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Post by gingerandbasilgerbil on Aug 20, 2023 17:28:25 GMT -8
Hi, I am upgrading my gerbils from a 50 gallon bin cage originally bought for a hamster that I had a long time ago into a 75 gallon aquarium.I have heard that that any bigger sized cage could cause declanning if not introduced in a certain way. I have heard little explained ways to upgrade without declanning and I can not find any information on how.I have heard people say to block of part of the cage until they get used to the bigger space and little by little add more. I have also heard only fill the cage up partly with bedding and moniter.I hope this is not confusing. If anyone has done a dramatic upgrade or knows any information on how to upgrade that would be awesome. 😁❤️
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Post by TJ's Rodent Ranch on Aug 20, 2023 18:26:38 GMT -8
Hi there, Wow that's quite an upgrade! I personally have never had to face this, or have had problems with declanning when upgrading, however, I would probably do as the first suggestion says, and section off half the tank when doing such a dramatic upgrade. I would keep low bedding in it, and minimal houses or toys so that they can fully get used to the bigger enclosure just with each other. This will probably help them to keep from creating boundaries or territories or becoming territorial over toys. Once they seem perfectly happy with their situation start expanding the tank until it's the proper size. I would probably start with the same size they've been working with. Roughly 50 gallons. Then, gradually start giving them more room. Maybe even a week in between moving the barrier just a little bit. I know it might seem like a long time, but it might be large enough of a time gap that they won't notice much. When it comes to declanns, I really do believe the more cautious and safer the better, since once it happens it often can't be reversed. This method might be wrong, I would probably hold off on the enclosure upgrade before someone more experienced in this matter can confirm or deny this. I hope they like the new tank, and wow! 75 gallons, that's quite an upgrade!  |
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Post by gingerandbasilgerbil on Aug 21, 2023 3:44:39 GMT -8
Hi there, Wow that's quite an upgrade! I personally have never had to face this, or have had problems with declanning when upgrading, however, I would probably do as the first suggestion says, and section off half the tank when doing such a dramatic upgrade. I would keep low bedding in it, and minimal houses or toys so that they can fully get used to the bigger enclosure just with each other. This will probably help them to keep from creating boundaries or territories or becoming territorial over toys. Once they seem perfectly happy with their situation start expanding the tank until it's the proper size. I would probably start with the same size they've been working with. Roughly 50 gallons. Then, gradually start giving them more room. Maybe even a week in between moving the barrier just a little bit. I know it might seem like a long time, but it might be large enough of a time gap that they won't notice much. When it comes to declanns, I really do believe the more cautious and safer the better, since once it happens it often can't be reversed. This method might be wrong, I would probably hold off on the enclosure upgrade before someone more experienced in this matter can confirm or deny this. I hope they like the new tank, and wow! 75 gallons, that's quite an upgrade! Would you suggest any easy ways to secation it off. (Examples I own, bendy bridges or some kind of cardboard) I was thinking maybe I could split the cage into burrowing and non-borrowing space and 50 gallons will be the burrowing space and I expand burrows by day. Do you think this Idea can work? |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Aug 21, 2023 9:06:07 GMT -8
How big is the 50 gallon bin (in terms of dimensions), compared to the 75 gallon tank?
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Post by gingerandbasilgerbil on Aug 22, 2023 4:07:32 GMT -8
How big is the 50 gallon bin (in terms of dimensions), compared to the 75 gallon tank? I can take exact measurements in a little while but I am kinda busy. So I found both online. The bin 39.75 by 21.5 inches.The aquarium 48.5 inches by 18.5 inches (if you need me to convert to centimeters just tell me and I will try) |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Aug 22, 2023 4:16:59 GMT -8
Since the difference in dimensions is fairly small, I wouldn't bother dividing it down personally. I would move over as much of the old bedding as possible (only discarding any that is obviously dirty) and all the old toys, and wait a week or two before adding anything new. They'll probably be fine.
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Post by gingerandbasilgerbil on Aug 22, 2023 11:41:50 GMT -8
Since the difference in dimensions is fairly small, I wouldn't bother dividing it down personally. I would move over as much of the old bedding as possible (only discarding any that is obviously dirty) and all the old toys, and wait a week or two before adding anything new. They'll probably be fine. That's good since in person it looks literally half as big as the aquarium. I will take measurements when I get home to make sure the measurements is accurate. Thank you for helping out. I did not add this, but the aquarium is much,much taller then bin and will offer more bedding so I still think they will be happier with it. Update ones I get home for accurate cage size. Thank you so much for helping I will use this when upgrading |
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