Gerbil Potty Training

Question
I know it is possible to potty-train a hamster, but I was curious if you can a gerbil and in what manner? I've never tried.

Answer
Hi Ed,

Yes, it is possible to potty-train a gerbil.  In fact, it's even easier than potty-training a hamster; while hamsters will urinate in their potties, they will defecate pretty much wherever.  Gerbils, on the other hand, tend to defecate and urinate in one spot.

Potty-training is the same with gerbils and hamsters.  Buy unscented cat litter or hamster litter.  (You can also buy a hamster potty, but it's not necessary.)  Place some litter in a corner of the cage, preferably where the gerbil already uses the bathroom.  With a plastic spoon, scoop up some of the gerbil's droppings and some bedding with urine on it, and put it on the litter to encourage the gerbil to use it.  Once your gerbil starts using the litter, change the litter at least once every 2 days.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly