Gerbils' Digging

Digging is a natural instinct that gerbils have.

If your gerbil is gnawing or digging in your cage, it is not necessarily because he’s unhappy or trying to escape. It is more likely it’s just doing what comes naturally.

You can give your gerbils Chinchilla dust for fun and watch them dig and roll around in it. It is not advisable to leave Chinchilla dust in the cage permanently, only occasionally while being supervised.

Sand boxes in their play area are all right if commercial children’s sand is used. It is not recommend for their living quarters because it provides no warmth, doesn’t reduce odors, and is heavy and hard to clean.