Gerbil Lifespans

Gerbil longevity depends on a number of factors, such as diet, environment, how they are kept in general, and what species they are. Mongolian gerbils - the commonest species available in the pet trade - can expect to live for anything between two to five years, whereas fat-tailed gerbils generally live between five and eight years.

Gerbils' lifespans depend on species, and on how well you look after them

Some gerbils simply die young - i.e. at the two-year rather than the five-year end of the scale. This is usually due to an illness such as a tumor or stroke.In general, however, gerbils are quite healthy creatures. All they ask is that you keep them in a spacious, clean, well-equipped enclosure, give them regular health checks, and include in their diet all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.