AquariumsModified BinsTank ToppersWire CagesPlastic CagesHow Big? |
Gerbils need a suitable place to live, that is easily cleaned, and provides enrichment.
There are many different types of enclosures, and they each have their ups and downs. I will list the different enclosures, my personal favorites, and the pros and cons of each enclosure on the following pages. |
Aquariums
Aquariums are probably one of the best enclosures on the market.
Many breeders and owners (including myself) keep their gerbils in these enclosures, and they are probably one of the most popular options. They serve there purpose quite well, and are 100% gerbil proof.
I recommend and use aquariums, and find them very useful.
Many breeders and owners (including myself) keep their gerbils in these enclosures, and they are probably one of the most popular options. They serve there purpose quite well, and are 100% gerbil proof.
I recommend and use aquariums, and find them very useful.
pros:they are appealing to the eye,
they are translucent, they are easy to wipe clean, bedding cannot be kicked out, they are completely chew proof, they are escape proof (with a lid on), there is lots of burrowing space, there are cage toppers are available to add on. |
cons:they are heavy (especially larger sizes),
they may crack if dropped or mishandled, they cannot be left in direct sunlight, accessories aren't included. |
Modified Bins
Modified bins are handy enclosures for the larger-scale breeder.
They are easy to maintain, can be easily stored on shelves, and are relatively cheap, and available in many sized.
I use bins in my kennel, and I find they make suitable housing.
They are easy to maintain, can be easily stored on shelves, and are relatively cheap, and available in many sized.
I use bins in my kennel, and I find they make suitable housing.
pros:they are lightweight,
they are easily modified, they are readily available, they are relatively inexpensive, they are available in many sizes, they are available in clear and color, they are easy to clean by dumping and wiping, they can be easily moved or transported to another location. |
cons:they can become brittle over time,
they can crack if not taken care of, they are not completely translucent, the corners will be scratched up, they are not permanent. |
Tank Toppers
Tank toppers are wire cages that go on top of tanks or bins.
These fun enclosures are a perfect combination of wire cages and tanks, making them a relatively popular option.
These fun enclosures are a perfect combination of wire cages and tanks, making them a relatively popular option.
pros:they can be bought or made,
they double the living space, they provides climbing opportunities, they add extra space for toys and trinkets, they leave room for extra bedding bellow, they create a nice combination of wire cage and aquarium. |
cons:the bars will be chewed,
the wire mesh floors can be hard on their feet, they are rather pricey (much more than similar sized tanks), they aren't usually made them for large tanks, bedding and droppings may be kicked out. |
Wire Cages
Wire cages are generally not a very appropriate cage option.
They are not recommended, and don't provide adequate space gerbils to burrow and play.
I do not use or recommend them for long term, but they may be used for traveling or temporarily holding pups if necessary.
They are not recommended, and don't provide adequate space gerbils to burrow and play.
I do not use or recommend them for long term, but they may be used for traveling or temporarily holding pups if necessary.
pros:they are readily available,
they generally include accessories. |
cons:they don't allow burrowing space,
the bars will be chewed on excessively, bedding and droppings will be kicked out, they are rather small and boring for gerbils. |
Plastic Cages
Plastic cages have fun, colorful tubes which may help stimulate a burrow.
However, these cages are small, dangerous and allow no burrowing space.
I do not recommend these cages. Looks can be deceiving.
However, these cages are small, dangerous and allow no burrowing space.
I do not recommend these cages. Looks can be deceiving.
pros:the colorful cages looks exciting,
the tubes are appealing to the eye and help imitate a burrow. |
cons:they don't allow burrowing space,
the bars will be chewed, the plastic will be chewed, bedding and droppings will be kicked out, most of the time they are to small for gerbils. |