Toys not labeled for gerbils - are they bad ?

[daisy]

I noticed that some toys, like Critterware Willow Branch Balls, are labeled for guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas and other small pets, but not gerbils or hamsters. Does anyone know why this is? Should I avoid all toys that don't specifically say "gerbils."

Thank you.

Daisy

[crittercrazy]

Well, even if a toy is labeled for gerbils, it sometimes still isn't safe for them. I'd say that whether or not it is labeled for gerbils, its up to the buyer to decide of it is safe as they ultimately know more about gerbils in most cases. I rarely pay attention to labels- I just go off of what I know is safe.

[keldamouse]

I rely on this site and egerbil.com's extensive list in order to know what is safe. You really can't trust the manufacturers claims that items are safe. I use items made for birds and all animals I just make sure what it is made of is totally safe. I also buy craft items for them such as pine Popsicle sticks and cut pine shapes for them to chew from the craft section. They are a lot cheaper than what is sold for hamsters/gerbils in the petstore.

[qtoffer]

I haven't purchased gerbil toys in years. We generate enough household cardboard (pasta boxes, rice-a-roni boxes, TP tubes, and paper towel tubes) to keep our three gerbils busy. Sometimes I mix things up by hiding treats inside a box or tube and crimping the ends closed.
My woodworking projects produce the occasional piece of kiln dried pine, poplar, or aspen. My girls have been working on a two inch long piece of wooden closet pole for almost 2-1/2 years - it used to be 1.5 inches in diameter, now it's only about 7/8 inches in diameter!
I also collect gerbil safe branches (apple, sycamore, white birch) and bake them.

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Arwen (F) and Eowyn (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper
Goldberry (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper

[Alphonsus]

mmm tasty......... I mean for the gerbils of course

[Alphonsus]

I use some bird toys such as the wood blocks, also I use huts that are for guinea pigs for my gerbils. They have three different huts in there cage.