Plastic Cages

Plastic cages are colorful, bright, and expandable. They can be a good starter kit, but the entire system is designed around adding more pieces. Depending on how extravagant the enclosure becomes will determin how expensive and difficult it is to maintain. Also the more complex the cage becomes the more you should really only have two gerbils in the cages. They bigger the habitat gets the more room there is for gerbils to establish individual territories which could lead to fighting. If the cage becomes too large, it might be problematic for even a pair of gerbils to live in.

Gerbils can become difficult to capture, as they can easily dart into tubes and hide.

The cage systems are very difficult to clean, especially the tubes. Be prepared to wash all the parts everytime you clean the cage. A bottle brush may be very useful in scrubbing the inside of the tubes without taking them apart. Use a mild soap or diluted bleach solution. While cleaning inspect all pieces for signs of chewing.

The cages have numerous pieces, and if placed togeather incorrectly could become an escape route for your gerbils. They are largely made of plastic, which can not withstand being chewed on.

Usually the doors are pinched shut, which also means that they aren't incredibly secure and could be shoved open. Gerbils are smart and they may figure out how to pry the door open.

The cages usually have a wired side wall or two. Gerbils love to dig and often kick bedding out between the bars.