Going on a trip...

[wonderz]

Hey hey!

I'm going on a trip in July for about 5 days and am leaving a family member to take care of my gerbils while I'm gone. I know he'll be able to give them food, water, etc. The only thing is...my one gerbil, Dale, he pees on the wheel and I will go in and clean it every night. I know my family member will not clean it when I'm gone, so would it be okay if I just took it out? Dale loves his wheel and I mean LOVES his wheel and I don't want to stress him out too much or have him be bored...what should I do?

[LilyandDaisy]

It should be ok if the wheel doesn't get cleaned for 5 days. It probably won't get that dirty. You could try putting the wheel in a tray of sand as he might choose to pee in that instead.

[wonderz]

He usually gets it really messy...I already have a tray of sand right next to the wheel that I'm pretty sure he uses, but he still ends up peeing all over the wheel as wheel. The only concern I have is him getting an infection on his skin. Especially if he was constantly running and grooming himself right after.

[g]

I’d just take it out when you’re gone. He’ll be fine. Just add a lot of new chew toys before you leave, and have your family member add a new one every other day.

If it worries you, do this now as a trial run while you’re home to see how he reacts. They’re pretty adaptable.

[Markpd]

Hmm, I've found that when I've removed my gerbil's wheel they tend to show a lot more repetitive behaviour (I've forgotten the proper name), although I've only ever removed it for short periods.

wonderz
Gerbils like peeing on smooth surfaces, how about placing a wall tile near his wheel and seeing if he pees on that instead?
Also, I found that when I lined my boys wheels with cork lining (for grip) that largely stopped them peeing on it (an unexpected bonus!).

[betty]

Yes, I have found that a smooth surface that is slightly or considerably raised above the substrate is a prime pee spot.

Changing its texture or substituting something unsuitable with something more 'attractive' is always a good plan for improving enclosure maintenance (ie easier cleaning out - and less full cleans required).

[wonderz]

Sorry for the late response!

G, I'll have to test that out...and I might have to research and come up with creative ideas to keep him busy!

Mark, I have taken the wheel out before and have definitely seen Dale act up over it...I have a niteangel wheel so I'll have to order the cork liners off amazon. Hoping that'll work! I'll also look into the tile

Betty, I'm also glad to hear that using a more attractive surface, such as cork, makes it easier for cleaning because I am currently having to clean his wheel off daily

Thanks you all for giving me ideas! I really appreciate it

[Markpd]

Betty, I'm also glad to hear that using a more attractive surface, such as cork, makes it easier for cleaning because I am currently having to clean his wheel off daily

I know that wasn't for me (but just in case you're just about to buy stuff, I thought I'd answer quickly), but I think you mis-understood something, betty didn't say it was more attractive/suitable surface for cleaning, she said it's more unsuitable for gerbils (to pee on), so they will more likely pee somewhere else (like a tile) which is easier to clean .
To be on the safe side you'll want to seal the cork lining with Platicote (brush on), just in case they do still pee on it occasionally, otherwise it definitely won't be easier to clean!

Oh btw, a good source of cork lining is model railway underlay.

[wonderz]

Oh no I knew what she meant haha. I just didn't word my response right lol! Of course he will find other places to pee like his sand tray next to the wheel which is easier to clean (going to try and replace with tile), although I have a feeling he'll still pee on his wheel occasionally like you said. I'll put on some platicote though and make sure it still stays clean!

Thanks again

[Markpd]

Ah ok, cool