Are gerbils easy to take care of?

They are a little more high maintenance than hamsters or some other small rodents. They are very quick and a little bit harder to handle. They crawl and squirm more and require a tank (like a fish tank) with a wire mesh lid rather than a cage with wire and tubes like hamsters use. They would chew right through that plastic. They are also much happier with a partner to share their tank with, so that makes it a little more difficult. One benefit of gerbils is that they somewhat adjust to your sleeping routine, where as hamsters are nocturnal and make noise at night. Gerbils are fun pets to watch and hold but if you are looking for something easier to take care of, play with and cuddle with I would recommend a hamster or guinea pig. They don't squirm out of your hands as much!