Enclosure Type
wire cage
Floor Space
4.5 sq ft
Dimensions
36"L × 24"W × 38"H
Gerbil Minimum
2.5 sq ft
Verdict
Wrong Enclosure Type ❌
💰 Typical Price: $130–$180
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is wrong enclosure type ❌ for a Gerbil.
⚠️ Wire Floor Warning: The default wire shelves MUST be covered with kiln-dried pine boards, fleece, or ceramic tiles. Wire flooring causes bumblefoot in ALL small mammals.
Pros & Cons of the Single Critter Nation
✅ Pros
- Full-width double doors for easy access
- 1/2" bar spacing — safe for most small mammals
- Solid removable pan floor
- Expandable — add second unit on top
❌ Cons
- Heavy and large footprint
- Expensive new — check Facebook Marketplace
- Wire shelves MUST be covered with solid material
What Gerbils Need in an Enclosure
Gerbils need both burrowing depth and vertical climbing space. A "gerbilarium" — a deep-substrate tank base topped with a wire section — is the gold standard. Pure wire cages are unsuitable as gerbils will chew through plastic fittings and escape. Always house at least two.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Gerbils
- Housing a single gerbil alone — causes severe stress and early death
- All-plastic enclosures — gerbils chew through everything
- Wire cages without a deep substrate base
- Enclosures under 20 gallons for a pair
- Hamster-marketed cages — nearly all are too small
Other Enclosures for Gerbils
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')