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Post by victoria on Apr 3, 2013 22:27:46 GMT -8
Just my two cents from my experience with other species...
First of all, do NOT use twist ties anywhere in your pet's habitat - they metal is toxic if chewed or licked. It's more of a risk with birds that are more sensitive to toxins than mammals but it is still a risk to rodents, especially if they chew on them. For most species zip ties work well but that may not be the case with gerbils since they chew so much. I'm sure a hardware store has metal fasteners that are not toxic.
All species can develop ulcerative pododermatitis (bumblefoot). It's less likely for smaller rodents but the more time they spend on wire floors, if the floors are dirty (gerbils tend to use the washroom on higher levels), genetic predisposition, obesity and a compromised immune system all contribute to the condition and it is very hard to treat in any species. Covering the wire floor with plexi glass, cardboard or wood would be much safer.
That topper seems pretty pricey. I think you may be able to find a bigger tank for less (used or even new) than that and your gerbil would probably appreciate the horizontal space more.
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nzcage
Member
How many gerbils is too many gerbils? D:
Posts: 701
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Post by nzcage on Apr 4, 2013 2:42:20 GMT -8
i have 2 gerbils under 6 months in a 10 gallon tank + tank expander. i just got this expander today. my gerbils won't go to the second level and that's where i place the water bottle and food. what's going on? and does it just take them time to get used the surroundings? i'm a new gerbil owner, please help!!! ty all. "I'm a new gerbil owner"... When I was younger, we had a pair of gerbils who lived in a small barred cage. I know better now, but these 2 lived to be 4 and 4 and a half. Jamesny, mate, just be nice to folk. If you genuinely feel you have useful advice, then give it, but stop starting arguments.
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Post by eleda on Apr 4, 2013 5:56:08 GMT -8
Thanks for clearing that up about twisties Victoria! I had no idea!
Oh and doctor digby has already stated her gerbil was afraid of other gerbils. She obviously has the best interests of her pet in mind so leave her alone
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Doctor Digby
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Quorra & Amelia: Buttheads Extraordinaire
Posts: 724
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Post by Doctor Digby on Apr 4, 2013 8:13:04 GMT -8
you have no right to say any animal will die within an amount of time. many gerbils do just fine without a companion. many of my friends have had gerbils live by themselves and they live to very old ages. and some gerbils don't like climbing or burrowing. My two don't, they would rather play on just one level. why would I have a topper when my two don't use it? it all depends on the gerbil. they are like people. not all gerbils are the same. BTW, you can have 1,000 gerbils in your lifetime and still know nothing about them. THANK YOU summer.
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Doctor Digby
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Quorra & Amelia: Buttheads Extraordinaire
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Post by Doctor Digby on Apr 4, 2013 8:54:27 GMT -8
Thanks for clearing that up about twisties Victoria! I had no idea! Oh and doctor digby has already stated her gerbil was afraid of other gerbils. She obviously has the best interests of her pet in mind so leave her alone Exactly. Thank you Eleda. Jamesny seriously just stop being a idiot.
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Post by Emilee on Apr 4, 2013 8:59:26 GMT -8
Oh, Jamesny still hasnt been blocked :/ ? I thought he was.. but then he just keeps comimg back!!!
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Post by Emilee on Apr 4, 2013 9:16:20 GMT -8
Hahahahaha .... Really don't see the point in him being a idiot to everyone, trying to make out like hes right.. it's pathetic.
Toppers don't always have a plus... They pee down the side of the tank = smelling more.
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Doctor Digby
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Quorra & Amelia: Buttheads Extraordinaire
Posts: 724
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Post by Doctor Digby on Apr 4, 2013 9:32:03 GMT -8
I've got Digby potty trained with a sand bucket, where ever there is sand she goes there to pee, although sometimes >.> like right after I clean her cage she will pee on anything wood but it is just in the actual tank part and not the topper.
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Post by Shooting Star on Apr 4, 2013 9:41:00 GMT -8
All species can develop ulcerative pododermatitis (bumblefoot). It's less likely for smaller rodents but the more time they spend on wire floors, if the floors are dirty (gerbils tend to use the washroom on higher levels), genetic predisposition, obesity and a compromised immune system all contribute to the condition and it is very hard to treat in any species. Covering the wire floor with plexi glass, cardboard or wood would be much safer. Thank you, I was just about to bring that up. It's not that they get their feet/toes caught in the mesh/bars, it's that walking on such surfaces constantly can cause bumblefoot. I wasn't aware the twist-ties were toxic. Do you know what in particular is toxic about them? You can always use normal wire from the hardware store. I use 20-gauge galvanized steel wire for a lot of things. It's stronger than twist-ties, but still easy to work with. I'm convinced that Jamesny is either delusional or trolling. If you'd like to review the transition from "knows nothing" to "knows everything" in just 4 months, you can see all of his posts in reverse chronological order (first post at the bottom) by going to his profile, putting his current number of posts into the line that says "View ___ most recent posts" and clicking Submit. Give it a try-- it's hilarious.
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Post by victoria on Apr 4, 2013 10:57:58 GMT -8
I wasn't aware the twist-ties were toxic. Do you know what in particular is toxic about them? You can always use normal wire from the hardware store. I use 20-gauge galvanized steel wire for a lot of things. It's stronger than twist-ties, but still easy to work with. I think it's because of the zinc, it's an essential mineral but a neuro toxin if you ingest too much. I have heard the same thing about galvanized wire cages and zinc toxicity with my rats but I used to have a galvanized wire cage (really bad idea with rats for many reasons) and I know many people do and have never had an issues. I think the problem is more serious with twist ties because they're cheaply made and a bird (or gerbil) could easily chew into them. www.facebook.com/notes/doctor-andreas-brieger-dvm/wire-twist-ties-are-toxic-for-parrots/201064103339618The article is written with birds in mind but there is a risk to other animals, albeit smaller. Hardware cloth and galvanized wire are better quality wire and probably ok but I don't think they're completely safe. The other issue I have with galvanized wire, and I'm not sure if it applies to gerbils, is that it absorbs urine and is impossible to keep clean. If you live in the states, a powder coated Martin's topper would better but that's mostly based on my experience with rats and rabbits: www.martinscages.com/products/cages/toppers/
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2013 12:33:22 GMT -8
Shootingstar- sorry to be a pain on this thread too, but i only resurrected the other one because i didn't think to actually explain to people how to view the other posts! sorry!
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Post by RitzieAnn on Apr 4, 2013 13:02:47 GMT -8
Victoria, thank you for being on topic!
James, I'm not asking anybody to suck up to me. The point of a forum is to discuss views, and opinions on what does and doesn't work. If they can be backed up with researched fact, amazing. If they can be backed up with personal experience, also great. The issue that I have (as do many others) and that you're rude. You don't back things up with facts, you're not tactful, and you come off as incredibly degrading. I only asked you to think about what you're trying to say, and say it in a more polite way. In many cases, you have had good advise to share, and we want you to continue sharing, but instead of saying "NO! You're wrong" or other such things, perhaps rephrase and say something more like "Well, I've found from my own experience, that whenever I tried that, it really didn't work out...." If you sound attacking every time you post something, people won't like you. I really am tired of getting reports. members who continue this type of path have been banned from the forum because they cannot play well with others.
Everybody else... if you ever feel there is a troll, the best option is to ignore them. Don't feed into the issue. Don't poke sticks and make jokes. Also, please don't be swearing so much. I know swear words are now very common, but I would like to remain a "family" forum. There are a lot of families that read the forum together, and their children don't need to be seeing the poo slinging contests.
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Post by jamesny on Apr 4, 2013 13:09:51 GMT -8
to topic starter- to answer your question, no gerbils won't get stuck on the mesh. just don't fill your tank up 9 inches of bedding and nothing else for them to do like i see most people on here do. they get the wrong idea of gerbils needing to burrow. keep in mind that if you can't support the tunnels they are burrowing it's useless to have the bedding high. i would suggest using the top space for water, food, bath, and excercise wheel. for the lower level, have something for them to climb on leading to the topper. don't use the mesh ramps as it is not natural. and i would say stack your bedding about 7 inches for a 10 gallon tank so they can still stand on there feet...have a hut below so they have a reason to burrow..cya
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Post by jamesny on Apr 4, 2013 13:12:40 GMT -8
Victoria, thank you for being on topic! James, I'm not asking anybody to suck up to me. The point of a forum is to discuss views, and opinions on what does and doesn't work. If they can be backed up with researched fact, amazing. If they can be backed up with personal experience, also great. The issue that I have (as do many others) and that you're rude. You don't back things up with facts, you're not tactful, and you come off as incredibly degrading. I only asked you to think about what you're trying to say, and say it in a more polite way. In many cases, you have had good advise to share, and we want you to continue sharing, but instead of saying "NO! You're wrong" or other such things, perhaps rephrase and say something more like "Well, I've found from my own experience, that whenever I tried that, it really didn't work out...." If you sound attacking every time you post something, people won't like you. I really am tired of getting reports. members who continue this type of path have been banned from the forum because they cannot play well with others. Everybody else... if you ever feel there is a troll, the best option is to ignore them. Don't feed into the issue. Don't poke sticks and make jokes. Also, please don't be swearing so much. I know swear words are now very common, but I would like to remain a "family" forum. There are a lot of families that read the forum together, and their children don't need to be seeing the poo slinging contests. i have never used bad lauguage when trying to prove a point. i am an adult. people who disagree with me have no clue about gerbils..everything i have stated is from real life experience not from internet reading. most people use internet facts which are written by 18 year old college students which i don't respect..
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nzcage
Member
How many gerbils is too many gerbils? D:
Posts: 701
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Post by nzcage on Apr 4, 2013 13:35:43 GMT -8
Awch, just as I was pleasantly surprised by your previous comment, you come back with this cracker. people who disagree with me have no clue about gerbils.. I'd like to apologise to the OP for taking part in the 'off-topic' discussion which hijacked your thread. I found it hard to tolerate the fact that genuine new gerbil owners (who are looking up to people with experience for help) were being barked at by someone who has been very misleading about his experience, and is constantly putting forward his opinions in a rude manor. I hope this hasn't put you off using the forum for help, and I hope that your original queries were answered
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