The death of a pet gerbil, while often unexpected and sudden, can be a heartbreaking experience – especially for those who have closely bonded with their tiny companion.
Whether you’re a first-time gerbil owner or a seasoned pet parent, it’s never easy to deal with the passing of a beloved animal.
This article will guide you step-by-step through what to do when your pet gerbil dies, how to determine if it’s truly deceased, what might have caused its death, what to do with the body, and how to help any surviving gerbil cope with the loss.
Is My Gerbil Really Dead? How to Check
Before taking any further action, it’s crucial to confirm whether your gerbil is truly deceased. Gerbils can sometimes go into a state that mimics death – especially when they are extremely cold, in shock, or severely ill.
Here are ways to check:
1. Check for Breathing
Observe your gerbil’s chest for any movement. A healthy gerbil has a fast and shallow breathing pattern. If you can’t detect breathing, wait at least 60 seconds and check again. It is best to do this in a quiet, still room.
2. Feel for a Heartbeat
Use two fingers to gently press on your gerbil’s chest (just behind the front legs). A heartbeat can be faint, so be patient and gentle.
3. Temperature and Stiffness
If your gerbil is alive, they will be warm or at least lukewarm. If the body is cold and stiff, this indicates rigor mortis, a strong sign that the gerbil has passed. Rigor mortis typically sets in within 1–2 hours of death.
4. Check Eye Response
Try gently lifting an eyelid or shining a soft light near the eyes. A living gerbil will typically show a small reflex response, such as twitching.
5. Reaction to Touch
Gently touch your gerbil’s foot or tail. If there’s no twitch or response at all, and all other signs suggest death, you can safely conclude your pet has passed.
💡 If you’re unsure, contact a veterinarian. Some gerbils can enter a state of torpor (deep sleep or coma-like condition) due to illness or extreme cold, and a vet can confirm death with certainty.
Why Has My Gerbil Died? Common Reasons
Understanding the possible causes of your gerbil’s death may help bring closure and allow you to take preventive steps in the future. Gerbils are generally hardy animals, but several health, environmental, and social factors can affect their well-being.
Old Age
The most common cause of death in pet gerbils is natural aging. Most live between 2 to 4 years, although some may reach 5 with excellent care. If your gerbil was over two years old, age-related health decline could be the reason.
Undiagnosed Illness
Gerbils can hide symptoms of illness well due to their prey instincts. Some common conditions include:
- Respiratory infections: Often caused by dusty bedding or cold drafts.
- Tumors and cancers: More common in older gerbils.
- Tyzzers disease: A fatal bacterial infection that spreads rapidly.
- Diarrhea or dehydration: Can lead to sudden death if not treated promptly.
- Seizures or strokes: Some gerbils have a genetic predisposition.
Trauma or Accidents
Even in a well-maintained cage, accidents can occur. A fall from a height, getting stuck in a toy or wheel, or being mishandled can cause fatal injuries.
Poisoning
Gerbils love to chew. If they gnaw on toxic materials – such as plastic, treated wood, certain plants, or chemical cleaning residues – they can become very sick or die.
Nutritional Deficiencies
An unbalanced diet or lack of fresh water can lead to malnutrition, obesity, or liver failure. Gerbils need a mix of seeds, grains, and occasional fresh vegetables. Check out our article here on what to feed your gerbil.
Fighting Between Gerbils
Gerbils are social but territorial. If you house more than one gerbil, fights can break out – especially between mature males. Lethal injuries can occur quickly.
Environmental Stress
Extreme heat, cold, high humidity, or loud noises can stress or shock a gerbil to death. Ensure their environment is calm and temperature-controlled. Learn more about safely housing your gerbil here.
What to Do With a Dead Gerbil
Once you’ve confirmed your gerbil has passed away, the next steps involve handling the remains respectfully and deciding on a method of final disposition.
Step 1: Remove the Body from the Cage
Use gloves or a tissue to gently lift the body and place it in a small box or container. Remove it quickly to prevent distress in other gerbils living in the cage or the risk of disease.
Step 2: Preserve Temporarily If Needed
If you’re not burying or disposing of the body immediately, place it in a sealed container (wrapped in a towel or paper) and refrigerate (not freeze) to prevent decomposition for up to 24 hours.
Step 3: Choose a Burial or Disposal Method
Home Burial
- Dig a hole at least 2–3 feet deep in a safe, legal area.
- Wrap your gerbil in biodegradable material.
- Consider marking the grave with a stone, flower, or keepsake.
- Always check local laws before burying pets on private property.
Pet Cremation
- Pet creamtion is offered by many veterinary clinics or pet crematoriums. There are usually two types:
- Communal cremation: ashes not returned.
- Private cremation: ashes returned in an urn or box.
Vet Disposal
Most veterinarians offer a safe and respectful disposal for a fee or as part of a service. This is ideal if you can’t bury or cremate your pet yourself.
Will My Surviving Gerbil Be Okay?
If your gerbil was part of a bonded pair or group, the death of one can deeply affect the other. Gerbils are social creatures, and loneliness can lead to depression, health decline, and behavioral changes.
Immediate Reactions to Expect:
- Searching or sniffing for their lost companion
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy or hiding
- Increased vocalizations or digging behavior
These are normal signs of grief. Most gerbils begin adjusting within a week or two, but your attention and support are crucial during this time.
What You Can Do to Help:
Spend More Time With Them
Talk to them gently, handle them daily if they’re comfortable with it, and offer extra treats and playtime.
Provide Enrichment
Add new toys, tunnels, or chewing blocks to distract and stimulate them.
Keep the Cage Familiar
Don’t deep-clean or rearrange the cage immediately. Familiar scents help ease stress.
Should You Get a New Gerbil?
Some gerbils are very sociable, while others are not. Mongolian gerbils are social gerbils that live in groups in the wild. Therefore, they should not be housed alone. On the other hand, fat-tailed gerbils should be housed alone. Whether you decide to get a new gerbil or not depends on a few factors:
- Age: If your surviving gerbil is older (2+ years), it may be better to let them live out their days alone with your attention.
- Temperament: Not all gerbils accept new companions. Some are territorial and may fight.
- Split Cage Method: Introducing a new gerbil requires a split cage introduction—a slow process that allows them to see and smell each other through a barrier before cohabiting.
Split Cage Introduction Steps:
- Set up a cage divided by mesh or wire.
- Swap the gerbils from side to side daily to mix scents.
- After 7–14 days, if there’s no aggression, try supervised contact.
- Monitor closely once they’re in the same space.
Never rush introductions. Fights between gerbils can be fatal. You can find more information about introducing new gerbils here.
Coping With the Loss
Even though gerbils are small, their loss can feel big—especially for children or anyone emotionally attached. Acknowledge the grief.
Ideas to Honor Your Gerbil:
- Create a memory box with photos, toys, or cage items.
- Write a short farewell letter or journal entry.
- Plant a flower or tree in their memory.
- Hold a small ceremony with family.
Preventing Future Losses: Gerbil Care Tips
To help ensure the health and safety of any remaining or future gerbils, here are essential care practices:
Proper Habitat
- Use a spacious tank or cage (minimum 10 gallons per gerbil).
- Avoid wire floors and unsafe accessories.
- Clean weekly but keep some old bedding to retain familiar scent.
To ensure your properly housing your gerbil, check our helpful guide.
Diet and Hydration
- Provide gerbil-specific pellets, grains, and limited treats.
- Always offer fresh, clean water.
Learn more about the perfect gerbil diet here.
Safe Environment
- Keep the cage in a quiet, draft-free room.
- Avoid using toxic cleaning agents nearby.
- Use safe bedding, such as hay, aspen, or shredded paper. Read our guide on the best bedding here.
Social Structure
- Always house same-sex pairs or groups (unless breeding).
- Avoid mixing adults without proper introductions.
Monitor Health
- Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or appearance. Common gerbil behaviors can be found here.
- Make sure have a small pet veterinary clinic nearby for emergencies.
