Many pet owners wonder if it is possible to litter train their gerbils. Litter training can be a convenient and beneficial practice, providing a cleaner and more manageable living environment for both the gerbils and their owners.
Yes, gerbils can be litter trained. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, it is possible to train gerbils to use a designated area for elimination. Note that not all gerbils may fully adopt litter training, as it depends on individual preferences and behaviors.
In this article, we will explore the question of whether gerbils can be litter trained and discuss some tips and techniques to encourage litter training in these small and intelligent rodents.
Can gerbils be litter trained?
Yes, gerbils can be litter trained. Litter training involves teaching gerbils to use a specific area, such as a litter box or tray, for eliminating waste. While it may take some time and patience, gerbils can learn to associate the designated area with going to the bathroom.
Gerbils, often seen as small and active pets, have the potential to learn and perform various tricks, including litter training. Litter training involves teaching gerbils to use a specific area for eliminating waste.
While the process may require some time and patience, it is not overly challenging. Starting early, providing positive reinforcement, and maintaining consistency are key factors in successfully litter training a gerbil.
To initiate litter training, you can introduce a ceramic bowl filled with chinchilla dust or sand, which helps keep the bedding clean. Gerbils may naturally start using the bowl for bathroom purposes and engage in dust baths.
Gerbils do not like the smell of litter, so it will have to associate it with a place where it can relieve itself. Once they get used to the smell, they will be much more willing to use it as their bathroom.
How To Litter Train Gerbils
Litter training gerbils involves several steps. For younger gerbils, set up the litter box filled with sand or chinchilla dust in an open corner of their enclosure before introducing the rodents.
Familiarize them with the tray by allowing them to explore and associate the specific odor with a bathroom area. It’s normal for gerbils to initially play with the litter tray, but with patience and consistency, they will learn to use it for elimination.
Litter train younger gerbils
Set up the litter tray
First step is to set up the litter box and fill it with sand or chinchilla dust. Then put it into your gerbil’s enclosure before adding the rodents. An open corner is the best place for it.
Introduce your gerbils
The next step in training your gerbils to use the litter box is to familiarize them with it. Gerbils have excellent senses, so they will associate a certain odor with a bathroom. Ideally, this area is also covered in bedding to encourage gerbils to use the litter box.
It’s not uncommon for the gerbils to start playing with the litter tray at first. This is normal behavior, and you shouldn’t try to stop it.
Wait for results
If you notice that they’ve started using their litter tray, congratulations! You have successfully trained your gerbil to use the bathroom in an area away from bedding.
Now all it takes is a little patience for them and hopefully some clean sand or hay as treats so that this process can continue. Keep cleaning the litter box every few days so it doesn’t smell too bad.
If it’s too dirty, your gerbils might not want to use it and go back to their bedding instead. Every time you clean, you don’t have to do a deep clean, as a simple spot clean will do. When your gerbils start using the tray often, you’ve done a good job of training them.
Litter training older gerbils
If you are trying to litter train an older gerbil, you have 2 options.
First option
- See what is the favourite spot for the gerbils to go to the toilet. You will most likely see a few droppings in this spot.
- Clear that area from toys and other accessories and put the litter box there. This will give your gerbils an idea that this is the designated spot for going to the bathroom.
- Wait a few days and leave them explore their new environment. As mentioned before, it’s not uncommon for the gerbils to start playing with the litter box before knowing it’s their new bathroom.
Second option
If you don’t see any result on the first option after a few days, you should place some bedding in the litter box and put it in the litter tray. Their natural instinct is to burrow, so this will encourage them to use the sand as a bathroom.
If these steps don’t work, you’ll need to give your gerbil’s cage a deep clean and put the litter box in there when there are no familiar smells. Then, only put bedding where your gerbils sleep. Keep all substrate away from where they go to the bathroom, except for their litter tray. So, they will have no choice but to use the tray.
Where Should the Litter Box go?
The litter box for your gerbil should be placed in a corner of their enclosure, preferably in an area where they already show a preference for going to the bathroom. Gerbils are naturally inclined to choose specific spots for elimination, so observe their behavior to identify their preferred area.
Additionally, consider placing the litter box away from their bedding and feeding areas to promote cleanliness and encourage separate spaces for different activities. Ensure that the litter box is easily accessible for your gerbil to enter and exit comfortably.
How often do gerbils pee?
Gerbils have a high metabolic rate, which means they produce urine frequently. On average, gerbils tend to urinate every few hours throughout the day. However, the frequency and amount of urine can vary depending on factors such as the gerbil’s diet, hydration levels, and overall health.
It’s essential to provide your gerbil with a clean and absorbent substrate in their enclosure to maintain hygiene and prevent any potential discomfort or health issues.
Can you use cat litter for gerbils?
Cat litter is good at absorbing liquids and getting rid of smells, but it’s not a good choice for your gerbil’s litter box. Most cat litter is dusty, which is bad for gerbils, especially when they eat it. Some deodorizing chemicals are dangerous if swallowed, so don’t take the chance if you’re potty training your pet.
Instead, use sand or chinchilla dust, which you can find at your local pet store. These substrates are non-toxic and dust-free, which is better for your gerbil’s lungs. You can also use hay, but it’s not as effective at absorbing liquids.
Training your gerbil to use the litter box is a process that takes time, patience, and a little bit of effort. But once you’ve trained them, you’ll have a happy and healthy pet.
How to clean your gerbil’s litter tray
Gerbils are delightful little creatures that make great pets. One of the best things about them is that they’re relatively easy to care for. One important task you’ll need to do, however, is clean their litter tray.
It is recommended to clean your gerbils litter tray every 1 or 2 days, depending on how many gerbils you have. If it’s too dirty, your gerbils might not want to use it and go back to their bedding instead. Every time you clean, you don’t have to do a deep clean, as a simple spot clean will do.
First, you’ll need to gather your supplies. You’ll need a small scoop, a trash bag, and fresh litter. Next, remove all the old litter from the tray. Be sure to dispose of it in a trash bag. Once the tray is empty, give it a good rinse with warm water. Be sure to let it air dry completely before adding fresh litter. When you’re ready to add the new litter, simply scoop it into the tray. You can use as much or as little as you like – just be sure your gerbil has enough to cover the bottom of the tray.
When cleaning the litter box, avoid using scented cleaners or soaps. Gerbils’ respiratory system is sensitive to scent, so you should use water and a small sieve to clean it.
That’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can keep your gerbil’s litter tray clean and fresh.
Conclusion
Gerbils are easy to potty train, as long as you provide them with a clean and accessible litter box. The best substrates to use are sand or chinchilla dust, as they are non-toxic and dust-free. Hay can also be used, but it’s not as effective at absorbing liquids. With a little patience and effort, you’ll have a healthy and happy gerbil that knows where to go to the bathroom.
