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Gerbil Sand Baths and Litter Box Training

gerbil picture

Did you know that Gerbils can be litterbox trained? Most animals want to keep their environment clean and gerbils are no exception.  I have two that I adopted when they were babies. I put a small Tupperware box filled with sand in the corner of their cage and within two days, they were burying their waste in it just like cats do. Litterbox-training saves on bedding expense and keeps their cage fresh and clean.

If your gerbils are older and have established the habit of peeing in their bedding already, I’d try removing ALL bedding from their cage, and put a litterbox filled with sand in the corner. Wipe out the cage a few times a day until they get the hang of using the litterbox. Then put bedding in their sleeping area (only) for awhile. If they’re still using the litterbox at that point, add the bedding back into the bottom of the cage. The bedding should feel different to them than the sand.

Replace the sand every day — gerbils LOVE rolling in the sandbox while it’s clean. These sand baths remove their hair grease and keep their coats shiny.

(photo by orangeacid)

2 comments… add one

  • Gerbil lover

    I’m going to try litterbox training mine. Great idea. They don’t pee much anyway, but still. Would be easier to change sand box than whole cage. Carefresh is expensive. Thanks for tip!

  • gena

    have you tried the super pet potty litter? i work at a pet store and we have potty litter just for hamster and gerbils. i just got one yesterday so i am going to try it

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