The 10 Best Cages For Gerbils

Gerbils Rodents May 13, 2022
Written by | Updated Dec 6, 2024
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The 10 Best Cages For Gerbils

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Gerbil

Gerbils may be small, but they are very active and have specific requirements in terms of their care and keeping. These little rodents need plenty of space to run around, including an ample layer of bedding in which to burrow.

You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot on a gerbil cage, but you do need to choose one that will suit your pet’s needs.

In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of caring for pet gerbils and provide some tips for choosing the best gerbil cage. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best gerbil cage.

At a Glance: Best Cages For Gerbils To Buy

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Cages For Gerbils

Overall Best
Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Small Animal Home

1. Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Small Animal Home

Best Big Cage
Ferplast Laura Hamster Cage

2. Ferplast Laura Hamster Cage

Best 10-Gallon Tank
Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper

3. Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper

Best For Budget
Ware Chew Proof Small Animal High Rise

4. Ware Chew Proof Small Animal High Rise

Best Durable
Aqueon Standard Glass Rectangle Aquarium

5. Aqueon Standard Glass Rectangle Aquarium

Best For Active Pet
Prevue Hendryx Deluxe Hamster and Gerbil Cage Bordeaux

6. Prevue Hendryx Deluxe Hamster and Gerbil Cage Bordeaux

Best Multi-Level
Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper

7. Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper

Best Efficient
Kaytee CritterTrail Carry & Go Small Animal Travel Habitat

8. Kaytee CritterTrail Carry & Go Small Animal Travel Habitat

Best 2-Tier Hamster Cage
Iris Plastic and Wire Medium Hamster Cage

9. Iris Plastic and Wire Medium Hamster Cage

Best For Small Pet
Kaytee CritterTrail Small Animal Habitat

10. Kaytee CritterTrail Small Animal Habitat

Size
32.5Lx19”Wx17.5”H
Size
18.11 x 11.61 x 14.76 inches
Size
20x10x10 inches
Size
19.5x11x10.5 inches
Size
10 gallons
Size
22.5x12x12.5 inches
Size
19.25×9.75×11.5 inches
Size
30×7.5×18 inches
Size
12.2 x 17.72 x 14.57 inches
Size
7.2Lx18.2Wx17.8H
Features
Great ventilation, easy to clean
Features
Two levels, included wheel, easy to clean
Features
Shelves, ramps, food dish, water bottle, home
Features
Shelves, ramps
Features
Solid construction, affordable
Features
Exercise wheel, home, shelves, ramps
Features
Shelf, ramp
Features
Shelf, ramp, bubble plug, port door connector
Features
2-Tier levels
Features
Smart design, included water bottle
Materials
Plastic and wire mesh
Materials
Coated Metal, Metal
Materials
Wire mesh, plastic
Materials
Wire mesh
Materials
Glass
Materials
Plastic, wire mesh
Materials
Wire mesh
Materials
Plastic, wire mesh
Materials
Plastic
Materials
Plastic, coated wire

What To Look For In Cages For Gerbils?

Gerbils are social animals, so it is best to keep them in pairs or small groups. This being the case, you’ll need a larger cage than you might if you only keep one gerbil. When shopping for a gerbil cage, be sure to consider all of your gerbil’s needs including ample space to run, plenty of depth for bedding, and construction and materials that are safe for gerbils.

Here Are Some Important Things To Look For In Gerbil Cages:

  • Ample size for the number of gerbils. A pair of gerbils needs at least 12x24x12 inches of space, but more is always better. Many gerbil owners prefer glass aquariums with mesh tops because they provide ample space and depth with adequate security.
  • Correct dimensions. On top of the general size of your gerbil cage, you need to make sure it is deep enough to accommodate several inches of bedding. Gerbils like to burrow, so there should be room for bedding as well as your cage accessories.
  • Safety and security. Gerbils may be small, but they are tricky little rodents and have a knack for escaping unless you are very careful. Choose a cage that doesn’t have holes larger than ½ inch and look for one that has a secure top on it.
  • Accessories and toys. On top of providing your gerbil with a spacious cage, you also need to know what to put in it. Your gerbil will need a nesting box in which to sleep, an exercise wheel to keep it active, and a variety of toys to play with.

Our Top Picks For The Best Cages For Gerbils

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a gerbil cage, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best gerbil cages.

Overall Best
1.

Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Small Animal Home

Product Info

  • Size: 32.5Lx19”Wx17.5”H
  • Features: Great ventilation, easy to clean
  • Materials: Plastic and wire mesh
Pros
  • Durably constructed from quality materials
  • Wire mesh top for proper ventilation
  • Deep base to accommodate bedding
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with as many accessories as some
If you’re looking for a gerbil cage that is generously sized and secure enough to keep your gerbils safe, try this Prevue Pet Products Universal Small Animal Home. It features a sturdy plastic base deep enough to accommodate several inches of bedding with a wire mesh top. The wire mesh top ensures proper ventilation but the spacing is less than ½ inch which is generally enough to keep gerbils contained. It doesn’t come with as many accessories as some options but is durably constructed.
Best Big Cage
2.

Ferplast Laura Hamster Cage

Product Info

  • Size: 18.11 x 11.61 x 14.76 inches
  • Features: Two levels, included wheel, easy to clean
  • Materials: Coated Metal, Metal
Pros
  • Clear base allows for easy viewing
  • Wire top for ventilation and added space
  • Tight ¼-inch spacing between bars for security
Cons
  • May not accommodate larger exercise wheels
  • Plastic materials could be more durable
Similar in design to the previous option, this gerbil cage features a clear plastic base so you can still view your gerbil even when it is burrowed into the substrate. This Ferplast Favola Large Hamster Cage features a nearly 5-inch-deep base with plenty of space for bedding and a nearly 12-inch top. This cage provides plenty of space and ventilation with ¼-inch spacing between the bars.
Best 10-Gallon Tank
3.

Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper

Product Info

  • Materials: Wire mesh, plastic
  • Size: 20x10x10 inches
  • Features: Shelves, ramps, food dish, water bottle, home
Pros
  • Turns any 10-gallon tank into a high-rise
  • Comes with shelves, ramps, and other accessories
  • Made from chew-proof coated wire
Cons
  • Fairly expensive compared to other models
  • Access door is at the top, may be tough to reach all the way in
Many gerbil owners choose to keep their gerbils in 10-gallon fish tanks. This is a very cost-effective option but it may not provide enough space for a pair of gerbils. This Kaytee My First Home Tank Topper is an easy solution to add extra space to your gerbil cage. It turns any 10-gallon tank into a multi-level high-rise for your pet and it comes with ramps, shelves, and other accessories.
Best For Budget
4.

Ware Chew Proof Small Animal High Rise

Product Info

  • Materials: Wire mesh
  • Size: 19.5x11x10.5 inches
  • Features: Shelves, ramps
Pros
  • Adds extra height and usable space to tanks
  • Made from durable powder-coated wire mesh
  • Comes with shelves, ramps, food dish, water bottle
Cons
  • Wire floor can be tough on sensitive feet
  • Access door at top, may need to remove entire topper to clean cage
If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper cage topper, try this Ware Manufacturing Chew Proof High Rise Cage. It is made from durable powder-coated wire for chew-proof security and it fits any 10-gallon aquarium. This cage topper includes mesh shelves and ramps to add extra space to your tank with a food dish and water bottle included.
Best Durable
5.

Aqueon Standard Glass Rectangle Aquarium

Product Info

  • Materials: Glass
  • Size: 10 gallons
  • Features: Solid construction, affordable
Pros
  • Very cost-effective for the size and durability
  • Plenty of depth for several inches of bedding
  • Works with a screen top or cage topper
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a lid or cage topper
  • Solid glass isn’t as well ventilated as wire mesh cages
One of the most cost-effective options in gerbil cages is a plan 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank. A sturdy glass fish tank provides ample depth for bedding and you don’t have to worry about your gerbil getting stuck between bars. You can cover it with a tight-fitting mesh lid or add a cage topper for additional space.
Best For Active Pet
6.

Prevue Hendryx Deluxe Hamster and Gerbil Cage Bordeaux

Product Info

  • Materials: Plastic, wire mesh
  • Size: 22.5x12x12.5 inches
  • Features: Exercise wheel, home, shelves, ramps
Pros
  • More cost-effective than some gerbil cages
  • Comes with shelves and ramps for 2 levels
  • Includes exercise wheel and two houses
Cons
  • Some risk of gerbil getting caught between layers
  • May require adjustments to close large gaps
Purchasing a glass aquarium and cage topper can get expensive, but this Prevue Hendryx Deluxe Hamster and Gerbil Cage is an all-in-one option. It features a sturdy plastic base with a wire mesh top and two shelves with ramps. It comes with two houses, one for each platform, as well as an exercise wheel perfectly sized for the cage.
Best Multi-Level
7.

Kaytee My First Home Small Animal Tank Topper

Product Info

  • Materials: Wire mesh
  • Size: 19.25×9.75×11.5 inches
  • Features: Shelf, ramp
Pros
  • Wire mesh design for proper ventilation
  • Attaches to most 10-gallon glass aquariums
  • Comes with shelves and ramps for multiple levels
Cons
  • Tricky to reach through the access door into the cage
  • Some gaps may be wider than ½-inch
If you already have a 10-gallon aquarium on hand and want to convert it into a multi-level gerbil cage, this Small Animal High Rise Tank Topper is a great option. It features a quick-assembly design complete with shelves and ramps to turn your tank into a high-rise. It is convenience and easy to put together.
Best Efficient
8.

Kaytee CritterTrail Carry & Go Small Animal Travel Habitat

Product Info

  • Materials: Plastic, wire mesh
  • Size: 30×7.5×18 inches
  • Features: Shelf, ramp, bubble plug, port door connector
Pros
  • Simple but efficient cage design
  • Works with CritterTrail accessories
  • Ample floor space and depth for bedding
Cons
  • Somewhat pricy for the simple design
  • Ramp takes up a significant amount of space
You don’t necessarily need a fancy gerbil cage with a ton of levels. All you really need is a sturdy base layer with ample room for bedding and maybe a second layer to add accessories. This Kaytee CritterTrail Super Habitat for Small Animals is simple but efficient and you can always add CritterTrail tubes and accessories if you choose.
Best 2-Tier Hamster Cage
9.

Iris Plastic and Wire Medium Hamster Cage

Product Info

  • Size: 12.2 x 17.72 x 14.57 inches
  • Features: 2-Tier levels
  • Materials: Plastic
Pros
  • Multi-level design but contained for security
  • Comes with all the top accessories for gerbils
  • Deep base and 2-tier design
Cons
  • Could be made from more durable materials
  • May be too small for a pair of gerbils
If you like the idea of customizing your gerbil cage with different levels but you’re worried about security, try this IRIS 2-Tier Hamster Cage. It enables you to add multiple levels to your cage, but they are all kept inside to minimize the risk of escape. Plus, it comes with all the top accessories.
Best For Small Pet
10.

Kaytee CritterTrail Small Animal Habitat

Product Info

  • Size: 7.2Lx18.2Wx17.8H
  • Features: Smart design, included water bottle
  • Materials: Plastic, coated wire
Pros
  • Easy to customize and upgrade your design
  • Compatible with all CritterTrail accessories
  • Comes with several cage accessories including wheel
Cons
  • Not a great deal of open space on the bottom level
  • Plastic tubes may come loose, risk for escape
Decorating your gerbil cage is half the fun and this Kaytee CritterTrail 2-Level Habitat makes it an adventure. Completely compatible with all CritterTrail accessories, this cage allows you to add pieces and accessories to your gerbil cage such as exercise wheels, shelves, hideaways, and more.

Tips For Maintaining A Gerbil Cage

Gerbils are by no means a high-maintenance pet. They do, however, have certain requirements for care. Choosing a gerbil cage is the first thing most pet parents do, but you also need to think about how you’re going to keep the cage clean and tidy for your pet gerbil.

Here are some simple tips for maintaining a gerbil cage:

  • Add at least 2 to 3 inches of bedding to your gerbil cage – enough that your pet can dig into it – and replace soiled bedding as needed.
  • Replace the bedding in your gerbil cage every 7 to 10 days, depending how many gerbils you have and whether they tend to go in one area or all over the cage.
  • Every two weeks, empty and wash out your gerbil cage using warm soapy water – let the cage dry completely before you refill it.
  • Give your gerbil’s favorite toys a quick wash with soapy water every few weeks to keep them clean and free from bacteria.

Now that you know a little more about what kind of cage your gerbil needs and how to maintain it, you’re ready to start shopping! If you’re still not sure what cage might be best, do a little more research on your own or try one of the cages we’ve reviewed above.

Final Remarks

The best gerbil cage is one that provides plenty of space for your gerbils while also keeping them safe and secure. Avoid anything that has large gaps (such as wire cages) and any that don’t provide ventilation. Make sure as well that your cage is deep enough to add several inches of bedding so your gerbil can burrow to its heart’s desire.

If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a gerbil cage, try out one of the top 5 best gerbil cages reviewed above. Best of luck to you!

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Kate Barrington is avid pet lover and adoring owner of three cats and one dog, her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. She has been writing about pet care and pet products since 2010
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