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What can you use for gerbil bedding?
Good bedding for gerbils is non-toxic, digestible, dust-free, and can be used for tunneling. The best gerbil bedding combines hay, aspen shavings, and paper-based bedding (such as Kaytee Clean & Cozy). A mixture of materials helps gerbils to build sturdy tunnels.
What do you put at the bottom of a gerbil cage?
A large amount of bedding will also allow your gerbil to bury its food.
- Use absorbent bedding such as recycled paper bedding or dust-free Aspen shavings.
- You can also use plain, shredded paper that does not have any newsprint on it.
How do you make a gerbil bedding?
Carefresh or cardboard shavings – This is soft, cozy bedding that is great for tunnelling. It’s digestible, and gerbils can’t get tangled up in it. Shredded paper – A long as the paper is ink- and dye-free, shredded paper can be a good choice of bedding, and has the benefit of being cheap too.
Can you use straw for gerbil bedding?
Peat and straw. These materials are among the best for burrowing and allow gerbils to readily form nesting chambers within the tank.
Is pine OK for gerbils?
Bedding to Avoid Numerous types of bedding are unsuitable and unsafe for gerbils. Cedar and pine shavings both give off strong smells that can be hazardous to gerbils.
What do gerbils like to burrow in?
Housing. Gerbils love to burrow and build tunnels, so you will need to have a deep layer of wood shavings for burrowing. Plastic gerbilariums are the best type of cage to get, but you can also use hamster cages.
What sand is good for gerbils?
Natural Sand It is completely safe for gerbils to use whether for cleaning themselves or playing. Regular sand can cause skin irritation and does very little in regard to cleaning however you can be sure this sand will ensure your gerbil stays happy and clean.
Is Pine OK for gerbils?
What sand do you use for gerbils?
Chinchilla sand will do just fine. Make sure to buy sand and not dust, as this can cause respiratory problems. Use a bowl that won’t tip over easily. Your pet will be scrabbling around in the sand, so a flat base is best.
Can you use toilet paper for gerbil bedding?
Yes, I use toilet paper for nesting material. I don’t use tissue paper as in the stuff you put in gift bags, but tissues for your nose are fine as long as they don’t have lotion or vick’s in them. I rip them into chunks or strips so they can carry them to their nest without tripping or stepping on it.
Can you use paper towels for gerbil bedding?
Bedding Materials White paper towels that are cut up into small scraps also can work, but can sometimes capture unpleasant odors more quickly. Put a minimum of 3 inches of the appropriate material of your choice into your pet’s cage. That way he can comfortably dig all he wants.
What wood is toxic to gerbils?
Also, pine and cedarwood contain oils that are poisonous to gerbils.
Can gerbils have plywood?
Definitely don’t use plywood, the glue and ink used is toxic to small pets. Use pine wood, as it is most commonly used to build things for small animals.
What soil is safe for gerbils?
Organic soil or peat are great natural beddings for your gerbil along with meadow or Timothy hay, plus shredded paper for nesting. Don’t use fluffy material as this can wrap around gerbils’ limbs and injure them. Gerbils also like a nest box – but not made of wood or plastic, which they’ll chew.
Can you use beach sand for gerbils?
Beachsand will tend to have rounded edges to the particles, because of the action of the water on the sand, so won’t be too abrasive to their coats. High salinity isnt a problem, because mongolian gerbils live in areas where there is very high saline content to the soils.
Can I use play sand for gerbils?
I’ve used children’s play sand for my gerbil and hamsters for ages. Just be sure to make sure it’s completely dry and not damp before using it. It’s alot cheaper than chinchilla sand, lasts ages and works just as well.
Is cardboard safe for gerbils?
Cardboard has long been used in gerbil cages for numerous purposes and is generally safe for your rodent to chew. Learn the benefits of providing cardboard toys to keep your gerbil happy.
Is kitchen roll OK for gerbils?
So yes, it’s completely safe and definitely not too dusty. If you’re using kitchen paper towel, though, make sure it’s not the strong stretchy kind. It should tear apart easily.
Is it OK to give gerbils toilet paper rolls?
Toilet paper rolls are an excellent choice for a gerbil chew toy. They are made from a material that isn’t hard enough to damage their teeth. They are also fibrous, which gerbils enjoy when chewing. Toilet paper rolls are also untreated, meaning that they are safe for your gerbil to chew on.
Is hardwood OK for gerbils?
In general, nontoxic and untreated wood work well for gerbil chews. You may give your gerbil branches from hardwood trees, so long as you know the trees were not sprayed, painted or chemically treated. Your pet will chew through soft woods in no time.
What is the best gerbil bedding?
There are dozens of gerbil bedding options, but not all substrates are safe or suitable for gerbils. Good bedding for gerbils is non-toxic, digestible, dust-free, and can be used for tunneling. The best gerbil bedding combines hay, aspen shavings, and paper-based bedding (such as Kaytee Clean & Cozy).
Is shredded paper a good substrate for gerbils?
Shredded paper is a cheap way to provide bedding material to your gerbils. It’s not a good substrate because it doesn’t have a high absorbency and also doesn’t control the odors. You can use shredded pieces of paper to give your gerbils something extra to line up their tunnels. Is soil a good substrate? Soil is a natural-looking substrate.
Can gerbils eat aspen wood shavings?
If you and your gerbils aren’t allergic, you can use aspen wood shavings as a substrate. My recommendations for aspen wood shavings are Kaytee Aspen Small Animal Bedding and Living World Aspen Shavings Small Animal Bedding. For bedding or nesting material, you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
What do gerbils need to live in a cage?
All you really need is a cage, a few toys, and some essentials like an exercise wheel, food dish, and bedding. Bedding does more than just cover the bottom of your gerbil’s cage – it also provides your gerbil with a soft cushion for its feet as well as a material to dig and burrow into.