There are 3 options that you have when deciding on a home for your new gerbil.
While each will do the job, there are some things you should consider before you go ahead and puchase any of them. Each type has it’s own pros and cons.
Traditional Wire Cage
- Gerbils tend to kick their bedding a lot. With the traditional wire cage, there’s nothing stopping it from landing on the floor or somewhere outside the cage.
- This cage is much lighter, meaning it’s easier to move around.
- Gerbils will chew on the rungs. This has two effects. Sometimes, they will scratch their noses. Other times, they’ll just remove all the fur from their snouts!
- A lot of gerbil accessories are made for a cage. It’s easier to clip accessories on.
- When gerbils are young and old, they may be able to squeeze through the rungs… which is a pretty easy escape route.
Glass Aquarium (Reccommended)
- Retains all bedding inside
- It is more difficult to escape – however if you don’t have a top, gerbils can jump out very easily!
- Sturdier – May last longer. Has more than 1 purpose, also. Can be used for fish, reptiles etc.
- Very heavy to carry around which makes cleaning more difficult.
Plastic Cage
- Much more attractive for the owner.
- Chewable – Gerbils like to chew and before long, most gerbils that live in a plastic cage, will chew their way out.
- Dangerous – Plastic should not be injested by any animal.
- Not recommended for gerbils.
This gives you an idea of the pros and cons of each type of cage. While many gerbil owners reccomend the aquarium due to the cleanliness, and safety, others recommend the wire cage becase it’s much easier to clean. It really depends on what you’er aiming for with the cage.
The size of the cage will depend on how many gerbils you have. Generally, this is the place your gerbil will eat, run, play, and sleep. Approximately, a 10-gallon aquarium (or the same sized cage) is appropriate for 2 gerbils. A 15 gallon for 3 gerbils and so on.
The cage is where your gerbil will eat, sleep, play, organize, decorate, terrorize and simply, live their life. Choosing the right cage can be a big decision, but it’s also an important one.
