If you’re a gerbil parent or considering becoming one, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right gerbil cage for your fluffy little friend. The home you choose will directly impact your pet’s health, happiness, and overall quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about selecting the perfect cage, setting it up correctly, and enhancing it with all the appropriate accessories.
What Does a Gerbil Need in a Cage?
Before we dive into specific recommendations, it’s important to understand what makes gerbils unique compared to other small furry pets. Gerbils are highly active, social creatures with natural burrowing instincts. In the wild, they create extensive tunnel systems that can reach several feet deep.
These natural behaviors should inform your gerbil cage selection. Unlike hamsters, which require more horizontal space, gerbils thrive when they have both horizontal space for running and vertical depth for burrowing. A proper cage accommodates your fluffy friend’s instinctual behaviors, allowing your pet to express its natural tendencies.
What is the Ideal Size for a Gerbil Cage?
When it comes to gerbil cage dimensions, bigger is almost always better. The minimum recommended size for a pair of gerbils (yes, a pair – gerbils are social, and it’s not recommended to keep them alone) is 20 gallons or approximately 30 x 12 x 12 inches as the absolute minimum.
Ideally, you’d want to have a cage that’s about 30 – 40 gallons, giving your gerbils ample space to explore, exercise, and establish separate areas for different activities.
Some key considerations for gerbil cage sizing:
- Floor space: Gerbils need room to run and play
- Depth: At least 8 – 10 inches of substrate depth to allow for burrowing
- Height: Additional vertical space with multiple levels can make the environment more stimulating and interesting
- Number of gerbils: Add 10 gallons to the base size for each additional gerbil
What are the Best Materials for Gerbil Cages?
Not all gerbil cage materials are created equal. Gerbils are prolific chewers with strong teeth that continuously grow. This means that many conventional cages will not be suitable and could even be potentially dangerous.
Glass Aquariums
A converted glass aquarium makes an excellent cage for a number of reasons:
- The glass sides prevent bedding from being kicked out
- It allows for deep substrate burrowing
- It’s chew-proof
- It provides excellent visibility to observe your pet
- It helps maintain consistent temperature and humidity
A 20–40-gallon aquarium with a secure, well-ventilated lid can make an ideal cage. The clear sides also make monitoring your gerbils’ health and activity easier.
Gerbilarium/Tank Toppers
A popular variation is a gerbilarium, which combines a glass tank base with a wire cage topper. This hybrid gerbil cage offers the best of both worlds: deep bedding for burrowing in the lower section and climbing opportunities in the upper wire portion.
When selecting a tank topper for your gerbil cage, ensure the bar spacing is no more than ¼ inch to prevent escapes.
Material to Avoid
When shopping for a gerbil cage, avoid the following materials:
- Plastic cages: Gerbils will chew through plastic, potentially ingesting harmful material
- Cedar or pine wood: These specific woods contain oils that are toxic to small animals
- Wire-bottom cages: These can cause painful foot injuries called bumblefoot
- Small, modular ‘critter trail’ style cages: These provide insufficient space and are usually made of chewable plastic
What is Essential in a Gerbil Cage Setup?
Proper setup will ensure your pet’s well-being once you’ve chosen the right gerbil cage.
Bedding and Substrate
The foundation of any good gerbil cage is an appropriate substrate. Gerbils need a minimum of 4-6 inches of bedding, though 8-10 inches is preferable to allow for proper burrowing. Ideal bedding options include:
- Paper-based bedding
- Aspen shavings (never cedar or pine)
- Hemp bedding
- A mix of substrates for different textures
Your gerbil cage substrate should cover the entire floor area and be changed partially in 1-2 weeks, with full changes every month or as needed.
Nesting Material
In addition to substrate, your gerbil cage should include proper nesting material. Suitable options include:
- Unscented toilet paper
- Chemical-free paper towels
- Tissue paper
- Commercial paper nesting material
Avoid cotton-based nesting materials, as these can cause intestinal blockages or wrap around limbs.
What are the Best Accessories for a Gerbil Cage?
A well-equipped gerbil cage is more than just the basic housing. Consider completing your gerbil’s home with some essential accessories:
Exercise Wheel
Every gerbil cage should include a solid-surface wheel (minimum 8 inches in diameter). Wire wheels can cause injuries to your gerbil’s feet or tail.
Hideouts and Tunnels
Encourage your gerbil’s natural instincts by providing:
- Chew-proof ceramic hideouts
- Wooden tunnels (made from safe wood varieties)
- Cork logs
- Bendy bridges
These accessories create a more dynamic and stimulating environment for your gerbil and allow your pet to express its natural behavior.
Food and Water
Every gerbil cage needs:
- A heavy ceramic food dish that won’t easily tip over
- A water bottle attached to the side of the cage
- A small dish for occasional fresh foods
Dig Box
A dedicated section of your gerbil cage can be set up as a dig box with a mixture of substrates, encouraging natural digging behavior.
How to Create the Perfect Gerbil Environment?
Beyond the setup of your gerbil cage, additional factors can go far in creating the most comfortable environment for your little gerbil, such as:
Temperature and Placement
Your gerbil cage should be placed:
- Away from direct sunlight
- Away from drafts and air conditioning vents
- In a room with a consistent temperature (ideally around 65-75°F)
- Out of reach of other pets
- In a moderately active area where they don’t feel too isolated
Cleaning Schedule
Gerbils are relatively easy to maintain, making them an ideal pet for children learning to take care of their pets. Maintaining a clean cage is essential for your pet’s health. This includes:
- Spot-clean daily
- Remove soiled bedding 1-2 times per week
- Complete bedding change monthly
- Clean all accessories regularly
- Wipe down glass tank walls as needed
Final Thoughts in Creating the Perfect Gerbil Home
Your gerbil will spend virtually its entire life in the home you create for it. Investing in a proper gerbil cage setup isn’t just about meeting the minimum requirements but also about providing an enriching environment that promotes physical and mental well-being throughout its life.
With the right gerbil cage and setup, you’ll be rewarded with the joy of watching these fascinating pets explore, burrow, play, and exhibit their natural behaviors for years to come.
