Best gerbil cages UK 2026 comparison
Product Review

Best Gerbil Cages UK 2026

7 min read ยท Updated August 31, 2026 ยท By Mark Whitfield

Key Takeaways

Suggested Reading: Gerbil Care UK: Beginner's Guide - Hamster vs Gerbil

Gerbils are active, burrowing pets that need more space than most people realise. A tiny wire cage with a plastic base won't cut it. Gerbils spend most of their time underground, digging tunnels and creating nesting chambers. The right cage gives them deep bedding, enough floorspace for a pair, and proper ventilation.

We compared five gerbil cages available on Amazon UK, looking at base depth, floorspace, build quality, and whether each one actually meets gerbil welfare standards. Here's what we found.

Quick Picks

Best Overall

Little Friends Savoy Gerbilarium

Most Space

BUCATSTATE 3.0

Best Budget

Rosewood Abode

Best Mid-Range

Ferplast CRICETI 80

Quick Comparison

Cage Dimensions Base Type Best For
Little Friends Savoy 58.5 x 38 x 47.5 cm Glass tank + wire topper Pairs, first-time owners
BUCATSTATE 3.0 120 x 60 x 62 cm Deep plastic base + metal frame Large groups, deep burrowers
Rosewood Abode 53 x 32 x 32 cm Plastic base + wire top Single gerbils, tight budgets
Savic Hamster Heaven 80 x 50 x 50 cm Deep plastic base + wire top Pairs wanting extra room
Ferplast CRICETI 80 78 x 48 x 39 cm Plastic base + wire top Multi-level enrichment

In-Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. Little Friends Savoy Gerbilarium

4.2/5 - 1,200+ ratings

58.5 x 38 x 47.5 cm | Glass base + wire topper | approx. 45-55

The Savoy Gerbilarium is purpose-built for gerbils rather than repurposed from a hamster design. The deep glass base holds 20+ cm of bedding, which is exactly what gerbils need for their tunnel systems. The wire topper provides ventilation and climbing space without the bar-spacing problems of standard wire cages.

An Amazon reviewer noted: "The glass base is heavy and sturdy, and my gerbils have made extensive tunnel networks in the deep bedding. The wire top keeps the smell down and gives them somewhere to climb." The cage includes shelves, ladders, and an exercise wheel, so you don't need to buy accessories separately.

At 58.5 x 38 cm, the floorspace meets the minimum standard for a pair of gerbils (2,500 cm2). It's not the largest option, but the gerbilarium design means every centimetre of that floorspace is usable. The glass base also makes it easy to watch your gerbils' underground activity.

Pros
  • Purpose-built gerbilarium design
  • Deep glass base for burrowing
  • Includes accessories (wheel, shelves, ladders)
  • Easy to watch gerbils underground
Cons
  • Tight for pairs long-term
  • Glass base is heavy
  • Wire topper clips could be sturdier
Check Price on Amazon UK
Most Space

2. BUCATSTATE 3.0

4.4/5 - 800+ ratings

120 x 60 x 62 cm | Deep plastic base + metal frame | approx. 80-100

The BUCATSTATE 3.0 is enormous. At 120 x 60 cm, it gives gerbils 7,200 cm2 of floorspace, nearly three times the minimum requirement. The 0.72 m2 footprint means a group of 3-4 gerbils can live comfortably without territory disputes. The deep base accommodates 25-30 cm of bedding.

The transparent front panel lets you watch burrowing activity, and the metal frame is chew-proof, which matters with gerbils. Front and top access panels make cleaning easier than reaching into a deep tank. Stackable design means you can add a second level if you want separate groups.

Amazon purchasers highlight the build quality: "Solid metal frame that my gerbils can't chew through. The deep base is perfect for deep bedding and tunnel building. Much better than the tiny wire cages you find in pet shops."

Pros
  • Massive 7,200 cm2 floorspace
  • Chew-proof metal frame
  • Deep base for 25-30 cm bedding
  • Front + top access panels
Cons
  • Expensive compared to alternatives
  • Very large footprint, needs dedicated space
  • Heavy when fully set up
Check Price on Amazon UK
Best Budget

3. Rosewood Abode Dwarf Hamster & Mouse Home

3.8/5 - 600+ ratings

53 x 32 x 32 cm | Plastic base + wire top | approx. 25-35

The Rosewood Abode is the cheapest cage on this list that's still adequate for gerbils. The 53 x 32 cm base provides 1,696 cm2 of floorspace, which is below the 2,500 cm2 minimum for a pair but workable for a single gerbil. The base depth is around 12 cm, so you'll need to add a bedding barrier to hold deeper substrate.

An Amazon reviewer wrote: "Good value for the price. My gerbil seems happy enough, but I had to add cardboard around the inside to stop bedding falling out of the wire gaps. The base could be deeper."

At roughly half the price of the Savoy Gerbilarium, the Rosewood Abode makes sense as a starter cage or for owners keeping a single gerbil. It's not ideal for pairs, and the shallow base means you'll need to rig up bedding walls, but it's a functional budget option.

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Includes basic accessories
Cons
  • Below minimum space for pairs
  • Shallow base needs bedding barriers
  • Wire spacing too wide for young gerbils
Check Price on Amazon UK
Best Large Wire Cage

4. Savic Hamster Heaven

4.3/5 - 2,000+ ratings

80 x 50 x 50 cm | Deep plastic base + wire top | approx. 40-50

The Savic Hamster Heaven is a large wire cage with a deep plastic base. At 80 x 50 cm, it provides 4,000 cm2 of floorspace, well above the minimum for a pair. The base is deep enough to hold 15+ cm of bedding, which is enough for moderate burrowing, though deeper is always better.

Amazon purchasers report: "My gerbils love this cage. The deep base holds plenty of bedding for them to dig, and the wire top gives them ventilation. The tubes and platforms add extra enrichment. It's well-built and easy to clean."

The Hamster Heaven includes multiple levels, tubes, a wheel, and food dishes. It's bigger than the Savoy Gerbilarium and offers more vertical space, which gerbils do use for climbing even though they prefer horizontal burrowing. The main drawback is that wire cages let bedding dust escape through the bars.

Pros
  • Good floorspace for pairs
  • Deep base for burrowing
  • Includes tubes, levels, and wheel
  • Excellent ventilation
Cons
  • Bedding dust escapes through wire bars
  • Not as deep as gerbilarium designs
  • Tubes can be hard to clean
Check Price on Amazon UK
Best Mid-Range

5. Ferplast CRICETI 80

4.1/5 - 1,500+ ratings

78 x 48 x 39 cm | Plastic base + wire top | approx. 35-45

The Ferplast CRICETI 80 sits between the budget and premium options. At 78 x 48 cm, it offers 3,744 cm2 of floorspace, comfortably meeting the minimum for a pair. The multi-level design includes platforms and ramps that give gerbils vertical space to explore.

Amazon reviewers mention: "Well-made cage with good space. The Connect&Play system lets you attach tubes to expand the habitat. My gerbils use both levels, though they spend most of their time in the bedding area."

Ferplast is an Italian brand with a solid reputation in small pet housing. The CRICETI 80's main strength is the expandability. The Connect&Play tube system lets you link multiple cages or add external runs. The base depth is moderate, so you'll want to add bedding barriers for deep substrate.

Pros
  • Good floorspace for pairs
  • Expandable via Connect&Play system
  • Solid Ferplast build quality
  • Includes exercise wheel and accessories
Cons
  • Base could be deeper for burrowing
  • Connect&Play tubes sold separately
  • Wire top lets bedding dust escape
Check Price on Amazon UK

How to Choose the Right Gerbil Cage

Choosing a gerbil cage comes down to three things: floorspace, base depth, and ventilation. Get those right and your gerbils will thrive. Get them wrong and you'll end up with stressed, unhealthy pets.

Floorspace is non-negotiable. Gerbils need a minimum of 2,500 cm2 for a pair. That's roughly 100 x 25 cm or 50 x 50 cm of unbroken space. More is always better. Groups of 3-4 need proportionally more room to avoid territorial fights. Measure the actual base area, not the overall cage dimensions, because levels and platforms don't count as floorspace for gerbils.

Base depth matters more than height. Gerbils are burrowers. They need at least 15-20 cm of bedding depth to create natural tunnel systems, and 25-30 cm is better. A cage with a shallow base (under 12 cm) forces you to add cardboard or acrylic barriers to hold bedding in, which is messy and doesn't work well. Glass tanks and gerbilariums with deep bases solve this problem.

Wire vs glass vs gerbilarium. Full wire cages let bedding dust escape and can cause respiratory issues. Full glass tanks (aquariums) hold bedding well but need a mesh lid for ventilation. Gerbilariums combine a glass or plastic base with a wire topper, giving the best of both worlds. For gerbils, a gerbilarium or deep-base cage is almost always the right choice.

Bar spacing matters. Gerbils are smaller than rats but can squeeze through surprisingly narrow gaps. Wire cages should have bar spacing under 1 cm. If you're buying a wire cage for young gerbils, check the bar spacing carefully. Gerbilariums avoid this problem entirely since the base is solid.

Chew resistance. Gerbils chew everything. Plastic bases get chewed through eventually. Metal frames last longer. Glass is chew-proof but can crack if dropped. If you're choosing a plastic-based cage, plan to replace it within 2-3 years as your gerbils gnaw through the base.

Cleaning access. Deep cages are harder to clean. Look for cages with large opening panels or removable tops. Gerbilariums with detachable wire toppers make bedding changes easier. Front-access panels (like the BUCATSTATE 3.0) are the most convenient for daily spot-cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size cage do gerbils need?

Gerbils need a minimum of 2,500 cm2 of unbroken floorspace for a pair. That translates to roughly 100 x 50 cm or larger. Depth matters more than height since gerbils burrow, so look for cages with a base at least 30 cm deep.

Can I use a hamster cage for gerbils?

Some hamster cages work for gerbils, but many are too small or lack the deep base gerbils need for burrowing. Wire cages with narrow bar spacing (under 1cm) can also trap gerbils. A gerbilarium with a glass base and wire topper is specifically designed for gerbil needs.

Do gerbils need a glass tank or wire cage?

Gerbils do best with a glass or plastic base for burrowing and a wire top for ventilation. Full glass tanks (like aquariums) work but need a mesh lid for airflow. Gerbilariums combine both: a deep glass base with a wire topper, giving the best of both worlds.

How many gerbils can live together?

Gerbils are social animals and should be kept in pairs or small groups, ideally same-sex siblings from the same litter. A pair needs at least 2,500 cm2 of space. Groups of 3-4 need proportionally more room to avoid territorial disputes.

How deep should gerbil bedding be?

Gerbils need at least 15-20 cm of bedding depth for burrowing, though deeper (25-30 cm) is better. Paper-based or aspen bedding works well. Avoid cedar and pine shavings which cause respiratory issues. The cage base should be deep enough to hold this amount without bedding spilling over.

What is a gerbilarium?

A gerbilarium is a cage specifically designed for gerbils. It typically has a deep glass or plastic base (for burrowing) and a wire topper (for ventilation and climbing). This design prevents gerbils from kicking bedding out and gives them the deep substrate they need for natural tunnel-building behaviour.

Final Verdict

For most UK gerbil owners, the Little Friends Savoy Gerbilarium is the best overall choice. It's purpose-built for gerbils, with a deep glass base for burrowing and a wire topper for ventilation. The included accessories mean you don't need to buy extras, and the gerbilarium design is specifically tailored to how gerbils actually live.

If you have the space and budget, the BUCATSTATE 3.0 is hard to beat for sheer size. At 7,200 cm2, it gives gerbils more room than any other cage on this list, and the chew-proof metal frame means it will last for years.

On a budget, the Rosewood Abode works for single gerbils, though you'll need to add bedding barriers. For pairs wanting extra room without the price tag of the BUCATSTATE, the Savic Hamster Heaven and Ferplast CRICETI 80 both offer solid floorspace with good ventilation.

Whatever cage you choose, remember the golden rule: depth beats height for gerbils. They spend most of their lives underground, so give them the deepest base you can find and fill it with at least 15 cm of bedding.

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