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Post by Michaela Johnson on May 2, 2015 18:54:22 GMT -8
Hello everybody! I'm just getting into breeding gerbils and I was wondering if using a bin cage without a top would be safe for mama and babies? I don't have any pets that could get to them so my only concern is mama being able to jump right out of the bin. The bin "in question" is 56 qts and 23x16&1/4x12x3/8inches. I havent had a problem with any of my gerbils wanting to jump out of their tanks so far, but they have toppers. I'm considering switching to completely bin cages if they work out. Now, i'm getting ahead of myself, of course if many of you think I'd have an issue with the safety of the gerbils, I'd add a lid. I'd just have to go pick up some hardware cloth, but I have the tub on hand so thought i'd check. ALSO, those of you that use/used to use bin cages, what're your opinions opposed to tanks? Through breeding pet-type mice I found bin cages were easier to clean (They're kept in an upper floor room and cages must be carried down a flight of stairs to be cleaned) because they're lighter weight. They tend to hold male mouse stink more than tanks but gerbils smell so much better than mice in my opinion hehe. I apologize because I know this post is all over the place, so please bare with me! Thank you.
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Post by betty on May 3, 2015 0:18:15 GMT -8
When I leave the lids off my bin cages for fresh air - they ALWAYS try to jump out- even if they never tried with the lids on...
However, I do have all the different characters here - some never seem to want to jump out - but one female can jump REALLY high and can always escape from my deep sided bin - and don't forget, that overnight they could have moved all the bedding from one side of the tank to the other and therefore made themselves a nice comfy ramp which leads them right up to the lip. I have had that happen LOADS of times.
So, I would ALWAYS recommend a lid because they will nearly always get out of any tank at some point. Maybe not the first night, maybe not the first year - but then it will happen. And how would you cope if a mum escaped when she still had young pups and you couldn't find her for days...
Risky long term...
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Post by eleda on May 3, 2015 19:56:49 GMT -8
agree with betty - i wanted to pop in and say something about jumping gerbils though if it's alright. when I first got Data he constantly tried to jump out of his tank, even with the lid on. (I think he could actually see it and he kept deluding himself that it wouldn't be there next time) luckily he stopped that nonsense when he got older. I have a small bin that i use as a temp cage while I'm cleaning his tank and he allllways tries to jump out. luckily he gives up quickly though because I think if he tried in earnest he'd make it!
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Post by Michaela Johnson on May 3, 2015 20:37:58 GMT -8
Thank you both on your input! I'll have to go pick up some more hardware clothes and make the lids for them. p.s-I'm still waiting for staff approval to join, just curious if there was a long wait or something?
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Post by betty on May 4, 2015 0:21:36 GMT -8
I'm not sure how long it takes to get approved at the moment, but you can keep posting right here in the mean time and we will keep answering.
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Post by Shooting Star on May 4, 2015 4:14:50 GMT -8
I have it on good authority that Moonstone is very busy at the moment. I'll let her explain on her own time. It's good news, no worries. Sent from my HTC6500LVW using proboards
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Post by Michaela Johnson on May 4, 2015 13:42:09 GMT -8
No worries, I'm just very eager to be apart of this community! Thank you everyone for answering.
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