how do you explain to someone critter trails are bad

[katiecat]

hi
so my mom has been trying to talking me in to switching back to the "cute"(or so she calls it i think its terrible) little original cage
she says the bin is inhumane and the critter trail is "made" and she says "they like the tubes) for them i love my mom but how do i explain that critter trails aren't good (also i have a friend who uses one how do i explain to her without making her feel bad ) even with the huge mesh window on top my mom still believes critter trails are better
if i could have help thanks 

[qtoffer]

I used to have an extensive network of Crittertrail cages and tubes for my fancy mice. Mice and dwarf hamsters are the only small animals I can think of that can be adequately housed in these overpriced plastic cage systems. Personally, I hated the tubes because they were a major pain to clean.

I would point out to your mom that the Crittertrail is better suited for animals much smaller than gerbils. Adult gerbils have difficulty turning themselves around or passing each other in the narrow tubes - if two were to enter the same tube from different directions, after quite a bit of angry squabbling, one would be forced to awkwardly exit backwards.
Also mention that a bin cage is easier to keep clean.
Gerbils have three passions in life: digging, chewing, and climbing. It's easier to satisfy these desires in a large bin cage with deep bedding, lots of cardboard, and some clean tree branches. Crittertrail cages - even connected ones - are just too small to satisfy a gerbil's environmental needs.
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Arwen (F) and Eowyn (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper
Goldberry (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper

[katiecat]

kk thanks also what are some safe types of tree branches i have lots of cardboard (my aunt brought me a ton of toilet paper tubes on xmas) and i have a 29 gal bin cage i just don't have any sticks

[reesesturtles]

Also, it is very easy for gerbils to find a place to chew a hole and escape in the critter trails, and unless you pay a fortune for a large network of cages and tubing (yikes the maintenance!) space is rarely sufficient for one, and especially not two. They make good carriers and temporary habitats in an emergency, or fun little add-ons to an existing deep bedding system in some cases--such as a topper or satellite unit (if set up properly to limit chewing the plastic and escaping).

[reesesturtles]

As for your friend, it can be hard to tell people a different way of doing things without them getting defensive. Rather than approaching her with "I think you should keep your animals this way instead" or "That isn't the best home", it would be better to just approach the subject of "How did you decide on that kind of home for your gerbils? What is it you like or don't like about it?" Then you now have a friendly conversation where you can explain why you chose a different set up for your gerbils, and maybe even offer to help your friend build a bin cage and help her connect it to her existing critter trail.

If she is still reluctant, then don't push it. Just continue to set an example with your own animals' habitat.

[kristinenote]

I had the same problem. "Why do you keep them in a fish tank?! They can't breath! Put them in one of those pretty cages with the tubes!"

My response was: "They will chew through the thin plastic of the cages and may swallow some, it's very dangerous. The tubes aren't really what gerbils like. Tanks (in your case a deep tub! Woot, wish I had room for that!) give them room to dig and can be structured so they can dig, as if they were in their natural environment."

Well tbh I'm not that articulate when confronted. I think my actual response was, "Shaddup, so's your face!"

[Awaiting Abyss]

All of the reasons stated above.

Crittertrails have caused a lot of injuries to pets. One of my cousins had to find this out the hard way with a broken leg on a hamster.
I never recommend them at my work. Mice are happier in tanks or bins. Only dwarf hamsters seem okay in them, but you still have to worry about broken limbs.