NEED HELP convincing mom+dad to get a big cage

[Rockypebbles]

Hi! Just like the title says. I NEED HELP CONVINCING my parents to let me buy a bigger cage for my two gerbils. I have them in a ten gallon tank now. My mom and dad bought that for me for Christmas. I have enough money. They say they did research and a 10 gallon is perfect. A lot of other people and I don't agree. How do I convince them?
THANK YOU!!! ;D

[Khay]

Having just received a 10 gal for Christmas, I wouldn't stare a gift horse in the mouth... It isn't the best size for a gerbil, but what I would look into is trying to convince your parents to try to add extensions, since there is a lot of 'do it yourself' projects that can be taken on to use what you have, and to build up. Which may come as more accepting then getting rid of the 10 gallon tank to get a newer one, looking at it from a parents' point of view.

While waiting though, I recommend a lot of exercise and play time. And through great responsibility, and general knowledge of gerbil care, you could add to your gerbil place bit by bit. =)

That is my advice!

[Rockypebbles]

Thanks. I think their fine, personally, but a lot of people have been saying that it is to stressful for them to live in a small cage. For outside time I use an old ZUZU hamster home or whatever those tubes with wheel are called. ZUZU playground? No idea. Anyway, they LOVE that. It's a lot of fun for them. Any other outside the cage ideas?
THANK YOU!!!

[Khay]

I used to lay down a blanket and let mine roam on the couch all the time, or roam all over me. I used to walk with them on my shoulders for snuggle time and cuddle time. They'd love it.

Also, making tunnels out of cardboard is ALWAYS a great idea. They just love their cardboard. Mine are great chewers though... So be careful. I used to have a large plastic tub that I used to fill with a bunch of toys and hides for them to explore too. Small things I did.

Saying that though. They had a ridiculously small tank and were probably grateful for the time spent out of it!

[Rockypebbles]

That sounds fun!!! How do you stop them from pooping and peeing outside their cage?

[Khay]

I find it comes with time, like it does with rats. The more nervous the are and not used to you they are, the more I find that they will urinate and poop. Once they're calmer towards us, I find that they do it less. But they're still smaller critters. xD

I just a) got used to it and b) put down a towel or something that I wouldn't mind washing. My first pair of gerbils were horrible for it until right before I had to give them away when I moved for university. at that point, they'd cuddle on my shoulders for an hour or two and not do anything at all, or I'd find one little piece here and there (since I roamed around my house with three of them xD).

[MoonstoneGerbils]

Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT a fan of Critter Trails, however, they can be very useful in helping to expand a cage.

www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3635622

[gerbilapocalypse]

A 10 gallon is fine. A lot of people on here spoil their gerbils to the extreme. I know many healthy, happy, gerbils whose owners have a 10 gallon. Personally, I have a bigger tank for my gerbils, but you don't have to spoil your gerbils to make them happy. I also agree with letting them roam in a safe room or a bathtub.

[eaturbyfill]

A 10 gallon is better than a wire cage. If you did upgrade, you'd need to be looking at getting a bigger tank. Just give them plenty of exercise time and keep it clean.

[Tatumthegerbil]

I have the same problem. My gerbil never had any siblings, they were taken away from him at birth, so he does fine without a partner. I've tried multiple times to give him one, and I did the correct steps, but I've always failed and had to give the other gerbil back to the store. My mom bought my gerbil and doesn't know anything about them, and bought him the TINIEST wire cage, which he still lives in. I pay for all my pets, and I was going to get him a tank (with my own money) but my step dad doesn't want me to, because 1) I'm horrible at keeping my room clean. 2) he thinks the cage I have now is better and I made a pros and cons list for both, but in the pros for tanks he argued with ALL the things. 3) he thinks I can't pay for it but I can. I have enough money. UGGGHHH I feel horrible keeping him in what he's in, and hopefully I'll get a tank soon

[rhianna]

This topic is old. I'd recommend starting a new topic of your own if you're looking for advice