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Post by gerbilsrgreat on May 19, 2005 17:48:59 GMT -8
Is it safe to use things like tissue paper, paper towels, toilet paper and cotton balls in a gerbil's cage? I've heard people say that they use them but I've heard others say that these things can block up their stomachs. What do you guys think and why?
-Jeremiah
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on May 19, 2005 18:24:04 GMT -8
Tissue paper should be OK, as long as it's white; plain white paper towels are OK, cheaper is better because the cheaper ones have less fibers; toilet paper is fine, again plain white and non-scented; definitely no cotton balls--as you said, they contain fibers that can block the intestines if they're swallowed, or they can become tangled around limbs, cut off circulation, and cause the limb to be lost. Other no-no's are that bedding fluff sold in pet stores and anything else with fibers, like fabric, old clothes, towels, or dryer lint.
RW
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Post by RyanF on May 20, 2005 2:25:53 GMT -8
It's all OK, but be careful with the cottonballs or polyester fluff because of what RW said. If you are going to use them, make sure to break the balls into smaller pieces.
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Post by doomgerbiluk on May 20, 2005 6:34:13 GMT -8
DO NOT even consider using cotton wool or anythign else with fibres that could tangle round a gerbil leg (especially if you have pups) A friend has some persian jird pups. She has been very careful to avoid fibres, yet somehow a fibre got in her woodshavings (maybe form the mill) and became wrapped around a pups leg. The pup lost the leg (it was very young and mum did the amputation, a very neat job which means the pup shoudl have no problems from its loss). But I'm sure no one would want to risk this happening so please NO FIBRES, not cotton wool, commercial bedding, cloth, old clothes, hair etc.
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on May 20, 2005 7:36:22 GMT -8
I agree with you, Doom.
Pulling cotton balls or bedding fluff apart might lessen the chance of entanglement, but the shorter fibers could still be swallowed and cause major intestinal troubles. With other, safer choices available, why take a chance?
RW
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Post by gerbilsrgreat on May 23, 2005 13:37:05 GMT -8
Interesting info! Thanks, I've wondered if it's safe or not but they do seem to like the texture of things like that.
-Jeremiah
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Post by RyanF on May 23, 2005 13:51:37 GMT -8
I disagree. Only if you have pups must you not use the fibers. My gerbils love their polyester fluff.
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on May 24, 2005 20:24:38 GMT -8
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on the subject of bedding fluff. I know you care a great deal for your gerbils and would never want anything bad to happen to them. At least read the information under "Good neststuff versus bad neststuff?". www.gerbilsanonymous.com/foods.htmRW
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