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Post by daisy on Mar 17, 2015 9:41:27 GMT -8
Do you think it is better to give the gerbils a small amount of a treat, such as fruit or vegetables, once a week or a tiny, tiny bite of a treat more often? I have been giving them a tiny, tiny bite or two once every day or so since they get more enjoyment that way. They seem healthy and fit. Should I stop doing this and go back to once a week?
Daisy |
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nobleandpure
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have two gerbils and might be getting a third soon
Posts: 110 
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Post by nobleandpure on Mar 17, 2015 11:17:42 GMT -8
You should give them about one piece of lettuce every week or other fruits and veggies that add up to that amount.
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Post by daisy on Mar 17, 2015 18:28:00 GMT -8
How much lettuce?
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keldamouse
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rest in peace my dear lovely Leela youre in our hearts
Posts: 374
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Post by keldamouse on Mar 18, 2015 9:06:22 GMT -8
I think that gerbils eat about 1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of their basic food a day. Treats should only make up about 10% of their diet so just use that as a guide. I don't know if this is exactly correct but its what I've gleaned from my research over the years. Sorry I can't be more specific. I give my girls treats just about every day but it is only a bite or two (small crushed peanuts or fruit pieces or oat gerbil "cookie" pieces). You can also pick out their favorite seeds or bits from their food and just give it as treats or for training.  |
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keldamouse
Member
rest in peace my dear lovely Leela youre in our hearts
Posts: 374
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Post by keldamouse on Mar 18, 2015 9:08:10 GMT -8
for Lettuce since it is so high in water only give them maybe 1/2" or so to start. You'll want to make sure they tolerate any high water content fruit or veggies. Most places say that you should just give them fresh bits of fruit or veg 2-3 times a week. |
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Post by MoonstoneGerbils on Mar 18, 2015 11:49:47 GMT -8
First, i wouldn't feed gerbils lettuce. If you want to feed them dark leafy greens like kale or spinach thats probably fine. Iceburg lettuce has little nutritional value.
Keep in mind a serving size for a gerbil is about the size of their eyeball.
Small piece of carrots, broccoli, zucchini, squash, melon, apple, banana, grapes,
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Post by the_gerbilpetsworld on Apr 5, 2015 11:10:39 GMT -8
I give mine a tiny bit of Veg about once a week or so because I have read that if you give them too much veg or fruit it can cause diorhea (don't really know how to spell it) So I wouldn't give them much. I usually give them carrots but I do vary them. We have rabbits and Guinea pigs so we have plenty of veg we can use. But yeah I don't recommend giving them too much as previously mentioned it can cause diorhea. Here is a link to the correct fruit and veg to give gerbils: www.thegerbils.com/maintenance3food.htmHope I Helped PetMad15 |
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Post by daisy on Apr 5, 2015 12:36:37 GMT -8
If the amount I give does not give him any health problems (their droppings always look fine) can I assume that I am not giving them too much?
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Post by qtoffer on Apr 5, 2015 18:26:09 GMT -8
I believe that treats are an important way to bond with the gerbils while relieving stress or boredom, so I try to give them every day. If you give treats daily, it's important to select items that are nutritious and fit in well with the rest of the gerbil's diet.
My gerbils usually get treats two or three times per day. Typically they're dry treats like pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or cheerios. I give them one seed or slice or cheerio per sitting.
I limit wet treats like fruit or fresh veggies to no more than one a day. The amount is probably equivalent to the volume of a shelled pumpkin seed - just enough for them to hold comfortably in their paws. I've never seen loose stools.
I wouldn't consider lettuce a treat - it's mostly water and has little nutrients or flavor. Better to offer something nutritious and tasty like carrot, apple, or banana.
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Eowyn (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper
Goldberry (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper
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RIP
Maire 11/6/2008 - 4/6/2011; Eithne 11/6/2008 - 10/10/2011
Lori 5/2/2011 - 7/24/2013; Mo 5/2/2011 - 1/14/2014; Carly 5/2/2011 - 5/21/2014
Arwen 11/12/2011 - 2/8/2015
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Post by the_gerbilpetsworld on Apr 6, 2015 9:04:06 GMT -8
If the amount I give does not give him any health problems (their droppings always look fine) can I assume that I am not giving them too much?
Daisy Yes, it's just something to be aware of. I thought I should let you know that if you do give them too much it can cause diorhea always better to be safe than sorry! PetMad15 |
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Post by rilence on Apr 12, 2015 17:15:31 GMT -8
The only lettuces we should be giving are the Butterhead and Romaine Lettuces.
I've no problems feeding them thus far and they're the more nutritional lettuces out there.
Once your Gerbils are used to vegetables, they are not going to get any stomach upsets from it. You just have to start small and gradually increase then decrease to an amount you can find your Gerbils finishing all up in a single night.
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