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.
Tank vs. Wire Cage: Why Tanks Always Win
This is the single most important decision when housing gerbils. Glass tanks are vastly superior to wire cages for gerbils — and here’s why:
| Factor | Glass/Acrylic Tank | Wire Cage |
|---|---|---|
| Burrowing | ✅ 25cm+ depth possible | ❌ Bedding falls through bars |
| Bar chewing | ✅ No bars to chew | ❌ Common — causes dental damage and bald noses |
| Mess | ✅ Contained inside | ❌ Bedding kicked everywhere |
| Escape risk | ✅ Very low (with mesh lid) | ⚠️ Gerbils can chew through plastic bases |
| Ventilation | ⚠️ Needs mesh lid | ✅ Excellent airflow |
The Gold Standard: Tank + Topper Setup
The ideal gerbil enclosure combines the best of both worlds: a deep glass tank for burrowing (bottom section) with a wire mesh topper for ventilation and enrichment (top section).
- Bottom section (tank): Fill with 25–30cm of substrate (paper bedding mixed with hay) for burrowing. This is where your gerbils will spend most of their time — sleeping, tunnelling, and hoarding food.
- Top section (topper): Place the running wheel (must be 20cm+ diameter for gerbils), water bottle, food bowl, and a sand bath here. This keeps these items clean and accessible.
Minimum Size Requirements
UK welfare guidelines recommend a minimum of 100cm × 50cm floor space for a pair of gerbils. However, bigger is always better. The RSPCA specifically advises against small, plastic-tubed “gerbilarium” enclosures sold in many pet shops, as they’re too small, poorly ventilated, and the tubes can cause territorial conflicts.
DIY Option: Fish Tank Conversion
The most cost-effective route to an excellent gerbil enclosure is converting a second-hand fish tank:
- Buy a large fish tank (minimum 80L, ideally 100L+) from Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or a charity shop (typically £10–£30).
- Build or buy a wire mesh lid — critical for ventilation and preventing escapes. Custom lids can be made from timber framing and galvanised wire mesh from a hardware shop.
- Thoroughly clean with white vinegar (no chemical cleaners) and ensure fully dry before adding substrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gerbils live in a hamster cage?
Most hamster cages are not suitable for gerbils. Gerbils are much more destructive chewers than hamsters and will quickly destroy plastic components. They also need deeper substrate for burrowing (25cm+ vs 15cm+ for hamsters). A glass tank or purpose-built gerbilarium is always the safer choice.
How many gerbils can live together?
Gerbils are social animals that must be kept in pairs or small groups. A pair is the most stable social unit. Groups of 3+ can work but carry a higher risk of “de-clanning” (a sudden, aggressive split in the social group that can result in serious injuries). Never keep a gerbil alone — they become depressed and can develop stress-related health problems.
Do gerbils need a sand bath?
Yes — gerbils need access to a sand bath (chinchilla sand, not dust) for grooming. They roll in the sand to remove excess oils from their fur and to keep their coat in good condition. Provide a shallow bowl of sand for 20–30 minutes daily, or leave a permanent sand bath in the topper section of their enclosure.