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Old 12-12-2019, 05:12 PM   #11
sushi_78
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Default Re: My gerbils

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Originally Posted by Vierville View Post
Gerbils are gorgeous little rodents...would love a few gerbils but sadly I don't have the space for a really nice big terrarium.
They are really sweet and friendly.

A 20 gallon long tank or equivalent is fine for a pair really but of course bigger is better and I prefer 30 gallons+. But gerbils are much more easily pleased than hamsters cagewise.
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Old 12-16-2019, 03:15 PM   #12
Dalis_mum
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Default Re: My gerbils

Hi Sushi

I am adopting a gerbil from my local blue cross where I volunteer. What's the general consensus on wheels these days? They tend to chew plastic and wooden ones but mesh ones have the risk of bumble foot or losing a toe. My adoptee is a single gentleman and I want to make sure he has all the enrichment he needs... I've not had a gerbil for a few years so I am trying to do research but cannot find a n answer to the wheel issue.
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Old 12-16-2019, 04:02 PM   #13
sushi_78
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Default Re: My gerbils

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Originally Posted by Dalis_mum View Post
Hi Sushi

I am adopting a gerbil from my local blue cross where I volunteer. What's the general consensus on wheels these days? They tend to chew plastic and wooden ones but mesh ones have the risk of bumble foot or losing a toe. My adoptee is a single gentleman and I want to make sure he has all the enrichment he needs... I've not had a gerbil for a few years so I am trying to do research but cannot find a n answer to the wheel issue.
Hi,

The general consensus seems to be that if you have a wheel at all, it should be 8+ inches and bigger is better as long as they can turn it. If you can fit a 12 inch wheel, that would be great.

While less plastic is always preferred in a gerbil cage, it can be difficult to find wheels and water bottles that aren't plastic, so most owners make exceptions for these items. If you do go for a plastic wheel I would recommend the Silent Spinner, because I think the curved edge of this one might make it a bit more difficult for gerbils to chew. Though gerbils are quite determined and if they think something needs destroying, they will find a way. I think with gerbils it is just best to assume that anything that isn't glass or ceramic will get chewed and will need replacing eventually, unfortunately.

Some people cover mesh wheels with duct tape to make it safe. Personally I would be worried about gerbils chewing this. Do avoid any wheel with an open back, as gerbils' tails can get caught between the rotating wheel and the stand, causing degloving.

I have never yet had a gerbil that has used a wheel. If this gerbil currently has a wheel and uses it, I would definitely provide one. If not, personally I wouldn't bother, especially if your tank doesn't have a topper where it could go. Wheels take up valuable space in a tank that could be used for digging.

How old is the gerbil you are adopting?
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Old 12-16-2019, 11:05 PM   #14
Dalis_mum
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Default Re: My gerbils

I certainly wouldn't be duct taping, that sounds terribly dangerous in so many ways. I am awaiting more info on his likes and dislikes and his age. Work commitments mean I can't collect him until Saturday after Xmas so I have time to prepare and update my gerbil knowledge. He will be moving into the Exo-Terra so he will be safe and secure. Thanks for your input sushi. I very much appreciate it.
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Old 12-17-2019, 07:58 AM   #15
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Default Re: My gerbils

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Originally Posted by sushi_78 View Post
That's interesting to know. I always assumed that hamsters being more solitary animals wouldn't be interested in human interaction, but it's good to know that some are.
While hamsters are solitary and many don't like the company of their own kind, it's not uncommon for a hamster to enjoy and love interacting and spending time with their owner. Niko will pace down the one side of his enclosure (closest to me) while I open the door and hops onto my hand and will often refuse to go back in his cage afterwards. That being said, my first ham, a Syrian, preferred to stay in his home.
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Old 01-06-2020, 12:46 PM   #16
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Default Re: My gerbils

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Originally Posted by Dalis_mum View Post
I certainly wouldn't be duct taping, that sounds terribly dangerous in so many ways. I am awaiting more info on his likes and dislikes and his age. Work commitments mean I can't collect him until Saturday after Xmas so I have time to prepare and update my gerbil knowledge. He will be moving into the Exo-Terra so he will be safe and secure. Thanks for your input sushi. I very much appreciate it.
Did you end up getting the gerbil?
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Old 01-06-2020, 02:11 PM   #17
Bryony
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Default Re: My gerbils

I had gerbils when I was young and they were adorable! I had two little boys and they were so friendly and were super easy to handle! Don't really remeber taming them at all as I had them as tiny babies and they were much more confident then the hamster I am taming now! x
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Old 01-06-2020, 02:23 PM   #18
sushi_78
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Default Re: My gerbils

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I had gerbils when I was young and they were adorable! I had two little boys and they were so friendly and were super easy to handle! Don't really remeber taming them at all as I had them as tiny babies and they were much more confident then the hamster I am taming now! x
If they are handled from a young age they don't really need "taming" as such at all. I think it's probably the same for hamsters too. Some relatives of mine had two Roborovski hamsters that bred. The parents are still not really tame after almost a year, but the offspring (which I think they handled as soon as it was safe to do so) are apparently very cuddly and love being handled. With gerbils there is the advantage that they can safely be handled much sooner than hamsters as well.
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Old 01-06-2020, 02:43 PM   #19
Dalis_mum
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Default Re: My gerbils

Hi sushi. I brought my new fur bean home yesterday his name is Ziggy. He is currently settling into the animal room and his vivarium. I'll leave him in peace for a few days/week but he seemed quite happy yesterday once we got home. He's 18 months old so nearing middle age.
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Old 01-06-2020, 02:45 PM   #20
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Default Re: My gerbils

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