I've been experimenting...

[sprigmom]

...and I've found a couple of new things for my gerbies (new to them, not the world in general! )

There is a pet store near here that specializes in birds -all kinds- and has tons of bulk food for them. While wandering in there the other day, I found the neatest dried veggies: long green beans, slices of carrot, sweet potato, etc. I put a little of each thing in the tanks and the room was immediately full of crunching noises!

Also, my hubby and son saved the seeds from the pumpkins they carved for Halloween, and Cam roasted them the other night. He saved 1/2 of them on one end of the tray and left the salt off them. I popped 'em in the tanks today and everyone (that was awake, that is!) pounced on them.

We have a food dryer, so I plan in the future to dry my own fruits and veggies to save some money. I noticed a lot of the posts about making your own food; plan to do so with the recipe Queen recommended.

Oh, and as far as oatmeal, mine love it. I started adding it in when the pups' eyes opened. In addition, instead of sand or dust for bathing, I use corn meal. They bathe in it and eat it as well! ;D

[queenofthenile]

The dried veggies sound very cool! I wish we had those here. I remember Peter warning us away from dried beans though, because they are poisonous .

[sprigmom]

The cool thing about this one is the beans are green (string) beans, not the kind you would normally need to soak before cooking. So these won't expand in their tummies!

[sweetie]

I definitely think the home drying is the best. That way you know there are no additives!! I would love one!

I also like the make your own mix idea. Maybe when my life settles down a little, I will try it!! LOL

[devun]

I bought some dried peas, carrots, and corn called "veggie bites." It says its for birds and small animals. So far I've just been giving them a few things a day as treats. How many dried veggies is it healthy to eat? Can I mix a little in with their regular food?
thanks!