nobleandpure
Member
have two gerbils and might be getting a third soon
Posts: 110
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Moving
Apr 28, 2015 12:04:38 GMT -8
Post by nobleandpure on Apr 28, 2015 12:04:38 GMT -8
I am going on a twelve hour trip to virginia and I want to take my gerbils. How can I help them live through the long car ride? I need the answer very soon.
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keldamouse
Member
rest in peace my dear lovely Leela youre in our hearts
Posts: 374
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Post by keldamouse on Apr 28, 2015 12:35:34 GMT -8
you can make sure that nothing can fall on them and give them enough bedding to stay warm. Make sure they have good ventilation. I transport mine in a critter keeper its like 3 gallons. You can give them a carrot or slice of cucumber for water and when you stop you can offer them water in their bottle. www.amazon.com/Kritter-Keeper-Large-Rectangle-Colors/dp/B0002APZOOGive them a hide and something to chew, and replace it when possible and they should be happy!
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Moving
Apr 28, 2015 17:35:48 GMT -8
Post by qtoffer on Apr 28, 2015 17:35:48 GMT -8
What Keldamouse said.
Kritter Keepers are great for transport. Provide plenty of bedding, a cardboard box for hiding, and a TP tube for chewing. No need to provide a wheel or other cage furnishings - they'd just clunk around. A fresh slice of apple is another good source of water. If you wrap the sides of the Kritter Keeper with paper, the darkness will be calming - just make sure that the top ventilation openings aren't covered.
Place the gerbils out of direct sunlight in a foot well or securely on a seat where they can't get tipped over. You can place things around the Keeper to help hold it in place, but don't put anything on top that could block ventilation. If you're warm, the gerbils are too, so use AC or open windows as needed.
I used to ship mice across the country and even overseas - with some trips lasting two full days door-to-door. Never lost one as a result of transport. Rodents are very resilient and good travelers if you provide them with a solid source of water and climate controlled transport.
Have a safe trip!
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Eowyn (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper Goldberry (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper -------------------------------------------------------------- RIP Maire 11/6/2008 - 4/6/2011; Eithne 11/6/2008 - 10/10/2011 Lori 5/2/2011 - 7/24/2013; Mo 5/2/2011 - 1/14/2014; Carly 5/2/2011 - 5/21/2014 Arwen 11/12/2011 - 2/8/2015
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Moving
Apr 30, 2015 1:49:36 GMT -8
Post by vexorg on Apr 30, 2015 1:49:36 GMT -8
Our tend to freak out when put in the car for vet rides, after 5 minutes they settle down, I'm sure they'd be fine for a longer trip
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Post by Shooting Star on Apr 30, 2015 9:35:08 GMT -8
I've found whole baby carrots the best for providing moisture during trips. Gerbils generally travel very well as long as you follow the guidelines mentioned above. Currently on day 2 of a week-long trip with a car full of gerbils (and I do mean FULL!). Sent from my HTC6500LVW using proboards
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nobleandpure
Member
have two gerbils and might be getting a third soon
Posts: 110
|
Moving
Apr 30, 2015 13:38:32 GMT -8
Post by nobleandpure on Apr 30, 2015 13:38:32 GMT -8
Thank you for all of your advise. This will help so much. As for bedding, should I put half of the amount I usually give them? And should I give them a hut to sleep in?
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nobleandpure
Member
have two gerbils and might be getting a third soon
Posts: 110
|
Moving
Apr 30, 2015 13:41:03 GMT -8
Post by nobleandpure on Apr 30, 2015 13:41:03 GMT -8
And would Kritter keepers be okay for a twelve hour trip? I heard that you need to keep them in a cage bigger than that.
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keldamouse
Member
rest in peace my dear lovely Leela youre in our hearts
Posts: 374
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Moving
Apr 30, 2015 14:51:26 GMT -8
Post by keldamouse on Apr 30, 2015 14:51:26 GMT -8
so breeders use kritter keepers to transport. This is also what is used at gerbil/small animal shows. They will be fine, especially for that length of time. I would think 2 inches of bedding, one hide, some food and a roll to chew and a stick to chew. just replace the chewing items and the water source (carrot, apple, cucumber) and like I said when you stop offer them the water bottle. They will most likely sleep for 1/2 the time and the rest just snuggle together and chew a bit. Just talk to them in a calm reassuring voice and try to keep the keeper steady. Good travels to you and your little gerbils
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