are indian almond leaves ok for gerbils?

[howlingwolf88]

I am trying to create an enriching gerbil cage set up and I am wondering if Indian almond leaves will be ok for them? I was thinking that since they come from Asia like gerbils it might be ok? Also would moss and soil be ok?
thanks

[Thea]

Awesome about the enriching cage!
Firstly - I have no idea haha. I wouldn't assume everything from asia is safe as that's almost certainly not true, and gerbils are from Mongolia not India and those two are quite far away from each other. I would see what others think on that one!
I wouldn't just put normal moss in, but reptile moss is okay most of the time (in the reptile section of pet shops). I've seen people use soil before, buy again I'm not sure what kind so someone else would have to help out on that one!

[Markpd]

Hmm, not sure on Almond leaves, I know Almond nuts are ok in moderation. I don't know if different variates make a difference though.

Perhaps you can find it at the archived site for eGerbil? Or maybe something about the leaves at gerbilwelfare?

As for using soil, I've never done it myself but have read about it quite often, if you're talking about having the whole cage filled with soil that's very problematic. Keeping the soil moisture level just right so it's not so dry it turns very dusty, or too wet where it can cause health problems for the gerbils is apparently very tricky. On top of that, the soil can stain their fur and make it look somewhat unkempt from what I gather.

Also soil isn't typically in their natural environment anyway, it's more sandy. You could try using a sand substrate, but again if you're looking at filling a cage with that you are going to struggle with getting the moisture right.

If it's just for a shallow play sand pen or sectioned off part of the cage, then you can just leave the sand dry and that's fine

[LilyandDaisy]

I looked on Wikipedia and found that the leaves contain tannins which are generally considered to be best avoided. They also contain saponins which Wikipedia says may be toxic. It says the leaves are used medicinally and anything that has a significant effect of the workings of the body is potentially dangerous (since most drugs are also poisons in the right quantity).

Personally I would avoid the almond leaves and stick with hazel, apple, pear, strawberry, raspberry leaves which are all considered safe.