Gerbils are very cute. They are cheap, easy to care for, and very entertaining, especially at night when they're normally up and about. But if you're getting a new gerbil, there are a few things to consider, particularly where you're going to keep it. There are some really nice gerbil cages that can have multiple levels or stories, and numerous tunnels, although they are usually expensive at most stores. Here are a few ideas for cages and habitats when it comes to keeping your pet gerbil safe and sound in its own home.
Aquariums: Aquariums can be great for little animals, and convenient for the owner. They are easy to clean, and you can see through them. Just make sure that there is something on top to ensure that the gerbil will not get out, as well as a way to breathe; most aquariums come with a ventilated top for that reason. You'll also have to purchase a certain type of water bottle that will stick to the glass or plastic surface, but those can be found at pretty much any store.

It's true that though glass aquariums can be convenient in some ways, they can also be a hassle in other ways. Glass is hard, it's big and bulky, and you might have a hard time trying to figure out where to put it. Also, if it shatters, that is obviously very dangerous for the pet. Plastic aquariums might be a better choice, as they are easy to handle and lighter when picking them up. The bad thing about plastic is that they are much easier to get scratched by a playful little gerbil.

Make Your Own: You can always make your own gerbil dream house. This is what I do for my rabbits, and they love it. Actually, you really don't have to go out of your way and fork up a bunch of money, while wasting time on a project like this. It's pretty fun to do, and can be relatively cheap and will probably less than a half hour or so if you put your mind to it. Some people use wood almost like a bird-house. Others use containers or old boxes, like old shoe boxes, but I wouldn't recommend using any sort of cardboard as gerbils can chew their way out.

Your gerbil will not really care how fancy or nice looking the place is, just as long as they can get around and have the proper care, as well as enough breathing room. Hiding places and shelves are great for the gerbil to run around and make dens in, although I would keep in mind that too many hiding places might make it a hassle for you when you try to clean the cage.

Wire Cages: Wired cages are one of the most popular habitats for gerbils. Why? They are easy to handle, they are light, and usually they are cheap. Sometimes they will even come with a deal once you purchase your gerbil, as in you'll get the cage or pet thrown in free (again, comparing this to my rabbits; the store gave us our wired cages for free). Your gerbil won't be able to chew through it, and it's easy to clean. However, I wouldn't recommend placing a dwarf or very small gerbil in a wired cage, as wired cages can lead to injuries or death for tiny creatures who might get their heads stuck through the holes or gaps.

A gerbil doesn't care how "cool" looking its house is, just as long as it gets cleaned every couple of days, and has enough water, food, and care.