Best Gerbil Houses UK: Wooden, Plastic and Multi Level

Picks were chosen by product type and the sizes and materials stated in each listing, from wood and plastic to metal. We grouped small, large and multi level houses so you can match one to your enclosure, with details checked on 21 October 2026.

Which Material Is Safest for a Gerbil House?

Untreated wood and ceramic are the safest everyday materials for a gerbil house, because gerbils gnaw constantly and these hold up without harmful coatings. Wood gives teeth something to wear down, which gerbils need since their incisors never stop growing. Expect a wooden house to be chewed, so treat it as something you will replace now and then. Plastic houses are cheap and easy to wash, but determined gerbils chew the edges, and swallowed plastic is a concern. Metal houses such as tin or steel resist chewing completely, though they can feel cold and should not sit in sunlight. A practical check is to look for sharp seams or glued joints on any house: run a finger along each edge, and avoid anything with paint, varnish or a strong smell.

How Do These Gerbil Houses Compare?

The table compares each gerbil house by material, size and setup it suits. Measure your tank floor and bedding depth first, then check the house footprint and entrance size.

What Size Gerbil House Do I Need?

Choose a house for gerbils big enough for all of them to curl up inside together, as gerbils usually sleep in a group. For a pair, an internal floor of around 15 by 12 cm is a sensible minimum, and larger groups need more. Measure your gerbils nose to tail base, which is usually 10 to 12 cm, and allow room for two side by side. Small gerbil houses suit a single pair in a modest tank, while large ones work for trios or extra roomy setups. Check the entrance hole too: around 5 cm across lets a gerbil through comfortably. Also measure the height of your bedding layer, because the house should sit on top without being buried, or your gerbils may tunnel under it instead.

Are Multi Level Gerbil Houses Worth Buying?

Multi level gerbil houses are worth buying for larger tanks, since they add climbing space and extra hiding spots without taking more floor area. Gerbils are active and curious, so platforms and ramps give them more to explore. They suit tanks of around 80 cm long or more, where the extra height does not crowd the burrowing space. In smaller enclosures, a simple single level house leaves more room for deep bedding, which matters more to gerbils than climbing. Before buying, compare the total height of the house with the gap between your bedding and the tank lid. Leave at least 10 cm clearance above the top level so a gerbil cannot jump out. Check that ramps have grip and that floors are solid rather than wire, to protect small feet.

How Should I Set Up Gerbil Houses in a Tank?

Set up gerbil houses on top of a deep layer of bedding in a glass tank, rather than inside a wire cage. Gerbils are natural burrowers, and UK welfare charities recommend giving them enough substrate to dig proper tunnels, ideally 20 cm or more. A tank of at least 75 cm long suits a pair. Place the house towards one end so the rest of the floor stays open for digging and running. Press bedding firmly around the base so the house does not collapse into tunnels underneath. Add a second hide, such as a cardboard tube, so a gerbil can retreat if the pair has a squabble. Keep the tank away from radiators, draughts and direct sunlight, especially if you choose a metal house. Provide a sand bath and plenty of chew items alongside the house, and check daily that entrances are not blocked by bedding.

You may also find our guide to gerbil cages and the hamster sand baths guide useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 22 October 2026.