obesity
Cause: Seed mixes or table scraps
Symptoms: Excessive weight gain
Prevention: Pellets <5% fat only
Testicular tumours
Cause: Hormonal / Age
Symptoms: Mass in the testicular area
Prevention: Preventive castration
Seborrhoea
Cause: Hormonal
Symptoms: Greasy coat
Prevention: Castration