How to Stop Gerbils from Digging in the Corner: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners.

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Gerbils are burrowing animals by nature, and they love to dig and explore their surroundings. In the wild, they dig burrows to create a safe and comfortable environment for themselves. In captivity, gerbils often dig in corners because they are trying to satisfy their instinct to burrow. They may also be trying to create a nest or hide their food.

Understanding Gerbil Behavior

The natural instincts of gerbils

Gerbils are active animals that require a lot of space to run, climb, and explore. They are social creatures and thrive when they have a companion to interact with. Gerbils also have a natural instinct to burrow, and this is where most of their digging behavior comes from.

Why ignoring their behavior can become problematic

Ignoring a gerbil’s digging behavior can become problematic for both the pet and the owner. Gerbils may continue to dig excessively, leading to serious health problems such as respiratory issues from inhaling bedding material or injuries from tunnel collapses. For the owner, it can result in damage to the cage and furniture, and even create an unsanitary living environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stopping Gerbils from Digging in Corners

Step 1: Identify the cause of the digging

Before attempting to stop your gerbil from digging in corners, it’s essential to identify the cause of the behavior. As mentioned earlier, gerbils dig for various reasons, such as boredom, lack of exercise, or even illness. Observe your gerbil’s behavior and check for signs of other health problems like lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Step 2: Provide adequate exercise opportunities

Gerbils are active animals that require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Ensure that your gerbil has plenty of opportunities to run and play outside of their enclosure. Set up a playpen or provide a large exercise wheel to give your gerbil an outlet for their energy.

Step 3: Give your gerbil enough toys to play with

Toys are essential for keeping your gerbil mentally stimulated and physically active. Provide your gerbil with a variety of toys such as tunnels, chew toys, and climbing structures to keep them entertained and prevent boredom.

Step 4: Provide a proper sand bath

Gerbils love to groom themselves, and a sand bath is an excellent way to facilitate this behavior. Sand baths can also help prevent excessive digging by satisfying their need to burrow. Make sure to use a dust-free chinchilla sand and provide a shallow dish for your gerbil to roll around in.

Step 5: Check for boredom or lack of stimulation

Gerbils are intelligent animals that need mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If your gerbil is digging in corners due to boredom, try introducing new toys or rearranging their enclosure to create a new environment for them to explore.

Step 6: Check for possible health problems

Excessive digging behavior can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you notice any other symptoms, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, take your gerbil to a veterinarian for a check-up.

Step 7: Reassess cage size and layout

Gerbils need plenty of space to move around and play. If your gerbil’s enclosure is too small, they may be digging in corners because they don’t have enough room to explore. Consider upgrading to a larger cage or adding an extension to the current enclosure.

Step 8: Make deterrents

If your gerbil continues to dig in corners despite your efforts, you may need to make deterrents to discourage the behavior. Covering the corners with rocks or placing a small object in the corner can help prevent your gerbil from digging in those areas.

Conclusion

Gerbils are wonderful pets that require proper care and attention to thrive. Digging in corners is a common problem that can be addressed with a little effort and care. By understanding your gerbil’s behavior and providing adequate stimulation, exercise opportunities, and a proper environment, you can help prevent this behavior and ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet. Remember to identify the cause of the behavior before taking action and seek veterinary assistance if necessary.

ThePetFaq Team
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