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Post by betty on Jul 9, 2020 12:27:21 GMT -8
Beech isn't a substrate normally used for gerbils if I remember correctly - perhaps we need to check the safe woods list for that one to be sure - I honestly can't remember.
I know it is a safe reptile substrate, but they have different needs to rodents.
However, plenty of gerbils can react to something getting stuck in or scratching their eye - even if the substrate tiself isn't usually an issue.
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Post by betty on Jul 9, 2020 12:41:48 GMT -8
I've had a quick look around and the usual safe list is the egerbil one - but it doesn't mention Beech in EITHER the safe or unsafe list?
Perhaps this is why I have never used it. Would be GREAT to find out more from any gerbil keepers on here who HAVE used it so we can decide which way to go on it?
Also, I found a jird forum where cherry wood is recommended as a safe wood - but this has always been told as toxic for gerbils? Perhaps, we need to create a safe wood thread on here only with woods used by us lot more than once and with no issues ever connected or possibly connected to it?
Hmm?
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Post by betty on Jul 13, 2020 13:42:33 GMT -8
Sorry for the delay in replying - but that sounds like it might be the cause of the problem. Great to take it back to basics for 6 weeks and see if the whole thing clears up?
As for the scent being ok from another tank - well just as with humans reactions to different things can be mild or severe, but unless your own gerbils really kick up a dust or you have ventilation specifically pulling the air that way - I am not sure it would be a problem - but if you want to be extra sure either block the way between them, or discontue its use in both for the 6 weeks 9to be sure to get rid of any residue in the entire room and then when you ass it back with the originals - you will see if the boarders are affected?
Mind you, if they are only boarding - 6 weeks might be longer than you have anyway?
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Post by betty on Jul 16, 2020 13:52:25 GMT -8
I would perhaps try Sparkle on a shallow layer or long-thread paper-based bedding for a week or two if you see an improvement. If there was a moment of calm in there it could be ANY type of dust particles. Only an idea, as it could have been linked to where Sparkle was while you were cleaning the enclosure?
Worth a try though.
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Thea
Member
Posts: 1,012
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Post by Thea on Jul 18, 2020 1:09:43 GMT -8
I just want to add that I had three gerbils in the past-two of which were sensitive to bedding. I've also had the same problem with my two now. Most beddings haven't worked for them, but for both sets I've used Aspen, which really seems to be the only kind that has made an improvement. It is used as a reptile bedding, but if you get the right kind it is absolutely fine for gerbils too. They were sniffly and had funny eyes, but when I used aspen it seemed to go away. It might not work for yours, but for mine it's worked just fine. It can be a little more expensive than your classic bedding, but definately worth it if it stops irritating them. I get mine from Pets at Home and it is around 2 bags for £9. Really I just have happy gerbils now
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Post by betty on Jul 20, 2020 13:57:35 GMT -8
Well great that you have been keeping a close eye on her as everything changed - that way we have been able to sort of rule out a few things that were previously thought to be quite likely.
Like you say, short term - none of the bedding seem to make an difference - it comes and goes whatever?
However, potentially when you rehome them - the new owner can try something for a longer period of time and see what happens over a month or two rather than being more reactive like we were at first before we understood it.
Fingers crossed if it IS chronic, that it isn't too uncomfortable for them as they age.
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Post by betty on Jul 23, 2020 14:10:26 GMT -8
This really is quite strange?
I mean you are totally right that the smoky home probably isn't doing them any favours - but why are you becoming sore eye central? Unless there is currenly a pollen-fest in your home area (like over in the UK the rapeseed mass flowering event in May often sends people with hayfever into a frenzy?) - similarly - council-run weed killer chemicals sprayed on the ground and in parks can sends dogs and cat to the vets!
And yes, although red-eyed gerbil are more prone to eye trouble - it is all personal to the deleterious effects of the pink-eye gene - not necessarily external factors.
Hmm.
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Post by betty on Jul 24, 2020 15:22:44 GMT -8
WOW - 160g is the biggest gerbil I have ever known - and I have had some big ones.
Is he in proportion - like a giant - or does he have the fat neck hump of obesity? There is a gene in mice that creates ginger obese/giant mice, but I don't think that same gene has ever been seen in gerbils!!!
Double Wow.
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Post by betty on Jul 24, 2020 15:34:52 GMT -8
He's a gerbil Giant Haystacks (you have to be watching saturday night TV in the 80s for that to make sense though).
At 10 months - I still can't believe it.
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Post by betty on Jul 24, 2020 16:02:18 GMT -8
Poor thing - that's no happy life for him - even if it IS something genetic...
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Post by Markpd on Jul 26, 2020 13:45:04 GMT -8
Interesting discussion, can't say I can add anything to it, one question though, have you tried hemp bedding? It's supposed to be hypo allergenic and apparently grows in their native habitat (not that I've confirmed either yet [edit] to the latter, yes it does, but likely to be a different variety).
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Post by Markpd on Jul 26, 2020 15:33:29 GMT -8
Forgot to say, that's one heavy weight Gerbil!!
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Post by Markpd on Jul 26, 2020 17:03:35 GMT -8
You never know how many extra treats they're giving them though, the weight must come from somewhere!
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Post by betty on Jul 27, 2020 4:52:04 GMT -8
Jeez - that is some excess grammage right there!!!
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Post by Markpd on Jul 31, 2020 17:39:59 GMT -8
What effect wears off? So did you speak to the owner about their weight?
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