Choosing the best gerbil cage in the UK is more important than most new owners realise. Gerbils are prolific burrowers that need far more depth and floorspace than standard wire cages provide. In this updated 2026 guide, we review the top gerbilariums, glass tanks, and terrariums available in the UK, with welfare-informed size recommendations from the RSPCA and Blue Cross.
Best Gerbil Cages Compared
| Product | Type | Dimensions (cm) | Floor (cm²) | Burrowing Depth | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline Marrakesh 120 | Tank + topper | 115×55×50 | 6,325 | Excellent | £120-150 |
| Ferplast Gerry 100 | Tank + topper | 102×52×53 | 5,278 | Good | £90-110 |
| IKEA Detolf (DIY) | Glass cabinet | 163×43×37 | 7,009 | Excellent | £50-70 |
| Diversa 100×40×40 | Glass tank | 100×40×40 | 4,000 | Good | £40-60 |
| Bucatstate Tank | Glass tank | Various | 4,500+ | Good | £80-120 |
Why Wire Cages Don’t Work for Gerbils
Unlike hamsters, gerbils are compulsive burrowers that build elaborate tunnel networks underground. They also chew relentlessly and can gnaw through plastic bases and wire bars, leading to injury and escape. The ideal gerbil enclosure provides:
- Deep substrate — Minimum 25cm (10 inches) of paper-based bedding for tunnelling
- Glass or perspex walls — Prevents bar chewing and allows deep substrate without spillage
- Large floorspace — Minimum 4,000cm² for a pair (RSPCA recommendation: 80×50cm)
- Secure mesh lid — For ventilation without escape risk
Top Gerbil Cage Reviews
1. Skyline Marrakesh 120 — Best Overall
The Marrakesh 120 exceeds European welfare standards with 6,325cm² of floorspace and exceptional depth for burrowing. The glass tank base holds 25-30cm of substrate easily, while the wire topper provides climbing space and ventilation. It accommodates a 28cm wheel without space issues. At £120-150, it’s an investment — but it’s the cage most recommended by UK gerbil welfare communities.
2. Ferplast Gerry 100 — Best Mid-Range
The Gerry 100 meets the RSPCA’s minimum floorspace requirements at 5,278cm² and provides good burrowing depth in the glass base section. The wire topper includes platforms and accessories. It strikes a good balance between size, quality, and price at £90-110. The only downside: the door opening is on the top, which can be awkward for handling nervous gerbils.
3. IKEA Detolf Conversion — Best Budget
The internet’s favourite gerbil hack: lay an IKEA Detolf display cabinet on its back and you get a massive 7,009cm² of floorspace — more than any commercial gerbilarium. Add a DIY mesh lid (wire mesh, cable ties, and wooden frame) and you have the quietest, most spacious cage available for under £70. The only challenges: it no longer appears in IKEA’s UK catalogue (check second-hand sites), and the glass-to-glass construction means you’ll need to create ventilation yourself.
4. Diversa Aquarium Tank — Best Glass-Only
These purpose-built aquarium tanks are available new from UK retailers in sizes meeting welfare standards (100×40×40cm minimum). No wire upper section means no bar chewing, excellent visibility, and silent operation. Pair with a custom mesh lid for ventilation. The simplest, cleanest option — ideal for minimalist owners. From £40-60 depending on size.
Cages to Avoid
| Cage | Why Not |
|---|---|
| Savic XL / Savic Lugano | Floorspace below welfare minimums |
| Little Friends Mayfair | Far too small, poor depth |
| Ferplast Karat 100 | Glass section only 25cm deep — insufficient |
| Any plastic-base wire cage | Gerbils chew through plastic; bars cause injury |
Essential Accessories
- Wheel — Minimum 28cm diameter (25cm for dwarf gerbils). Avoid wire or mesh wheels — solid surfaces only to prevent tail and foot injuries.
- Sand bath — Chinchilla sand (not dust) in a ceramic dish. Essential for coat maintenance.
- Multi-chamber hide — Gerbils naturally build separate sleeping, food storage, and toilet chambers.
- Bedding — Paper-based (Kaytee Clean & Cozy, Carefresh) mixed with hay for tunnel stability. 25-30cm depth minimum.
FAQs
What size cage does a gerbil need UK?
The RSPCA recommends a minimum of 80×50cm floorspace (4,000cm²) for a pair of gerbils, with at least 40cm height to allow 25cm+ of burrowing substrate. The Blue Cross recommends 100×40×40cm as a minimum. European standards suggest 100×50×50cm for a pair — aim for this if possible.
Can gerbils live in a fish tank?
Yes — glass aquariums are actually one of the best housing options for gerbils. They allow deep substrate without spillage, prevent bar chewing, and provide excellent visibility. Always add a secure mesh lid for ventilation and never use a solid glass lid, as this can cause dangerous humidity build-up.
How deep should gerbil bedding be?
At least 25cm (10 inches) of paper-based bedding, mixed with timothy hay for tunnel stability. This allows gerbils to build their natural burrow systems. Deeper is always better — 30-40cm is ideal if your enclosure can accommodate it.
Can I keep gerbils in a wire cage?
Wire cages are generally unsuitable for gerbils. They prevent adequate burrowing depth, gerbils chew the bars obsessively (causing dental damage and noise), and the shallow plastic bases allow bedding to scatter everywhere. A glass tank or gerbilarium is always a better choice for gerbil welfare.