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Post by paws on Nov 13, 2005 1:53:36 GMT -8
Is it OK to feed these things in minority? Christmas Oranges A small glob of whipped cream on the end of a finger Flavoured yogourt What christmas presents do you give your gerbils? What is healthy but tastes good?
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Nov 13, 2005 3:06:04 GMT -8
Citrus fruits generally aren't good for rodents. I haven't tried my gerbils with oranges but I don't imagine they'd be too keen, though neither do I think it would be harmful. (Orange oil IS harmful to male rats btw..they have a protein wich combined with orange oil from the skins causes cancer). Yoghurt is fine in small quantities but obviously unsweetened is best. Cream won't hurt them in tiny amounts but of course cream is very fattening and therefore a once in a blue moon treat. My gerbils similarly love philadelphia cheese. Christmas nuts are good, crack the shells but leave whole and drop a nut in the cage, the gerbils will smell the meat and have to work to get it out, good brain and body exercise. Do not give salted or flavoured nuts. A raisin or two may be appreciated (if you buy Gerri it has raisins in it though). A cleaned sprout or other christmas veg, I take out a small quantity of each veg, chop it all up into small pieces and give each colony a small selection for their christmas 'dinner'. Grapes are alwasy popular of course, as are apple and pear slices, a piece of peach or plum or various other fruits. DO NOT give all these treats at once, most treats should be given no more often than once a week ESPECIALLY wet foods like fruit and veg.
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Post by paws on Nov 13, 2005 9:08:57 GMT -8
Thanks, I am gonna splurge and buy some nice gerb treats, they've been on a diet for a whie, so i figure a little every now and again for the next few months won't hurt.
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Post by sweetie on Nov 14, 2005 6:47:44 GMT -8
If I am correct, I thought I read somewhere that Vitiman C is good for digestion and may even prevent cancer. Would then oranges in small quantities be okay? Please do not try it until it is confirmed!!!
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Post by Ed on Nov 15, 2005 18:31:16 GMT -8
Hi, Gill, Citrus fruit is fine for gerbils Yes a lot of sites do not recommend citrus fruits, but in treat like quantities they will do no harm. Thats providing the gerbil actually likes them! The high water content of citrus fruits could cause loose stools, but if the fruit is dehydrated it would be more preferable(mine love dried apricots). Remember a gerbil size portion is very tiny, so if it actually likes it, once a week or fortnight would do no harm. Heres a link to a scientific study on mongolian gerbils who were supplemented with high doses of vit c, which is found in citrus fruits like oranges. This seemed to reduce the incidence of gastric cancers. Vit c also drastically reduced helicobacter pylori in the guts of gerbils which is well known to cause ulcers and other gastric problems. lists.isb.sdnpk.org/pipermail/health-list-old/1997-November/000630.htmlEddie
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Nov 15, 2005 23:20:26 GMT -8
Thanks Ed After the ratties I tended to avoid it...glad you could clear that up So guys ur gerbs can enjoy a little of your christams orange
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Post by paws on Nov 16, 2005 7:54:38 GMT -8
yayyyyy! That's good. They really do love it.
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Post by paws on Nov 18, 2005 23:28:09 GMT -8
Oooh..yesterday at the super-market I found really MINIATURE oranges, just gerbil size! I was going to buy them, but the shop was about to close, so I had to pay for the gerbil stuff I already had. (I go to the supermarket when the petstore is closed)
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