-- Gerbil Tip of the Week --
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| Ideal Gerbil Homes
There are many ways to house a gerbil, some better than others. Most experienced gerbil-owners prefer a fish aquarium with a lid and clamps. Two gerbils should live in a space no smaller than a 10-gallon tank. Gerbils won't miss plastic tubes as long as you give them plenty of bedding and safe toys instead. You can see that the 2 tanks look more stimulating than the tiny, cramped plastic habitat in the lower-right corner of this page.
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| A good gerbil home. |
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Set Up A Home |
| Let's start by discussing why an aquarium is a good idea. First, your gerbils have lots of ground space to run and play. Second, tanks are easy to clean. Third, if you clamp a lid (such as a lizard tank lid) over the top of the tank, it is one of the most secure methods of housing a gerbil. Fourth, your gerbils will be tamer because you can reach them, and they don't hide in tubes while you fill the food dish. |
To set up a tank, fill it with aspen shavings, corncob bedding, Carefresh, or Carefresh Ultra. Never use cedar or pine. These can weaken or even kill a gerbil. If you suspect that you or a gerbil is allergic to the bedding, try a different type. Give your gerbils at least 2 inches of bedding in which to burrow and dig. Fill the tank with cardboard tubes, boxes, and untreated wooden toys to keep your gerbils happy and entertained. Secure the tank's lid with clamps. |
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| Plastic Habitats |
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| Don't Be Tempted |
1. Plastic is very light and easy for children and pets to knock over.
2. Gerbils can quickly chew an escape route. Also, tubes can break off.
3. It's hard to see through gerbil-scratched plastic. Plus, cleaning is a pain.
4. Gerbils are hard to tame; they flee into tubes before they see that you are the friend delivering food and toys.
5. They are too small for adult gerbils. In the photo below, Audrey and Ramona agreed to demonstrate.
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