1.
I know quite a bit about recommendations for gerbil housing size, but from people who have experience with raising gerbils and different tank sizes, how many gerbils would you recommend for:

a) a 35 US Gallon tank -- 15 x 35 x 15 inches
b) a 70 US Gallon tank -- 30 x 35 x 15 inches


2.
I know gerbils are avid chewers, so keeping them in bin cages is a no-no. But what about plastikoted wooden cages where 5 sides are thick hardwood (about an inch thick) and the front is meshed over? Would these work for gerbils, or would they chew through easily?


Thank you!

Bump....

Hiya - The 35 Gallon would be good for 2-3 Gerbils, and the 70 Gallon would be good for around 4-6. Keeping Gerbils in larger groups however is not for the faint hearted and needs an experienced owner to keep tabs on things and ensure there is no bullying or signs of declanning beginning to appear. Also it's harder to gauge the individual health and wellbeing so extra attention is a must.

As for materials - depending on which type of storage tub is used they "can" be used and be very effective. I woudln't go for the wood option as they wont be able to have deep bedding of around 10 plus inches which they could have in a tank. Also it's bound to be chewed and wood is very difficult to clean properly.