Best Gerbil Toys UK: Chews, Tunnels and Wheel Picks

We chose each gerbil toy by type, such as chew, tunnel, wheel, hideout or digging toy, and by the material stated in the listing, such as wood, willow, hay or cardboard. No stock, review or testing claims are made, so check sizes against your own gerbil and tank.

Which Gerbil Toy Types Do Gerbils Use Most?

Gerbils use chew toys, tunnels and digging areas most, because gnawing, burrowing and exploring are core natural behaviours. In the wild they live in desert burrow systems, so a pet gerbil needs deep bedding plus toys that let it tunnel and hide. Wooden and willow chews keep their constantly growing teeth worn down, while cardboard tubes and boxes give them something to shred into nesting material. A solid wheel offers exercise, and a hideout gives a quiet spot to rest. Gerbils are social, so a pair or small group will often play together in tunnels. A useful comparison tip is to measure your gerbil from nose to the base of the tail, then choose tunnels with an opening at least a third wider than its body so it can turn easily. Rotate two or three toys each week to keep interest high without crowding the enclosure.

How Do These Gerbil Toys Compare?

The table shows who each gerbil toy suits and the material or toy type from its listing. Check the material first, then measure your gerbil so tunnels and wheels are big enough.

What Size Wheel Is Safe for a Gerbil Toy?

A safe wheel for a gerbil should be at least 20 cm across, with larger adults often happier on a wheel of around 25 to 30 cm. A wheel that is too small makes a gerbil arch its back as it runs, which can lead to spine problems over time. The running surface must be solid, never wire rungs or mesh, because gerbils have long tails and small feet that can be caught or injured. Look for a wheel that mounts firmly or stands on a wide base so it does not tip over in deep bedding. To compare options, watch your gerbil run: its back should stay flat or curve slightly upward, never bending down into a C shape. Plastic wheels can be chewed, so check edges regularly. Wooden or metal wheels with solid tracks tend to last longer, though they need careful cleaning so they do not hold smells.

Which Materials Are Safest in a Gerbil Toy?

The safest materials in a gerbil toy are untreated wood, willow, hay, seagrass and plain cardboard. These are safe to chew and help wear down teeth. Avoid painted or varnished items, soft plastics that can be swallowed, and fabric toys with loose threads, which can wrap around feet. Cedar and untreated pine wood give off strong oils, so most UK small pet advice suggests avoiding them. Fruit tree woods such as apple are a popular choice. For a quick comparison, press a fingernail into a wooden toy: a soft, unfinished surface that marks easily is fine, while a glossy coat that resists marking may be varnished. Choose gerbil toys with no small glued parts or bells that could come loose. Check every toy weekly and replace any that are splintered, mouldy or chewed down to sharp edges, as worn items can cut mouths and feet.

How Should You Set Up Gerbil Toys in the Enclosure?

You should set up gerbil toys around deep bedding, so your gerbils can dig, hide and play the way they would in a burrow. Gerbil welfare advice suggests at least 15 to 20 cm of bedding depth in part of the tank, which is why glass tanks are usually better than barred cages. Place tunnels partly buried in the bedding, so gerbils can dig in and out of them. Put the wheel on a firm base or fix it to a solid side, clear of deep bedding that could jam it. Keep a hideout in a quieter corner and a sand bath of chinchilla sand, not dust, in another area for grooming. Avoid stacking toys so high that a gerbil could fall from the top onto a hard object. Leave open floor space between items for running. For two gerbils, provide at least two hiding places and plenty of chew items to reduce squabbles. When you add a new toy, rub it in a little old bedding first so it smells familiar, and watch how your gerbils react over the first day.

You may also find our guide to silent hamster wheels and the gerbil cages guide useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 23 October 2026.