If your gerbil gets a red, sore-looking nose, discontinue your use of pine bedding. Your gerbils will spend hours gathering, chewing, and arranging these materials into a fluffy nest. How often you change the bedding depends on the size of the cage, the amount of bedding, and the number of gerbils. Cages should be washed with mild soap or very hot water, and all old bedding materials should be replaced. Toys are important additions to cages in order to prevent boredom and lethargy in your gerbils.
Some gerbils also enjoy having access to an exercise wheel.
If you acquire a runged wheel, it is important to cover the rungs in order to prevent injurty to the gerbils' tails and feet. You can either weave paper between the rungs, or tape the rungs with duct tape. You will need to replace this covering periodically for cleanliness and to compensate for chewing. Diet Gerbils should be supplied with fresh food and water every day. Living Together Because gerbils are so social, they should not be kept alone if an appropriate cagemate can be found.