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Old 07-15-2015, 07:06 AM   #11
racinghamster
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

Oh, they do like their cardboard to chew! I wouldn`t use a hamster ball for a gerbil to be honest as gerbils tend to `hop` rather than run. I never gave mine a wheel either. Gerbils are diggers, burrowers, chewers and attention seekers! You could just use a Bin storage box during cleaning times. Even a deep enough under bed storage box might be tall enough as long as she`s in a secure room without the cat. x
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Old 07-15-2015, 08:21 AM   #12
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

The ball was really just something to keep her safe in. Though the ones we kept as kids did enjoy ball time. I removed her wheel about a week ago, she just kept burying it with her digging and was taking up valuable box chewing space.

Finally got her to sit still enough for some non blurry pictures.

2015-07-15 16.08.52.jpg

2015-07-15 16.09.21.jpg

2015-07-15 16.11.23.jpg
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Old 07-15-2015, 09:03 AM   #13
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

She`s gorgeous. How are you finding her as a pet? Quite different from hamsters really as they tend to be more up and down during the day, while hamsters tend to like their sleep. At least mine does!

One wee word of warning as gerbils will chew bars if they get a chance, so keep her away from barred things as their teeth can get pulled. It`s great that she`s in a Viv. x
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Old 07-15-2015, 09:30 AM   #14
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

She's lovely
I imagine taking photos of gerbils might be even harder than hamsters so well done!
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Old 07-15-2015, 09:52 AM   #15
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

There are no bars, the top of the viv is a very fine mesh so she cant even chew it. She is still shy but getting braver. She is awake for small infrequent times, Which is fine. she seems quite happy, PaH had her in a tiny tank without any digging. now she has a big 3ft-er with a worryingly extensive burrow.

Dotty is a bit of a popper and locker so if i catch her in her still moments she takes a nice photo. lol. Dali was a persistant mover, never sitting still for a second so very few photos of her.
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Old 07-15-2015, 10:04 AM   #16
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

Dotty is lovely! Once you get used to her and the both of you are good and comfortable with each other, you are going to find out just how personable gerbils can be. They do get attached to you and it's great to see them pop up whenever they hear you. Be extra careful with a play area. Gerbils can leap a whole lot higher than a hamster can. As for diet, Dotty will do just fine on a regular gerbil mix at the pet store. Even without treats that should be fine. Over time she may decide to check out fresh foods. Try walnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds. I look forward to more of this little furry.
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Old 07-15-2015, 06:48 PM   #17
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

Awe Dotty's a beauty.
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Old 07-16-2015, 10:01 AM   #18
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

Hi, I love your Dotty! She is really lovely!
I used to have a gerbil years ago too! I didn't know much about their care though ( it was over twenty years ago) and I didn't know that they are very social and that they really need a friend. It is best to keep them in pairs!

You could consider in the future to give her a girl friend. It is possible to bond gerbils on neutral territory first, so you would have to scrub up your cage first and all its accessories.

Also gerbils are not like hamsters and introductions of two are much easier. Two unrelated gerbils can be bonded with much younger gerbil e.g. baby one.

She has you now for now though, and that is good anyway!

Last edited by katmick; 07-16-2015 at 01:30 PM.
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Old 07-16-2015, 01:41 PM   #19
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

I dont think I will be getting Dotty a friend. The reason she was in the adoption centre at PaH was because she was viciously bullied. The girl said she'd come into work one morning to find her almost dead from being beaten and bitten by her siblings. That's why she is almost 6 months old before being rehomed, they had to get her well again before she could be adopted. I wouldn't wish to put her through such stress again. She gets well handled and almost whenever I am in my room she is out, she likes to sit on my shoulder and play in my hair. Even some normally communal animals prefer to be alone.
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Old 07-16-2015, 01:49 PM   #20
katmick
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Default Re: Dotty the Gerbil

Aww... I didn't know that! Sorry to hear that...

As I said,I too had a lone gerbil he was my best friend and he used to free roam in my bedroom for hours and getting back into his cage by himself. He also used to sit on my shoulder. He was amazing!

Dotty is very lucky to have you !
Looking forward to her adventures ! x

Last edited by katmick; 07-16-2015 at 02:01 PM.
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