Housing

The ideal housing consists of a base tray that is as opaque as possible, with minimum dimensions of 100x50x50cm (LxWxH), and a wire mesh topper at least 30cm high. This is necessary to provide the animals with a sufficiently large and varied habitat. Two animals can be kept in such an enclosure. For each additional animal, the floor space

must be increased by at least 25%. In order to build solid tunnels, the bedding must be at least 40cm deep and should consist of one third small animal bedding, one third hay, and one third straw or paper strips. 
The ability to build and use tunnels, as well as completely dark hiding places that can only be reached through a dark or red tube [translator's note: I believe they mean an opaque tube or clear red tube that blocks light] turning around a corner, are among the essential basic needs of gerbils. If these needs are not met, they develop behavioural disorders such as constant digging in corners.
Roots and gnawable materials such as paper, cardboard, and branches keep the rodents occupied and, together with tubes, can serve as structural elements for the construction of underground tunnels and chambers.
A drinking bowl, food bowl, and a sand bath with chinchilla sand are required. These items should be placed on platforms so thye cannot be buried or dug out from underneath.
A wheel that complies with animal welfare regulations (see fact sheet 62, Accessories that violate animal welfare) should be provided, even if not all animals use it. As a general rule, all heavy objects must be secured to prevent tipping over and being dug out from underneath (risk of injury).
When keeping mixed-sex pairs, it should be remembered that gerbils have a high reproduction rate. To prevent uncontrolled breeding, the male animals should be neutered.

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Care

Depending on the size of the enclosure, cleaning should be carried out at least once a month, replacing only soiled bedding and adding or replacing enrichment materials. Food and water bowls must be cleaned daily.
Tame gerbils can be allowed to run free in the room under supervision. The animals may react fearfully, at least initially. Therefore, you need to take your time and remain calm to allow them to explore and then lure them back into their cage. Hazards such as electrical cables, open windows, poisonous plants, etc. must be eliminated and removed.
Gerbils should never be picked up or held by their sensitive tails, as the skin there can tear. The animals should be picked up with your hand from underneath.

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Further animal welfare aspects/special features

Digging in sharp-edged, dry sand (containing quartz) or rubbing against cage bars can cause skin inflammation.
Skin fungal diseases are not uncommon and manifest themselves in hair loss. Treatment by a specialist veterinarian is necessary in these instances. It should be noted that skin fungi are also transmissible to humans. The use of over-the-counter medicines, feed supplements, etc. from pet stores is usually ineffective or harmful.
Adult animals should not be introduced without careful consideration, as animals that are not part of the family will be fought to the death. Introductions must be done very carefully. With young animals up to 6 weeks old, this is usually possible without any problems.
The use of glass enclosures that are closed on all sides is possible, as the animals produce very little urine. Ensure there is good ventilation from above.
The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones ungiculatus) is often referred to as a gerbil. This is incorrect, as gerbils belong to a different genus (Gerbillus) and have different husbandry requirements.
If the housing is too small, there is too little bedding, or there is no completely dark sleeping area, gerbils quickly tend to exhibit stereotypical behaviours such as digging in a corner, gnawing on bars, and running in a wheel for hours on end. Such behavioural disorders are considered to be indicative of significant suffering. As with epilepsy, there are breeding lines whose offspring are more susceptible to such indications.