Post by mygerbilprince on Oct 11, 2023 19:47:22 GMT -8
So of course this is all in my humble opinion by researching all aspects of gerbils lives. I'm not the most experienced here, so I'd love to hear other people's thoughts on what I consider to be the standard of care that should be provided for gerbils. Do you think this is accurate/up to date? Should we update the care guide on this forum? It was made in 2006, so if it hasn't been reviewed we should consider doing that...
Wheels...
- should be made of a solid material (no bars or mesh) to prevent feet from getting cut or stuck
- should not have a middle axel or other things that could harm a gerbil's tail
- should be at least 10 inches to prevent gerbils from hurting their back (11+ is preferrred)
- hamster balls and anything like the sort are a big no no! they don't allow the gerbils to have control of where they go, they can get their feet stuck, and there is limited ventilation
Sources:
Victoria Raechel (hamster youtuber)
- hamster balls
- wheels (watch from 3:20 to 4:27)
Gerbil Welfare (take this one with a grain of salt, I don't agree with all of this)
Suggestions:
Silent Runner
Niteangel
Water...
- can be bowl or bottle
- bowls and some types of "waterers" can pose drowning risk, especially for older gerbils
Suggestions:
Lixit Water Bottle
Any ceramic bowl
Food...
- many find it difficult to meet gerbil's dietary needs through premade mixes
- many opt for homemade mixes
- from what I know, should be about 7.4% fat, 14.9% fiber, and 12.9% protein (these numbers do not apply to baby gerbils)
Sources:
This forum
Bedding...
- pine and cedar are unsafe due to natural insecticides found in the wood
- popular options are aspen, paper, and hemp
- avoid dust when possible
- hay is not required for gerbil burrow stability, but can help with stability
- chinchilla sand in a bowl is good for gerbils to bathe in to keep their fur clean and shiny
- different substrates spread throughout the enclosure can be a good way to add extra enrichment
Sources:
Pine & Cedar
- Study Summary
- Study
- How study findings connect to pet rats
Victoria Raechel (hamster youtuber)
- bedding
Suggestions:
Kaytee Clean & Cozy
Small Pet Select
.
Chews/hideouts...
- edible logs and things like them are unsafe due to the pine wood used in them (see above)
Suggestions:
Niteangel Chamber Houses/Hideouts
Alright! That's all for now! I've really made this as a resource and as a place people can add their thoughts on general care. Your opinion would be very much appreciated!
Wheels...
- should be made of a solid material (no bars or mesh) to prevent feet from getting cut or stuck
- should not have a middle axel or other things that could harm a gerbil's tail
- should be at least 10 inches to prevent gerbils from hurting their back (11+ is preferrred)
- hamster balls and anything like the sort are a big no no! they don't allow the gerbils to have control of where they go, they can get their feet stuck, and there is limited ventilation
Sources:
Victoria Raechel (hamster youtuber)
- hamster balls
- wheels (watch from 3:20 to 4:27)
Gerbil Welfare (take this one with a grain of salt, I don't agree with all of this)
Suggestions:
Silent Runner
Niteangel
Water...
- can be bowl or bottle
- bowls and some types of "waterers" can pose drowning risk, especially for older gerbils
Suggestions:
Lixit Water Bottle
Any ceramic bowl
Food...
- many find it difficult to meet gerbil's dietary needs through premade mixes
- many opt for homemade mixes
- from what I know, should be about 7.4% fat, 14.9% fiber, and 12.9% protein (these numbers do not apply to baby gerbils)
Sources:
This forum
Bedding...
- pine and cedar are unsafe due to natural insecticides found in the wood
- popular options are aspen, paper, and hemp
- avoid dust when possible
- hay is not required for gerbil burrow stability, but can help with stability
- chinchilla sand in a bowl is good for gerbils to bathe in to keep their fur clean and shiny
- different substrates spread throughout the enclosure can be a good way to add extra enrichment
Sources:
Pine & Cedar
- Study Summary
- Study
- How study findings connect to pet rats
Victoria Raechel (hamster youtuber)
- bedding
Suggestions:
Kaytee Clean & Cozy
Small Pet Select
.
Chews/hideouts...
- edible logs and things like them are unsafe due to the pine wood used in them (see above)
Suggestions:
Niteangel Chamber Houses/Hideouts
Alright! That's all for now! I've really made this as a resource and as a place people can add their thoughts on general care. Your opinion would be very much appreciated!