Cage

How do you build a gerbil cage?

I have two gerbils. I believe my female is pregnant, and I need a bigger cage. The cage I have now costs $40 , and I definitely can't afford to buy a bigger cage, as they can get to be very expensive. I don't want to have my gerbils cramped, so I'd love to be able to build a gerbil cage myself. Does anyone know how to?

Public Comments

1. Well, at this point you may be stuck and need to get separate cages. If you have a pregnant female they need to be separated IMMEDIATELY from the male, they can no longer live together unless you want more gerbils then you could ever possibly handle. Within 24 hours of giving birth they will mate again and she will probably become pregnant giving you another litter just about as soon as your last is weaned. Which then will leave the problem if you don't separate the babies out, all the females in the litter will most likely become pregnant within the first month after weaning. What I recommend is 10 gallon glass tanks, they are cheap(usually under 20 dollars for a tank and lid.) and easy to clean. You should try and get a few for when you need to separate the babies. You don't need to worry about the mom getting lonely since you can leave a female baby with her, and if you feel like a project you can take the time to introduce a male baby to the father once they are weaned(it takes about a week of introductions). Im sorry to say I couldnt find anything online as for how to build a cage. But really if money is an issue, look into glass tanks, they are cheaper and will last longer then any cage (unless you drop one).
2. building a cage can be more expensive than buying one. first of all, what makes you think that your gerbil is pregnant? if you definitely have a male and a female, then, yes, they have mated. Gerbil gestation is around 28 days, and she will not look pregnant or round until a couple of days before giving birth. If she looks this way - separate, NOW! They will mate again right after the last pup is born! Look on the side of the road in residential areas for people throwing away 10 and 20 gallon glass fish tanks. Clean it well, and this is the ideal environment for gerbils. You can have 2-3 gerbils in a 10 gallon tanks, and 3-5 in a 20 gallon tank as long as they are not fighting. Also look at thrift stores and garage sales for old fish tanks. You can also try www.craigslist.com to search for people selling or giving away cages and tanks in your town. You can also post a message in the want adds on craigslist or your local newspaper stating what you are looking for and your price range. Summary: -side of road -thrift stores -garage sales -craigslist or newspaper HAPPY GERBILING!