Your gerbil may be housed in a cage or "habitat" designed specifically for small rodents, or he could live in an aquarium. Following are important points to consider when selecting your gerbil's housing.

Housing/Cage Style

Aquariums - Glass aquariums are sometimes used as gerbil housing. If you decide to use an aquarium as your gerbil's home, you must cover it securely so that your gerbil can't escape, using wire mesh or one of the ventilated plastic tops designed specifically for this purpose. These plastic covers often have modifications to take add-ons such as hanging water bottles. You should not use a solid cover of any sort, because condensation will form inside the aquarium. Aquariums have the advantage of being draft-proof and leak-proof. Shavings and bedding remain contained and not all over your floor. Their major disadvantage is that they are cumbersome to clean. In addition, unless you add a specially designed top that takes add-ons, standard clip-on water bottles do not work. A freestanding exercise wheel can be added to an aquarium. A plastic aquarium is lighter than a glass aquarium and therefore easier to clean, but plastic scratches more readily.

Rodent Cages - Traditionally, small rodent cages have a plastic base topped by a rigid, snap-on wire top. Although gerbils are sometimes successfully housed in these wire cages, they are not recommended for gerbils because gerbils burrow and the wire can cause injury to their noses. Cages with a solid plastic base topped by a snap-on, ventilated, clear plastic top are preferable for gerbils. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes and sometimes come equipped with exercise wheels. These are relatively inexpensive, keep shavings and bedding in, and can be enhanced with the addition of various gerbil furnishings and toys.

Tube Cages - Some cages are designed as a series of plastic tubes. Although these cages are suitable for hamsters, gerbils will destroy them. They are not recommended.

Hamster Habitats - Clear plastic tank-like hamster "habitats" with tunnels and other interesting add-ons are sometimes used for gerbils. Although these provide an interesting environment, they will eventually be rendered useless by your gerbil's chewing and are therefore not recommended for gerbils.

If your gerbil's cage doesn't come with a little box he can hide in, you should purchase one preferably ceramic or wood, or provide a cardboard box or toilet tissue roll for this purpose. Occasionally, you will find a gerbil cage with a wire floor. Do not purchase this kind of cage, because it is too hard on your gerbil's feet.

Size

Gerbils are very active and need plenty of space to run, climb and explore. Gerbils housed in enclosures that are too small often become aggressive. One or two gerbils require an area that measures at least 18 inches wide, 24 to 30 inches long and 12 inches high. They also do well in a 15 gallon aquarium.

Safety

Ensure your gerbil's cage does not have sharp edges. The door should close firmly or your gerbil may be able to push it open and escape. Doors should open outward. If you are using an aquarium with a wire-mesh or plastic top, ensure the top fits snugly over the sides so your gerbil can't squeeze out. If your gerbil's cage is plastic, ensure there are no exposed edges he could get at and chew into an escape route.