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Post by amelian on May 12, 2012 16:32:20 GMT -8
I already know ho amazing and wonderful gerbils are, but my mom doesn't. And I need her permission before I get them.... She doesn't like rodents, but I have the money, most of the supplies (from past pet rodents), and the space for them. She never has to do anything for them, and she knows that. She knows I'm incredibly responsible and everything, so I'm not sure what her hesitation is. Anyways, thanks for the help!
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Post by akane on May 12, 2012 17:38:54 GMT -8
Personally I'll take a dog over anything and a guinea pig over any rodent but I can tell you why they are *good* pets. They are exceedingly low maintenance. They don't pee or poop much because they come from areas with little water and drink little so there isn't much waste from a gerbil. That leads to no smell if kept clean and infrequent cleaning compared to other pets. They take up little space even when given a spacious cage. My guinea pigs take 10 sq ft a pair while my gerbils have a palace in a 4' tank and do fine in a slightly less than 3' tank (20gallon). They can become quite tame and are fairly smart. They can learn to stay on certain surfaces or on a person when out without getting off if you train them. Some have even done gerbil agility courses and so forth. They usually don't pee and poop little while out but when it does happen it's no big deal because the urine is drops and the poop is dry. So overall they create very little mess, very little work, and can become personable and very tame.
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Post by qtoffer on May 12, 2012 17:49:46 GMT -8
Let's see if I can help you out
1) Most people who don't like mice and rats are put off by their feet and tails. But gerbils have cute furry feet and furry tails with a tuft at the tip.
2) Gerbils are low maintenance pets. They don't generate solid and liquid waste like mice and rats do Originally from the desert of China and Mongolia, gerbils produce tiny dry poops and very little urine. If you keep a pair in a 15 gal tank, you will only need to clean out 1/2 the bedding every 3 or 4 weeks. If you provide the gerbils with a large smooth surface away from their sleeping area (like a glass shelf, jar or ceramic bowl), they will do most of their urinating in that easy-to-clean spot.
3) Gerbil scent marking is much less noticeable than mice or rats. Even male gerbils don't have a strong musky odor.
4) Like mice and rats, gerbils are friendly and curious. They have personalities and individual quirks that are quite endearing. They're not as skittish as mice and not as mischievous as rats.
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Post by torie on Jun 3, 2012 21:26:18 GMT -8
Some of these have already been said, but:
-They are virtually odourless. I've only used aspen bedding but I've heard different types (like synthetic beddings) don't absorb scent as well.
-They're cheap to keep. Aside from possible vet bills, their everyday needs are quite minimal. They don`t need much food and bedding is pretty cheap.
-They can play with things you already have around the house. Instead of buying pricey pet toys, I let my gerb chew on toilet paper rolls, granola bar boxes, cereal boxes, etc.
-They`re quiet. Compared to my last pet (a guinea pig), my gerbil is silent!
-They are social. If treated well, they like people and they love other gerbils!
-They`re smart and curious. They love to explore!
-They aren`t entirely nocturnal. If you`ve ever had a hamster run on a squeaky wheel all night, you`ll know why that`s a very good thing.
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Post by john9721 on Jun 26, 2012 6:52:43 GMT -8
I agree with everyone above. I was able to to go 8 days w/o cleaning the cage and it still didnt smell
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Post by crazy4gerbils on Jun 26, 2012 7:45:43 GMT -8
I agree with everyone above. I was able to to go 8 days w/o cleaning the cage and it still didnt smell Eight days? Does yours really stink up that fast? I only need to clean mine once a month. |
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harley
member
~One of The Three Brothers~
Posts: 35
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Post by harley on Jun 26, 2012 16:56:39 GMT -8
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forceofnature
Member
Having ONLY two gerbils is like having ONLY two chocolate bars! Never enough!
Posts: 60
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Post by forceofnature on Jun 27, 2012 13:28:49 GMT -8
Love those Pics! You should show her these for sure! One thing I would add is that parents are sometimes not fans of new pets because of past pets. If you just point out to her that everything worked fine with your past pets than she has nothing to worry about. Also, you can point out that they don't have to be your mom's favorite pets as she won't have to take care of them. My dad doesn't like my gerbils at all and thought I've often pointed out the obvious differences he still says the look like mice but when it comes down to it that's fine, he doesn't have to like them for me to have them. If you show her that she won't have to take care of them she might be more happy with the idea. Hope that helps.
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Post by sparky on Jun 27, 2012 13:59:52 GMT -8
They are fabulous photos. So cute !!!
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Post by gerbilsnap456 on Jun 27, 2012 18:53:51 GMT -8
Well, they're pretty awesome pets for a few reasons..............
-They're are inexpensive, after you deal with the buying of the gerbil and its needs, it's pretty cheap from there.
- If you train them well, they can become one of your best friends!
-They can chew on all your unwanted cardboard!
-The tank doesn't need to be cleaned out often, just every 2 weeks!
-Believe it or not, but animals can make people happy by just being with them!
-Getting a pair of gerbies can show your mom how responsible you are!
I'm pretty sure there's plenty of other reasons but these are just some :3
Good luck with getting your mom to say yes!
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