Best Gerbil Cages of 2021 – Reviews and Where to Buy
Gerbils are great rodents to have as pets. However, like other animals, they require a certain type of enclosure that is suitable for their needs, comfort, and safety.
Gerbils require a bunch of small purchases in their cage. These include:
- food (& dish*)
- a water bottle/dish
- a hidey hut
- a wheel to run on (min: 7-8″)
- LOTS of bedding
- something to chew on (chew toys, paper rolls, etc)
Gerbils need a minimum of 5-10 gallons per gerbil. So two gerbils will need at least 10-15 gallons and etc. Gerbils need at least one friend so you’re going to want a 10 gallon enclosure or bigger. Many of the cages for small animals aren’t suitable for gerbils because of all the gnawing and digging they do.
*For a Guide to Gerbil Care click here
What to Look for When Buying a Gerbil Cage
Material
Gerbils are persistent burrowers and chewers so it’s important to pay attention to what the cage is made of. It’s best not to choose an enclosure with plastic components (even plastic tunnels) unless you want a run-away gerbil on your hands. It’s best to find a chew-proof enclosure such as an aquarium.
Size and Height/Deep Base
As mentioned earlier you will need about 5-10 gallons of space per gerbil. Gerbils tend to be on the more active side of small animals so they will need a decent amount of space for burrowing and exercising. If you get a bigger enclosure you will also have to opportunity to add more fun accessories to their cage.
Height/a deep base is important for getting a cage for your gerbil because they love to burrow. A deep base allows you to provide more bedding for them. Don’t fill up their cage to the top because gerbils still need room to stand. A deep base will also prevent bedding and poop from being thrown out.
Ventilation & Security
It’s important that you find a secure mesh/wire lid or tank topper. This will keep your gerbil safe from other pets and prevents your gerbil from jumping out of the cage. It also ensures that they are getting maximum airflow within the cage to keep it fresh and cool.
We offer the best reviewed products from our Amazon Affiliate links in case you’d like to buy one. There is no cost to you and it helps keep the lights on around here (thanks!). With that being said let’s get into the best gerbil cages…
Fish Tank Aquarium and/or Gerbilarium Review
A tank is a great option. Glass tanks are definitely one of the best options for gerbils as they cannot chew through it and they allow for plenty of space for bedding and their burrowing needs. They also provide space for other accessories you may want to have in their enclosure. Aquariums are available at pet stores and online in a variety of sizes, just make sure you are above the minimum. Many gerbil owners will suggest getting the 20 gallon tank or even the 40 gallon breeder tank because it gives your gerbils more room and allows more enrichment.
There are also “tank toppers” that sit on top of the tank and offer the best of both worlds … a glass burrowing space, and also an open air cage for feeding and interacting. These can also be known as “gerbilariums”
Reptile Terrarium
Reptile terrariums, like aquariums, work great for gerbils due to the glass walls. The two front doors allow for optimal access to the interior of the enclosure and there is plenty of room for lots of bedding for burrowing. One thing that you may want to be aware of is a gerbils tendency to “redecorate” their enclosure, meaning that they may decide to pile up their bedding up against the door(s). There is a removable mesh top to allow great ventilation within the cage as well as a safe way to lock the front doors so that your gerbils remain safely inside.
Ikea Detolf – DIY Gerbil/Hamster Cage Review
Width: 16 3/4 ” Depth: 14 3/8 ” Height: 64 1/8 ”
If you like a little bit of a DIY you can transform this $70 Ikea Detolf glass cabinet into an amazing gerbil cage. This Detolf would be about the equivalent of a 90 gallon tank <-(usually costs about $800). Keep in mind that you will have to make your own lid. Your gerbil may escape without one!
**If you’re interested in more DIY cages check out our article called IKEA Hamster Cage Ideas, all of the cages featured there also work perfectly for gerbils!
Where To Put Your New Gerbil Enclosure
The location of your gerbil enclosure is important too. Their environment should be…
- Somewhere quiet – gerbils are very sensitive to noises and get scared pretty easily. They are prey animals and have an excellent sense of smell and hearing. It’s best to keep them away from televisions and running water.
- Away from chemicals – this means you should keep your gerbil away from rooms such bathrooms, laundry rooms, and your garage. Certain chemicals in cleaners and detergents aren’t good for rodents respiratory systems and can sometimes lead to infections.
- Away from cats and/or dogs – it’s not essential, however it’s a good idea to keep your gerbils enclosure away from any household pets. Gerbils are prey to many bigger animals so they might end up living in fear if they are not kept away.
- A constant temperature – gerbils don’t do well if the temperature is frequently fluctuating. You should make sure that your gerbils enclosure is out of direct sunlight and away from fireplaces, air vents, or radiators.
Here’s some of our recommended accessories:
Next up…bedding! Before you go make sure to check out our article reviewing the Best Gerbil Bedding (it also covers what bedding to avoid!)
