They have elaborate burrows with lots of tunnels, multiple entrances, nesting rooms and food chambers where food is stored. They come in a variety of colors and color patterns. They are legal as pets in most states but not in California, where they are forbidden by law. If gerbils are irritated or feel that their territory has been invaded, they will stamp there hind feet on the floor. They are illegal to have as pets in California.
Gerbils do tolerate a wide range of temperatures and have very few natural diseases.
Some people in agriculture feel that if they got loose and established feral colonies that they could really do a lot of damage to the California crops. Housing Plastic or metal cages with deep bedding are preferred, no wire cages. Bedding should be at least 1 inch deep to allow for burrow activity. If the plastic is transparent, provide at least one dark hiding place for them with no light. Gerbils are active gnawers and burrowers, so the cage must be designed to prevent escape.