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Post by richg on Sept 9, 2023 12:24:44 GMT -8
Hi. We are about to get a couple of gerbils for our daughter. She's done a lot of research, but we're confused about what to fill their burrowing section and sleeping area with. I have built the inside of the tank and have some carefresh small pet bedding and some shredded paper from work. I think I can used these and mix them in with hay, but am not sure if I should be using meadow hay, Timothy hay, straw or what. Could use some advice if possible....
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Post by gingerandbasilgerbil on Sept 9, 2023 16:34:26 GMT -8
Hey, that's really nice gerbils are great pets. Care fresh is a very good type of bedding to use. I use carefresh on it's own, but if you were to mix it with anything I would say mix it with Timothy hay. I have some really bad experience with alfalfa hay so make sure not to get that. I would suggest to mix bedding with hay because it does hold burrows a little better, but I think you already knew that. Good luck with gerbil ownership I hope your daughters will love them.If you ever need help all of us on the forum are here to help.
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Post by TJ's Rodent Ranch on Sept 9, 2023 16:40:26 GMT -8
Hi there! Congrats on the gerbils (or soon to be gerbils). For mine I mainly use kiln-dried pine shavings, and add a few handfuls of soft bedding (usually torn up toilet paper works well, or you can buy basically the same thing at a pet store). I don't use hay as bedding, since if they're in it 24/7 with it being a main part of the bedding, it can make them itchy. However, they do really love hay for eating. (It also keeps their digestion healthy!) All you need is a handful or two, which you can't stuff in a toy, or a little part of the tank, mainly just somewhere rather isolated, (I prefer a tank corner next to the food bowl). I hope this answered your question! Good luck with the gerbs  |
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Post by mygerbilprince on Sept 9, 2023 17:11:41 GMT -8
Hey! Glad to hear about your gerbils! I personally wouldn't use shredded paper because of the dye and how it can be a bit pointy (paper cuts). Even if the paper is plain white, it still has purple dye in it to make it appear more white. I'm sure some other people have used paper just fine, but I wouldn't personally. It's up to you! Also, Tunnely mentioned they use pine shavings, which is generally not recommended for small animals. I'm sure you know that pine has a very distinct and strong aroma to it, which can be overwhelming to gerbils. Also, pine is frowned upon because trees like pine and cedar have natural insecticide that can be hurtful to gerbil's lungs and noses. My main evidence for this is this study done in humans. Study (I have not read the entire study, but I've read the conclusion and skimmed the rest, still an interesting thing to consider) I'm sure if it affects humans like this, it can only be worse for small rodents. Tunnely did mention that they use kiln-dried shavings, which I'm not sure are any safer. Absolutely no hate to Tunnely, just sharing the things I've seen and heard! I use hay as a decorative component of my gerbil's enclosures in order to make it look more natural. I usually just sprinkle some on top because I think it looks nice. I don't think hay is necessary, since gerbils are very skilled burrowers and are pretty capable of holding up their own burrows. |
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Post by TJ's Rodent Ranch on Sept 9, 2023 21:58:34 GMT -8
I use Timothy hay as well, I should have specified the brand. Definitely a good hay in my experience. Hmm, interesting point, mygerbilprince. I didn't know that! My gerbils seem to like it, but there's probably a lot we can't pick up in their small behaviors. I hope they haven't been distressed. I'll have to re-inspect my usage of pine shavings! Thank you for letting me know. Don't worry, absolutely no hate received we're all learning. Anyways, yes good luck with the gerbs! |
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Post by mygerbilprince on Sept 10, 2023 9:17:12 GMT -8
Glad to help! Good luck to both of you!
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Post by Markpd on Sept 17, 2023 4:32:38 GMT -8
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