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Post by londongerbils on Apr 17, 2021 11:50:51 GMT -8
Back in February, there was a great post about a gerbil garden idea.
ive decided to make a ‘dry’ gerbil garden, since I’d worry my greedy girls would eat too much fresh greens and end up with diarrhoea. I’m using reptile soil, sand, dry grasses and herbs, etc, logs/branches and flower pot hides.
I have a big cardboard box I could use for it that I had my desk delivered in, but it seems to have a slightly chemically smell, possibly from the treated wood. Would this be ok to use since I’d cut the lid off and it would be ventilated, or do you think it’s too risky to use? Any thoughts would be so helpful!
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Post by londongerbils on Apr 18, 2021 10:57:44 GMT -8
Ooh I have a good idea, could I line it with brown parcel paper so none of the gerbils or substrate come into contact with the box?
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Post by Scott on Apr 18, 2021 14:57:30 GMT -8
Is the box corrugated cardboard? That uses glue to keep the layers together, which might be what you're smelling. If you can smell it your gerbils certainly can. Paper might prevent them from coming in contact with it but it won't protect them from breathing in the VOCs.
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Post by londongerbils on Apr 19, 2021 13:26:56 GMT -8
Thank you, I’ve bought some plastic storage boxes instead!
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Post by Scott on Apr 20, 2021 3:29:23 GMT -8
Check the sort of plastic it is. Look at the number within the triangle, often on the bottom: the recycling triangle numbers are universal, I'm fairly sure, and will give you an idea of the plastic's safety. I don't recall where I first got this list, but I use it as a reference for my own needs:
Type 1: Polyethylene Teraphthalate - Do Not Reuse
You commonly find Type 1 plastic in bottles for juices, salad dressing, water, vegetable oil and mouthwash. Peanut butter and pickle jars often contain type 1 plastic as well. Polyethylene teraphthalate is light-weight, clear and smooth; its manufacturers intend it for a single use only.
While it does not contain bisphenol A or phthalates, it does contain antimony, a possible human carcinogen. Also, harmful bacteria can build up in it as you reuse it. Polyethylene teraphthalate containers may have the symbol "PET" on them.
Type 2: High-Density Polyethylene - Safe
Milk containers, detergent bottles, freezer bags and plastic grocery bags often contain high-density polyethylene, a relatively stiff plastic. Type 2 plastic neither contains bisphenol A nor phthalates. It is not known to contain other harmful chemicals. High-density polyethylene containers may have the symbol "HDPE" on them.
Type 3: Polyvinyl Chloride - Contains Phthalates
Polyvinyl chloride contains phthalates that can cause reproductive problems in animals and humans. Type 3 plastic can be plasticized or unplasticized; the former is clear and flexible, the latter is more rigid. Food containers commonly made with polyvinyl chloride include fruit juice bottles, cooking oil bottles and clear food packaging. Plasticized PVC pipes and siding contain phthalates as well. Polyvinyl chloride containers may have the symbol "V" on them.
Type 4: Low-Density Polyethylene - Safe
Frozen foods packaging and condiment squeeze bottles often contain Type 4 plastic because it is flexible and resistant to solvents. Type 4 plastic does not contain any known harmful chemicals. Low-density polyethylene containers may have the symbol "LDPE" on them.
Type 5: Polypropylene - Safe
Polypropylene containers do not leach harmful chemicals into foods or liquids. They commonly contain yogurt, drinks, ketchup and medicines. Type 5 plastic is flexible, hard and semi-transparent and has high resistance to solvents. Polypropylene containers may have the symbol "PP" on them.
Type 7: Polycarbonate
You should avoid type 7 plastic containers because they may contain bisphenol A that leaches into their contents. Type 7 plastics often have the symbol "PC" or "Other" on them. You will find polycarbonate plastics in 3- and 5-gallon water-cooler bottles; hard, plastic reusable water bottles; and to-go coffee mugs. Manufacturers use polycarbonate for these purposes because it is virtually shatter-proof.
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Post by londongerbils on Apr 20, 2021 13:45:41 GMT -8
This is so helpful! Thank you!
ive looked at my boxes and they’re marked PP for polypropylene so it’s safe!
My gerbils love their new ‘dry garden!’
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Post by betty on Apr 20, 2021 13:59:45 GMT -8
Scary about the Type 1 - as I am sure people reuse water bottles all the time?
If they were safe to drink out of once - why wouldn't you just fill them up again. That one is quite a scary thought.
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Post by Scott on Apr 20, 2021 14:13:44 GMT -8
Looking up the issue (type 1), it's a matter of the plastic's condition:
"Studies also indicate that the containers may leach DEHP—another probable human carcinogen—when they are structurally compromised and in less than perfect condition." Another source said: "It is intended for single use applications; repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. PET plastic is difficult to decontaminate, and proper cleaning requires harmful chemicals. Polyethylene terephthalates may leach carcinogens."
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Post by betty on Apr 20, 2021 14:53:04 GMT -8
That makes it sound even MORE scary!!!
From now on I am checking my plastic number REAL CLOSE...
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Post by Markpd on Apr 22, 2021 10:40:59 GMT -8
Hmm, I'd better check the plastic water bottle I've been reusing at work for many months!  |
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Post by yeti218 on May 3, 2021 8:26:03 GMT -8
londongerbils Any photos of the garden? I had grown one in a plastic box but my rodents weren’t very interested in it to be honest. I gave them a few opportunities to play in it, and they had a small munch, did a little walk through and immediately abandoned it each time. I haven’t abandoned it thought. Despite all 3 guys telling me repeatedly that they’re not interested, I still think it’d be great enrichment and want to try another one, with some modifications that may make it more appealing. So I’d be interested to get some ideas from yours.
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Post by Markpd on May 4, 2021 12:01:05 GMT -8
I bet they'd be more interested in it when all the grasses die and seed...
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Post by londongerbils on May 9, 2021 11:39:56 GMT -8
londongerbils Any photos of the garden? I had grown one in a plastic box but my rodents weren’t very interested in it to be honest. I gave them a few opportunities to play in it, and they had a small munch, did a little walk through and immediately abandoned it each time. I haven’t abandoned it thought. Despite all 3 guys telling me repeatedly that they’re not interested, I still think it’d be great enrichment and want to try another one, with some modifications that may make it more appealing. So I’d be interested to get some ideas from yours. I’d love to post a photo but I’m not sure how. Do I have to have an Imgur or Photobucket account? |
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Post by Markpd on May 9, 2021 13:35:36 GMT -8
If you want to show the photo here directly, yes, but if you just want to post a link to it, no. So if you only have Google photos and don't want to setup another account elsewhere, just post the Google photo link here (but don't copy the link from the address bar, click the share icon, only the latter will be visible to everyone).
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), late 70s