Would this ladder toy work for gerbils?

[ConnieW]

I am looking for something to put in my gerbils cage to allow them to climb up it to the topper. I tried a more solid wire bendable bridge and it worked, but
it was hard to connect to the topper and it made noise wobbling when they climbed on it. So I am exploring other options. Any ideas are welcome too.

Here is the link on Amazon for the ladder I am considering

www.amazon.com/Natural-Climbing-Accessories-Cockatiel-25-98x3-14/dp/B0B87DX4VB/ref=sr_1_20_sspa?crid=A06L0SHZMIK6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i39d0AuzCWtSlaP9KJY1DRTm-jUA3Rb6jUs4Gco2GwfQJ6iGrwzVhmxt-MWr5NJIVYia3EIpcWlCHbyOrGKRXQVtagscwOT-SkNSqgn1MFsPXlpknmp9GGHwcacguf1-a1IZrSp6--IgKwoVwrkDCE34zvosLR9x89EIappwWkwux5OLqXoO9gLMZkGd3JM3uSe247JUQfIzPhp6ZjkuhZT4m_9lcRGPF9_kFgI13G3Qr_KipYg85iMUwgbhGNk__QQWrDxYtTmIhQVaS957s5JoUPKfAP__2uBsEVqkZBc.mMZRs1lRg1gwl20Ixf5vIACR6bTocYDDUGz7UzzuASc&dib_tag=se&keywords=small+animal+wooden+ladder+16+inches&qid=1717881171&sprefix=small+animal+wooden+ladder+16+inches%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-20-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

[betty]

Sorry this one was missed - and these types of bridges are often very difficult for gerbils to use because the wooden 'rungs' spin on the spot and so offer no easy foothold (seeing as gerbils don't have grippy feet).

I have seen gerbils using them and getting up onto ledges, but it never looks easy - and of course coming down can be even less steady for them and they often prefer to just leap off.

Perhaps you could consider looking at smaller ledges - like chinchilla/degu set ups. Either they can attach to bars (although thinner bars need lighter ledges) or they come on a stand and have 3 different heights more like a flight of stairs. These will give a better flatter surface for the gerbils teeny feets and won't rattle when used.

[ConnieW]

Jul 8, 2024 3:41:34 GMT -8 betty said:

Sorry this one was missed - and these types of bridges are often very difficult for gerbils to use because the wooden 'rungs' spin on the spot and so offer no easy foothold (seeing as gerbils don't have grippy feet).

I have seen gerbils using them and getting up onto ledges, but it never looks easy - and of course coming down can be even less steady for them and they often prefer to just leap off.

Perhaps you could consider looking at smaller ledges - like chinchilla/degu set ups. Either they can attach to bars (although thinner bars need lighter ledges) or they come on a stand and have 3 different heights more like a flight of stairs. These will give a better flatter surface for the gerbils teeny feets and won't rattle when used.

Thanks Betty, this is great information. I ended up using a solid wooden bridge that bends with no gaps between dowels that make up the bridge. I connected it differently and it doesn't wobble anymore.

[betty]

Excellent.

Solid is always best for gerbils - so great choice.