If you’re looking for a small, low-maintenance rodent to keep as a pet, you may consider a 10-gallon tank. But which rodents can live comfortably in such a small space? Let’s take a look at some of the best options.
Hamsters
Keeping hamsters in an aquarium is becoming an increasingly popular choice among pet owners.
An average-sized hamster can be comfortably housed in a small 10-gallon tank with plenty of room to move around, play, and explore.
To promote mental and physical health, help your hamster stay entertained by adding plenty of hiding spaces and items for climbing.
In addition, bedding should be provided at the bottom of the tank for burrowing and nesting.
Finally, make sure the tank lid is secure to prevent failed escape.
With some planning, a 10-gallon tank can provide your little furry friend with a safe haven.
Gerbils
Gerbils are another excellent option for 10-gallon tanks—so long as you only keep one gerbil in the tank at any time.
Animals like gerbils, sometimes called desert rats, are among the best-suited rodents for a 10-gallon tank.
With a relatively small body size and social personalities, they prefer living in a large colony of their kind; however, the general rule of thumb suggests you should not exceed two adult males in such an enclosure.
They can get along with guinea pigs, hamsters, or other similar-sized rodent species if introduced slowly and carefully at a young age.
Gerbils enjoy plenty of space to explore and play, so including plenty of hiding spots like plants, logs, and tunnels are essential.
Additionally, the substrate should be specifically designed for these little pups, providing easy access to burrows while keeping messes to a minimum during cleaning days.
Mice
The final option for keeping rodents in a 10-gallon tank is mice—which make great pets.
Just like hamsters and gerbils, it is important not to overcrowd mice when keeping them in captivity.
Mice are a popular choice for small rodents living in a 10-gallon tank.
They thrive when given ample space, enrichment activities and toys, and regular social interaction.
For example, various tubes, hamster wheels, and safe tree branches can be included in their habitat to ensure
they stay healthy and happy. Mice do best when housed with other mice of the same size for companionship but should not be overcrowded.
It is important to remember that the tank must remain clean to prevent the spread of disease among them.
The flooring should be lined with absorbent paper or wood chips and adequately furnished with feeding dishes, water bottles, bedding/cuddle sacks, chew toys/cardboard boxes, and hiding spots such as tunnels or caves and climbing ramps.
Your furry creatures will quickly become part of the family with proper maintenance and care.
Conclusion
All three rodents—hamsters, gerbils, and mice—are suitable candidates for living inside 10-gallon tanks. However, it is essential to remember that even with such limited space, these animals still need plenty of stimulation to thrive—from activity items like tunnels and running wheels down to simply having enough food available daily.
With proper care and attention, their owners provide, these furry friends can be excellent companions without requiring too much effort or resources.
