Best Bedding for Pups

[sweetie]

Hello,

What is the best type of bedding for the pups regarding health?

I heard that Carefresh is the best but it gives my adults red noses.

I have heard that Corn Cob is great and is less likely to cause respiratory infections but stinks more.

I am currently using Aspen and the gerbils do not get red noses. Is it good for pups? Will it cause respiratory infections?

[j]

I used "Kaycobb" (kaytee corncobb) with one litter. I didn't like it. It was like hard little rock pebbles and it smells fast. They had a nesting box full of toilet paper so it wasn't bad untill the pups could walk and sink in it and everything. No respritory problems though.

Another litter I used Carefresh Ultra.. adults had red noses from it, smelled fast and pups had respritory problems on it. Actually when I switched that litter back to Aspen, it cleared up fast.

So. I have no idea. Seems like everyone has different expereicnes with each bedding.

[moghedien]

My best experience with bedding so far has been a thin layer of corncob with a lot of aspen on top. So far the combo hasn't caused any sore noses or respritory problems, and it doesn't seem to smell as quickly as just aspen.

[sweetie]

Thanks. Perhaps a mix is just the thing I really don't like the Carefresh and neither do my gerbils. They have been great with the Aspen. I think that maybe a layer of corncob on the bottom might be a great addition to the Aspen I am using.

I really don't want the little guys to get sick.

[j]

If you're going to use Aspen anyway, it's kind of pointless to layer it with corncobb. If the Aspen is going to effect them and give them respritory problems, it will. It won't matter if it's layered with corncobb or not. By that logic, you could mix pine or cedar in with Corncobb and expect it not bother them because it's mixed. Highly unlikely.

Besides, at least aspen is comfortable. Corncobb isn't.

[sandy2]

Another option is paper-based kitty litter with toilet paper thrown in for soft nesting material. This is the best for allergies (gerbil and people) I've found. I use it for my really sensitive gerbils. For the rest I use Aspen.

[sweetie]

You are right J, What was I thinking?

Sandy, thanks for the info. I noticed with the Carefresh, my son and husband als ogot reactions and had difficulty breathing!

Do you have a name for the kitty liter? I currently use toilet paper for bedding. The gerbils love it !!

[queenofthenile]

Are you talking about 'Yesterdays News'? Blarg! I hate that stuff! (for the cats)

[moghedien]

J, on the corncob, I've never heard of it causing gerbils problems allergy-wise. I layer a small amount of it in with the aspen because it seems to keep the bedding dryer and less smelly for a longer period of time (that's just been my experience).

Just wanted to clarify.

[sweetie]

Thanks Mag,

Maybe I will get the corncob then. When I went over to get Squirt from Ahsley the breeder, She had suggested the corncob but I was concerned that I would buy it and then they (gerbs & family) would have a reaction to it. If it will keep the tank from smelling, then I will put it in since you should not change the litter with new pups until they are about 5 weeks old, right?

[lydia]

Hi Sweetie,

I've not bred my gerbils yet,but I clean my mice out weekly,regardless if they've got babies or not.
I would have thought it was o.k. to clean your gerbils out,even with babies, by the time they were 2 weeks old.

I could be wrong though,what does everyone else do ?

How frequently, do you normally clean your gerb's Sweetie ?
I clean my mice out weekly,only because by then,they would start to smell badly if left.They do pee more than gerbils.

Lyd

[doomgerbiluk]

gerbil mums are generally very trusting
but if your substrate is deep you may prefer not to disturb them.
Go by yoru instincts, if the cage is in any way smelly clean it. Mix some old bedding in with the new for the smell or keep her nest material and add more to it, she'll clean out dirty bedding and replace with clean. (tissues are best btw in my experience, kitchen towel is better than toilt roll).
just after the pups eyes open is a good time for a real clean. the pups are more active and used to being handled (I hope) and mum is used to you handling them. the next week or so is a vulnerable time especially for catching respiratory infections so a clean tank will help reduce the risk.
good luck

[moghedien]

For me when the pups are young enough to be confined to the nest, if the bedding is getting smelly I will remove and replace the bedding I can get to without disturbing the nest. So a partial change, I guess. Just so the mom doesn't have to re-build everything when the pups are young.

[doomgerbiluk]

in my experience even a total change doesnt do real harm but i prefer to leave it till its absolutely necessary or nearly e=weaning time

[sweetie]

Lydia,

I used to wash out the tubes every day or every other and the cage every week when I had the Hartz cages. I have recently changed over to 20 gal tanks for 2 gerbs. I have not really had enough time with the tanks. I have had 1 - 20 gal since September and I have changed that 4 times already. Funny thing is the tanks don't smell at all. I let my guys out a couple of times a week and it seems they hold it until they get out LOL.

Doom & Mag,

Thanks for the advice. Knowing when they are prone to infection is a bonus. I would rather prevent it than deal with it after. Partial changes sound great!

I am fortunate that I am getting the facts before the pups are here. I really want this to be a rewarding experience for the gerbils, the kids, and I.

Thank you all for your support.