The 5 Best Gerbil Toys

Gerbils Small Pets May 6, 2022
Written by | Updated Dec 4, 2024
Share Email Pinterest Linkedin Twitter Facebook
gerbil toys

author:

The 5 Best Gerbil Toys

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

gerbil toys

Gerbils are very active creatures, so not only do they need ample space to run and burrow, but they also need an assortment of toys. Toys provide your gerbil with a source of enrichment but also help support dental health by keeping the teeth worn down. Gerbil toys come in many shapes and sizes, so consider purchasing a variety to see what your gerbil ends up liking best.

In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of keeping a pet gerbil healthy and provide some tips for choosing the best gerbil toys. You’ll also see our top 5 picks for the best gerbil toys.

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Gerbil Toys

Overall Best
Silent Runner 9

1. Silent Runner 9" - Exercise Wheel + Cage Attachment

Runner Up
Trixie Natural Living Mat House

2. Trixie Natural Living Mat House

Best Gerbil Tunnel
Prevue Hendryx 1092 Nature's Hideaway Grass Tunnel Toy

3. Prevue Hendryx 1092 Nature's Hideaway Grass Tunnel Toy

Best For Budget
Kaytee Nut Knot Nibbler Small Animal Chew Toy

4. Kaytee Nut Knot Nibbler Small Animal Chew Toy

Best Wooden Toy
Niteangel Natural Wooden Hamster and Mouse Tunnel Tube

5. Niteangel Natural Wooden Hamster and Mouse Tunnel Tube

Type
Exercise wheel
Type
Hideaway, chew toy
Type
Hideaway, chew toy
Type
Chew toy
Type
Hideaway, chew toy
Size
9” diameter
Size
3.94 x 7.09 x 7.09 inches
Size
7.5×3.75×3.74x inches
Size
4”
Size
9x3x3 inches
Key Features
Silent running
Key Features
Natural wood, non-toxic
Key Features
Woven grass, natural
Key Features
Natural wood, non-toxic
Key Features
Natural wood, nontoxic

What To Look For In Toys For Gerbils?

Your gerbil’s cage is its entire world, so you need to provide for all of your gerbil’s needs in this enclosed space. Toys provide your gerbil with enrichment, keeping it from becoming too bored, but also support its needs for regular exercise. It is best to provide a variety of different toys so your gerbil doesn’t get bored with the same old toys.

Here are some important things to look for in gerbil toys:

  • Exercise wheel. Gerbils are active creatures that need a great deal of exercise. Because a cage limits their activity, exercise wheels are an essential toy for every gerbil cage.
  • Hideaways. Your gerbil will spend a great deal of time sleeping, so it’s a good idea to provide several hideaways in the cage. Keep in mind that your gerbil will chew on it, so choose one made from safe materials.
  • Chew toys. Speaking of chewing, your gerbil needs chew toys to support its dental health and to keep its teeth naturally filed down. Untreated wood and paper materials are ideal.
  • Climbing toys. Your gerbil loves to climb, so provide toys and accessories that add vertical space for your gerbil to explore in the cage.

Our Top Picks For The Best Gerbil Toys

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a gerbil toy, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 5 picks for the best gerbil toys.

Overall Best
1.

Silent Runner 9" - Exercise Wheel + Cage Attachment

Product Info

  • Type: Exercise wheel
  • Size: 9” diameter
  • Key Features: Silent running
Pros
  • Large 9” diameter enables gerbils to run safely
  • Silent-spinning design with innovative technology
  • Disassembles easily for cleaning and maintenance
Cons
  • More expensive than other models
  • May be too large for some gerbil cages
Exercise is extremely important for gerbils but some wheels are too small or too noisy. This Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Exercise Wheel measures a full 9 inches in diameter which enables your gerbil to run while keeping its back straight for safety. It also features a silent design with innovative dual ball-bearings for a smooth glide. It may cost a little more, but you’ll find that it is well worth the investment.
Runner Up
2.

Trixie Natural Living Mat House

Product Info

  • Type: Hideaway, chew toy
  • Size: 3.94 x 7.09 x 7.09 inches
  • Key Features: Natural wood, non-toxic
Pros
  • Made from non-toxic natural wood materials
  • Fulfills need to climb, hide, and chew
  • Two levels of privacy for resting and hiding
Cons
  • Doesn’t repel liquid, may absorb urine
  • Staples may eventually become exposed with chewing
Your gerbil needs places to hide away and sleep but also needs chew toys. This Trixie Natural Living Mat House fulfills both needs! Made from natural wood materials, this house encourages your gerbil to chew which helps maintain healthy teeth. It comes with a two-level design for two different levels of privacy with a curved wooden ramp leading to the second level. Place this toy in your gerbil’s cage as a place to climb, play, rest, and chew. Your gerbil is sure to love it.
Best Gerbil Tunnel
3.

Prevue Hendryx 1092 Nature's Hideaway Grass Tunnel Toy

Product Info

  • Type: Hideaway, chew toy
  • Size: 7.5×3.75×3.74x inches
  • Key Features: Woven grass, natural
Pros
  • Hand-woven design from natural grass materials
  • Completely safe for chewing and hiding
  • Satisfies instincts to burrow, nest, and chew
Cons
  • Some users noticed an unpleasant smell
  • Grass may become sharp after chewing
Another great option in hideaways that double as chew toys, this Prevue Hendryx Nature’s Hideaway Grass Tunnel is safe and all-natural. It is made from hand-woven grass and satisfies your gerbil’s need to burrow, nest, and chew. It is lightweight enough that your gerbil can move it around the cage as needed.
Best For Budget
4.

Kaytee Nut Knot Nibbler Small Animal Chew Toy

Product Info

  • Type: Chew toy
  • Size: 4”
  • Key Features: Natural wood, non-toxic
Pros
  • Made from all-natural, nontoxic wood
  • Encourages healthy playing and chewing
  • Comes in two different sizes (4” and 2.5”)
Cons
  • May eventually splinter or fall apart (replace before it does)
  • May have some splinters if pieces fall off
Keep your gerbil engaged with this Nut Knot Nibbler from Kaytee. It comes in two sizes – 4 inches and 2.5 inches – and is made from all-natural wood materials. This toy satisfies your gerbil’s need to chew and gnaw but it is completely safe and nontoxic. It is made with vegetable dye coloring as well, so you don’t have to worry about unsafe materials.
Best Wooden Toy
5.

Niteangel Natural Wooden Hamster and Mouse Tunnel Tube

Product Info

  • Type: Hideaway, chew toy
  • Size: 9x3x3 inches
  • Key Features: Natural wood, nontoxic
Pros
  • Made from natural wood materials
  • Suitable for hiding and chewing
  • No staples or glue, only all natural wood materials
Cons
  • Some holes may not be big enough for large gerbils
Another great option in hideaways that double as chew toys is this Niteangel Natural Wooden Tunnel Tube. Made entirely from all-natural wood, this toy doesn’t use any staples or glue. It measures a full 8 inches long with 9 entrances and exits to keep your gerbil entertained. For an extra level of stimulation, fill the tunnel with treats or fresh hay and let your gerbils go at it.

Tips For Keeping A Gerbil Healthy

The two primary things you need for your gerbil to be healthy and happy is a spacious cage and a healthy diet. Your gerbil’s diet determines its long-term health and wellness while its cage keeps it safe. In the cage, you need to provide for your gerbil’s need to exercise and its need to be mentally stimulated – that’s where toys come in.

Here are some simple tips for keeping your gerbil happy and healthy:

  • Buy the biggest gerbil cage you can afford, even if you’re only keeping one – space is extremely important for a healthy gerbil.
  • Make sure your gerbil cage is made from non-toxic materials and that it is designed to minimize the risk of escape.
  • Provide your gerbil will spaces to hide away as well as space for exercise – and don’t forget to provide a variety of different toys!
  • Fill your gerbil cage with 2 to 3 inches of bedding for your gerbil to burrow – you can place accessories like toys, hideaways, and exercise wheels on top.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to keep your gerbil healthy, you can see how toys play a major role. Take what you’ve learned here and use it to shop for the best gerbil toys around.

Final Remarks

The best thing you can do for your gerbil is to provide a variety of different toys. You never know what your gerbil might like, and some toys provide different benefits than others. Keep several toys on hand and don’t be afraid to swap them out every week or so to keep things fresh.

If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for gerbil toys, try out one of the top 5 gerbil toys we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!

Was this article helpful?
Let us know what you think.

Kate Barrington is avid pet lover and adoring owner of three cats and one dog, her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. She has been writing about pet care and pet products since 2010
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *