{"id":4165,"date":"2020-05-12T16:59:20","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T16:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petz.co.uk\/?page_id=4165"},"modified":"2026-03-13T14:04:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T14:04:03","slug":"best-gerbil-cage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/best-gerbil-cage\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Gerbil Cage UK 2026: Gerbilariums, Glass Tanks & Size Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing the best gerbil cage in the UK<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Best Gerbil Cages Compared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product<\/th>\nType<\/th>\nDimensions (cm)<\/th>\nFloor (cm\u00b2)<\/th>\nBurrowing Depth<\/th>\nPrice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Skyline Marrakesh 120<\/td>\nTank + topper<\/td>\n115\u00d755\u00d750<\/td>\n6,325<\/td>\nExcellent<\/td>\n\u00a3120-150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ferplast Gerry 100<\/td>\nTank + topper<\/td>\n102\u00d752\u00d753<\/td>\n5,278<\/td>\nGood<\/td>\n\u00a390-110<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IKEA Detolf (DIY)<\/td>\nGlass cabinet<\/td>\n163\u00d743\u00d737<\/td>\n7,009<\/td>\nExcellent<\/td>\n\u00a350-70<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diversa 100\u00d740\u00d740<\/td>\nGlass tank<\/td>\n100\u00d740\u00d740<\/td>\n4,000<\/td>\nGood<\/td>\n\u00a340-60<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bucatstate Tank<\/td>\nGlass tank<\/td>\nVarious<\/td>\n4,500+<\/td>\nGood<\/td>\n\u00a380-120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Why Wire Cages Don’t Work for Gerbils<\/h2>\n

Unlike hamsters, gerbils are compulsive burrowers<\/strong> 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:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Deep substrate<\/strong> \u2014 Minimum 25cm (10 inches) of paper-based bedding for tunnelling<\/li>\n
  • Glass or perspex walls<\/strong> \u2014 Prevents bar chewing and allows deep substrate without spillage<\/li>\n
  • Large floorspace<\/strong> \u2014 Minimum 4,000cm\u00b2 for a pair (RSPCA recommendation: 80\u00d750cm)<\/li>\n
  • Secure mesh lid<\/strong> \u2014 For ventilation without escape risk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Top Gerbil Cage Reviews<\/h2>\n

    1. Skyline Marrakesh 120 \u2014 Best Overall<\/h3>\n

    The Marrakesh 120<\/strong> exceeds European welfare standards with 6,325cm\u00b2 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 \u00a3120-150, it’s an investment \u2014 but it’s the cage most recommended by UK gerbil welfare communities.<\/p>\n

    2. Ferplast Gerry 100 \u2014 Best Mid-Range<\/h3>\n

    The Gerry 100<\/strong> meets the RSPCA’s minimum floorspace requirements at 5,278cm\u00b2 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 \u00a390-110. The only downside: the door opening is on the top, which can be awkward for handling nervous gerbils.<\/p>\n

    3. IKEA Detolf Conversion \u2014 Best Budget<\/h3>\n

    The internet’s favourite gerbil hack: lay an IKEA Detolf<\/strong> display cabinet on its back and you get a massive 7,009cm\u00b2 of floorspace \u2014 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 \u00a370. 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.<\/p>\n

    4. Diversa Aquarium Tank \u2014 Best Glass-Only<\/h3>\n

    These purpose-built aquarium tanks<\/strong> are available new from UK retailers in sizes meeting welfare standards (100\u00d740\u00d740cm 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 \u2014 ideal for minimalist owners. From \u00a340-60 depending on size.<\/p>\n

    Cages to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Cage<\/th>\nWhy Not<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Savic XL \/ Savic Lugano<\/td>\nFloorspace below welfare minimums<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Little Friends Mayfair<\/td>\nFar too small, poor depth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Ferplast Karat 100<\/td>\nGlass section only 25cm deep \u2014 insufficient<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Any plastic-base wire cage<\/td>\nGerbils chew through plastic; bars cause injury<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Essential Accessories<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • Wheel<\/strong> \u2014 Minimum 28cm diameter (25cm for dwarf gerbils). Avoid wire or mesh wheels \u2014 solid surfaces only to prevent tail and foot injuries.<\/li>\n
    • Sand bath<\/strong> \u2014 Chinchilla sand (not dust) in a ceramic dish. Essential for coat maintenance.<\/li>\n
    • Multi-chamber hide<\/strong> \u2014 Gerbils naturally build separate sleeping, food storage, and toilet chambers.<\/li>\n
    • Bedding<\/strong> \u2014 Paper-based (Kaytee Clean & Cozy, Carefresh) mixed with hay for tunnel stability. 25-30cm depth minimum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      FAQs<\/h2>\n

      What size cage does a gerbil need UK?<\/h3>\n

      The RSPCA recommends a minimum of 80\u00d750cm floorspace (4,000cm\u00b2) for a pair of gerbils, with at least 40cm height to allow 25cm+ of burrowing substrate. The Blue Cross recommends 100\u00d740\u00d740cm as a minimum. European standards suggest 100\u00d750\u00d750cm for a pair \u2014 aim for this if possible.<\/p>\n

      Can gerbils live in a fish tank?<\/h3>\n

      Yes \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

      How deep should gerbil bedding be?<\/h3>\n

      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 \u2014 30-40cm is ideal if your enclosure can accommodate it.<\/p>\n

      Can I keep gerbils in a wire cage?<\/h3>\n

      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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Choosing the best gerbil cage in the UK is more important than most new owners realise. Gerbils are prolific burrowers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4172,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"page_type":[5],"page_category":[22,148],"class_list":["post-4165","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","page_type-round-up","page_category-small-pets","page_category-small-pet-cages-and-housing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4165"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4165\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13108,"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4165\/revisions\/13108"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/page_type?post=4165"},{"taxonomy":"page_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/page_category?post=4165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}