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Post by gerbilicious on Sept 6, 2004 6:46:38 GMT -8
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Post by blackie on Sept 6, 2004 9:19:55 GMT -8
Well I just take them out and let them run free on the floor in a bedroom, first I clear away anything that could be dangerous for them. You can even let them run on your bed, if your not allergic. Just put an old sheet on the bed and remove your blankets. That works fine for gerbils that are a bit shy/untame and you can put a blanket on the bed for them to hide under. One time a gerbil escaped from the bedroom and ran into the kitchen. She was running around until she was exhausted. I was so scared I was going to step on her. that would be a nightmare. Those balls must be a hazard, I can imagine the gerbils rolling down the stairs in them  . |
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Post by gerbilicious on Sept 6, 2004 9:32:43 GMT -8
I don't think letting them run free on my bed is such a good idea; they can easily fall off or run down under it.
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on Sept 6, 2004 9:50:53 GMT -8
Sometimes I use my bathtub. Most of my gerbils have enjoyed it, but I have a couple who freak out, maybe from all that white. You can try laying a colored towel in the tub, but you'll have to stay to watch them, since they might try to chew the towel and fibers aren't good for gerbils. You could also use your whole bathroom, if it can be made gerbil-proof--no hidey holes, electrical cords, too-big gap under the door, etc. Every gerbil I have ever had loved/loves bathroom playtime and it's really excellent for bonding with them. Another idea is a playground. A large plastic storage container with a lid, some metal hardware cloth for ventilation, a bag of corncob, and a few toys are all you need. One of my playgrounds ![]() tidytuftgerbils.smugmug.com/photos/8193795-S.jpg[/img] Lid ![]() tidytuftgerbils.smugmug.com/photos/8193797-S.jpg[/img] Another version ![]() tidytuftgerbils.smugmug.com/photos/8193798-S.jpg[/img] Lid  |
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Post by gerbilicious on Sept 6, 2004 10:12:43 GMT -8
The playgrounds sound good, but I don't think I could make a lid--I'd just have to watch them to make sure they don't escape.  |
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Post by RyanF on Sept 6, 2004 10:15:47 GMT -8
RW, how did you cut the box top out? I had to use a Dremel saw thing to cut a hole in mine!  |
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on Sept 6, 2004 12:26:28 GMT -8
The lids aren't too hard to modify. Just cut out the center and use metal hardware cloth that you can get at any hardware store to cover the opening. Mine are riveted on, but you can use duct tape to secure the mesh to the lid.
RW
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on Sept 6, 2004 12:30:01 GMT -8
I didn't cut it, my husband did, as usual. He cut a hole in the center of the lid with a utility knife, then used a pair of tin snips to cut out the opening. RW
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Post by j on Sept 6, 2004 14:46:40 GMT -8
I don't like those little fence playpin things. They're too small, and if a gerbil wanted to .. it could most likely climb it or jump over it. If you wanted to buy a few of them and connect them it wouldn't be so bad..you'd just have to keep an eye on them.
I let mine run free in my bedroom for a couple of hours. ;D
By the way.. if your gerbils are prone to seizures/freezing.. the ball didn't cause it, the stimulation did. So, it could happen even if you put her in a playpen type thing. Was that the first time you put her in the ball?
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Post by gerbilicious on Sept 6, 2004 16:06:04 GMT -8
No, he's been in it at least 10 times before. Maybe more. The vet said it was probably trauma, but it seems strange after he'd been in it so many times before...  |
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Post by RyanF on Sept 6, 2004 16:08:21 GMT -8
Yes, I let mine run in the extra bedroom. ;D
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Post by sweetie on Sept 6, 2004 16:50:58 GMT -8
Hey Gerbilicious,
I have gerbil proofed my living room and let them run free in there. They usually run into the bathroom and all around the floor. I also use the roll around balls. I have been using them for about 3 months and the gerbs love them. I do think the tub is a great cost effective way for excercise or you could use the playpen. I put 2 of them together to give them room and put a sheet under it then roll it up and shake it out when I am done. The bathtub is a great way for excercise but may also be stress full since the bottom is not good for traction.
Good luck!! Keep us posted.
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Post by gerbilicious on Sept 6, 2004 17:34:04 GMT -8
Thanks sweetie, I'll try the tub.  |
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Post by blackie on Sept 7, 2004 9:38:35 GMT -8
Well it was only a suggestion, some people think it's unhygienic to have animals in their bed too. My gerbils are used to it and they easily jump off the bed with out getting hurt...sometimes I put blankets on the floor. It's not a very high bed. I just felt I had more control of them if they were on the bed, than on the floor, where I could easily step on them. Now they are more tame so they like to run on the floor. |
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Post by blackie on Sept 7, 2004 9:41:35 GMT -8
Actually I think the bathroom is not a good place to exercise gerbils because of all the chemicals from soap and stuff that could be on the floor. What if they fall into the toilet ? ;D
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