Habitrail OVO?

[aal]

This is a picture of the habitat.
It's an old picture but the design of the tunnels and compartments are more or less the same currently.
I've changed the bedding to aspen and wood shavings and I add 6inches of it into the main habitat.
I also removed the wheel because they don't use it and have begun to chew on it. The plastic is really strong, heavy duty and there isn't a single spot where the gerbil's teeth can get a hold on. I've put lots of wooden toys (logs with holes, houses, fruit branch etc.) inside too.
So far they're loving it but my concern is still whether they may declan.

[ohmylokix]

Yeah. I'd count on a declan.

[murphybuddy09]

With a set up like this with many tubes, compartments etc. you are very likely to declan as there is so much space for them to avoid each other and be territorial.

[gerbilmansions]

They will declan in that set up. If they are young it may not be for a few weeks/months, but it will happen. The compartments are to small for them to live in. Venilation does not look good either. This really is not a good home for gerbils.

[aal]

I'll save up all I can until I at least get a twenty gallon. I find a ten gallon too small. It'll take me a while but I'll do it.

[doug]

If you want to go for a 20 get a 20 long, not 20 high so you maximize floor space.

Doug

[aal]

I called up 7 pet stores today and I found out something, disturbing...
The cheapest 20 gallon is going to cost me $130...
It's going to take a while I guess...

[aal]

I feel happier than ever today. I managed to persuade the petstore manager to give a discount for the tank in exchange for me buying weekly pet food and bedding from him. And I actually managed to bring down the price by quite a substantial amount.
He's giving me a 60cm long, 30cm wide and 45cm high tank for $80. That I can afford ;D I'll post pictures of the new-coming home soon. Thanks all for all your really really helpful suggestions and help. I owe my first gerbil experience to you guys

[gerbilmansions]

Thats fantastic!!! Have fun creating their new home!!

[irishgreensheep]

Hi everyone, I've had my two gerbils in the habitrail for almost a year now. Yes they have chewed bits of it but nothing has needed replacement except the wheel (it was still fine but I didn't like the sharp edges they had created). I have had absolutely no problems with de-clanning, they have always been together and I have had no problems with fighting. I have three Habitrail tanks joined together and they love it because two of them are packed with tp tubes and other cardboard tubes for them to chew and burrow through and the other has their food and wheel. In an ideal world I would love to have a glass tank for them but in the year I have had them I simply cannot afford one as they are too expensive. Eventually yes I will get one but for now I have two very happy, very healthy gerbils living in a habitrail

[aal]

Here they are, in their brand new 20 gallon tank. I've been modifying the design of the tank many times. I try to limit their corners so they sleep together. It seems to be working. Just have to go on a toilet spree and get more paper towel/ toilet paper tubes ;D

[ohmylokix]

REMOVE that wheel. Your gerbils can get their tails ripped off and their legs broken.

If you can't find a plastic or mesh wheel, they don't NEED a wheel. Or you can cover the rungs with cardboard.

[gerbilmansions]

Your new home looks great!! ;D The wheel needs to come out. It is very dangerous!

[aal]

Thanks for the warning. The wheel's gone now. Wasted $$$ Shop doesn't offer any refunds as far as I know. I'll try to get more wooden toys for them then. Or I'll find a mesh wheel. It's hard to find them.

[Boz]

Looks good! Don't worry about a wheel. They really don't need one.
Want ideas for setting up their tank? Check out my idea!
www.gerbilcraze.com/care_livingarea_setupidea.shtml