How Do I Choose the Best Gerbil Cage?

Since pet gerbils normally spend most of their time inside pet cages, choosing the right one is an essential part of owning them. An important factor is the size of the cage; this often depends on whether there are multiple gerbils using it. Choosing the proper construction can help you make sure these animals are safe and easily attended to. You may need a different gerbil cage for introducing these pets to one another than you would otherwise use for two or more gerbils that are well acquainted.

Each gerbil needs approximately 5 gallons (18.93 l) or 1.2 cubic feet (0.03 cubic m) of space, but you may want to increase this amount if there are multiple gerbils. This is because you could need to place larger food and water dishes inside the gerbil cage, leaving these animals less room to run and play. A good size for two gerbils could be around 12 gallons (45.43 l) or 1.6 cubic feet (0.05 cubic m), but for three animals, one approximately 18 gallons (68.14 l) or 2.4 cubic feet (0.07 cubic m) might be a better choice.

The proper design and materials can ensure the gerbil cage is durable yet keeps these animals from being hurt. One with solid walls much like that of an aquarium is usually recommended because the gerbils cannot be stuck in between openings as they might if the cage is a wire one. Glass is typically thicker and holds up well, unlike plastic units that sometimes break when the gerbils peck or climb on them. A roof made of tight mesh usually allows for good airflow yet fits snugly enough so the animals cannot escape. It is normally easy to remove one of these lids to clean the cage or provide food and water.

Placing a new gerbil into a cage without first letting it get acquainted with other gerbils could be disastrous, as these animals sometimes fight when they are not properly introduced. This means you could want a special gerbil cage when training these pets to interact with one another. One with a screened wall in the center is typically ideal; however, gerbils may break through this barrier unless the wire is securely fastened to the sides. Fully integrating two gerbils may take up to a week, so the cage should be capable of supporting these pets for this amount of time so there is no interruption in training due to lack of adequate facilities.

For optimal comfort, a gerbil cage should provide ample space for exercise and exploration. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a pair of gerbils requires a minimum of 10 gallons of space, but larger is preferable. A cage measuring 20 inches long by 10 inches wide and 12 inches high is a good starting point, with additional space for each additional gerbil.

Gerbils are avid chewers, so it's essential to choose a durable material. Glass aquariums or cages with metal bars are commonly recommended. Glass provides a chew-proof environment and allows for deep bedding, which is ideal for their burrowing behavior. Metal cages offer good ventilation but ensure the bar spacing is narrow to prevent escapes.

Maintaining a clean habitat is crucial for your gerbil's health. Spot clean the cage daily to remove soiled bedding and food debris. A thorough cleaning, which involves replacing all bedding and sanitizing the cage, should be done weekly. This routine helps prevent the buildup of ammonia from urine and controls odor, as well as reduces the risk of disease.

Multi-level cages can be suitable for gerbils, offering them additional space to climb and explore. However, ensure that the levels have secure platforms and ramps to prevent falls, as gerbils are not as agile as some other rodents. The design should be escape-proof and the spaces between levels should be small enough to prevent accidental injury.

Enrichment is key to a gerbil's well-being. Include a variety of accessories such as tunnels, exercise wheels (solid surface to protect tails), chew toys made of safe woods, and hiding places. Providing a dust bath several times a week is also beneficial for their coat health. These accessories mimic their natural environment and encourage physical and mental stimulation.

Yes, gerbils are social animals and often thrive in pairs or small groups of the same sex to prevent breeding. When housing multiple gerbils, the cage size should increase proportionally to provide adequate space for each gerbil to establish their territory and reduce the risk of territorial aggression. A larger, well-structured habitat with multiple hiding spots and resources is ideal.