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Post by RyanF on Nov 13, 2004 13:36:21 GMT -8
Hi guys, only here for a second, but my mom bought a bunch of polyester, non-allergenic stuffing and I wanted to know if it is ok to use it as fluf for sleeping?? My room gets colder than usual in the winter and fluf from petstores is too much money. Is it ok??
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Nov 13, 2004 14:08:21 GMT -8
NO no fibres for gerbils they get tangled in it and lose limbs paper is all
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Post by RyanF on Nov 13, 2004 14:58:03 GMT -8
That is rediculous! Nothing can get tangled in this stuff. I was asking since I hear that cotton is bad for them.
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Post by queenofthenile on Nov 13, 2004 19:03:42 GMT -8
I agree with doom, don't use that stuff. If the gerbils ingest the fibres, it can cause intestinal blockages.
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Post by paws on Nov 13, 2004 22:13:02 GMT -8
WHat about putting a giant wad of toilet paper? Mine LOVE that! Or maybe even feathers (don't do the feathers until it is confirmed OK for the gerbs... and with your Mom! )
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Post by andrea on Nov 13, 2004 23:37:07 GMT -8
I agree with Paws just use cheap toilet roll, its much cheaper than the fluff the pet shop sell and the gerbils love shredding it. Just try to avoid coloured toilet roll or any with fancy balms like aloe vera and stuff..
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Nov 14, 2004 2:34:12 GMT -8
I have no idea on feathers tbh BUT would assume theirs a risk they could carry disease unless thoroughly cleaned. Cheap white toilet or kitchen paper is the best whole sheets they can chew up into soft bedding long runs of it poking into the cage so they can pull the rest in themselves. Gerbils love tissue.
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Post by RyanF on Nov 14, 2004 4:40:48 GMT -8
I have already tried every paper thing under the sun, and my gerbil Burkie has a nose problem. She can't have paper, tissue, kleenex, or any of that. But she needs to stay warm. Can't I use cotton?
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Nov 14, 2004 4:48:07 GMT -8
it wont be the paper and no you cant use cotton
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Post by queenofthenile on Nov 14, 2004 6:02:08 GMT -8
How did you determine it was to paper, RyanF? Did you remove all shavings and toys to make sure it wasn't that stuff? She could possibly be allergic to her own urine, which would mean you would have to clean the cage constantly.
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Post by RyanF on Nov 14, 2004 9:14:49 GMT -8
I am trying to experiment. And, if cotton is bad for them, why is the fluff you buy in the store 100% COTTON, just not treated and cleaned???
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Nov 14, 2004 9:30:33 GMT -8
none of the commercial bedding is suitable for gerbils The cloth strips, cotton fluff etc are all fibre based
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Post by sandy on Nov 14, 2004 14:05:54 GMT -8
Paper based tissue and kitty litter is the way to go if your gerbil is allergic. Watch out for wood toys, wood shavings, dusty food even. If she is in a room in which there is wood shavings she could be still affected.
I've seen vets recommend paper towelling if a gerbil is allergic to stuff and gets a sore nose. The other thing is her sore nose could be caused by the bacteria present on your hands!!! Make sure you wash your hands EVERY TIME before you handle her and see if it goes away. Also use an antibacterial ointment such as Baciguent and it should clear up. I apply it with a q-tip.
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Post by RyanF on Nov 14, 2004 14:45:21 GMT -8
This nose problem has been going on for weeks, and I have visited the vet once, but it seems they know nothing because they say she is getting problems from her own waste. That can't be the problem. I am convinced she can't be allergic to everything under the sun. She must have an infection!
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Post by RyanF on Nov 14, 2004 14:52:51 GMT -8
I don't think I can take her to the vet AGAIN for $70! The vets charge too much and don't know a thing anyway..
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