12 replies to this topic

[WillowFae]

Hello. I just recently purchased three new gerbils after the passing of my last pair. They have a five foot tall four level cage attached to a 40 gallon tank that they can dig in. I would like to show it but don't know how to post pictures. 🙁

[luvkeylinn]

Hello. I just recently purchased three new gerbils after the passing of my last pair. They have a five foot tall four level cage attached to a 40 gallon tank that they can dig in. I would like to show it but don't know how to post pictures.

 

Hello! Welcome to HH! 

 

Yay! Congrats on your new companions!

 

You can post pictures on ImgBB. Here's the link: https://imgbb.com/

 

You can use the viewer links or the BBCode full linked!

 

[WillowFae]

Edited by WillowFae, 03 July 2021 - 03:09 AM.

[luvkeylinn]

Let's see if this works

HTTPS://ibb.co/5hW6pnp

https://ibb.co/Jz6jTPk

Edit: how do I make them show up as pics and not links?

 

Click on embed codes, then click on BBCode full linked and then it'll show as pics.

[Remy]

Let's see if this works

HTTPS://ibb.co/5hW6pnp

https://ibb.co/Jz6jTPk

Edit: how do I make them show up as pics and not links?

It looks very nice! However, it doesn’t appear very secure. The door of the wire cage (a double Critter Nation I assume?) seems to be propped open somewhat. It also looks like you used cardboard to add the tubes into the tank. Gerbils are very avid chewers so I’d be worried about escapes with this setup.

[~musical912]

Wow, your 40 gallon looks awesome! (Very inspiring for my own gerbil’s 40 gallon).

 

For the wire cage, please keep an eye out for your gerbils chewing the plastic. Gerbils are known to be harsh chewers and having plastic in their setup (excluding the wheel) can be dangerous.

[WillowFae]

Yes, the one door is open and sealed up with cardboard so the tube could go through. They have lots of cardboard rolls to chew on so so far they have left the door cardboard untouched.
They absolutely love digging like crazy in the tank as well as their sand bowls.

I don't remember what brand the cage was but I believe it was designed for ferrets, very sturdy.

Edited by WillowFae, 03 July 2021 - 03:11 AM.

[lil BIG dwarf]

Yes, the one door is open and sealed up with cardboard so the tube could go through. They have lots of cardboard rolls to chew on so so far they have left the door cardboard untouched.
They absolutely love digging like crazy in the tank as well as their sand bowls.

I don't remember what brand the cage was but I believe it was designed for ferrets, very sturdy.

 

I believe its the Double Critter Nation Cage (Ferret Nation has bars going the other way and 1/2 inch [too large for small rodents/female or young rats] and is slightly cheaper) or DCN

Whats cool is that you can add on more as well!

 

I love your set up, too. Its an amazing way to combine two cages for maximum use.

[daisy~]

I love how you've really tried to maximise their space and enrichment, but you want to really careful with a setup like this. The separate enclosures, joined only by a narrow tube, are a big risk factor for a declan. It's very easy for the gerbils to divide their space into clearly defined areas which they may try to independently defend, plus with the narrow tubes they can easily prevent the other gerbils from passing or trap them in one part of the enclosure. Added to that, trios have a high rate of declanning, and female trios in particular have a declanning rate not far off 100%. This means that while sometimes experienced owners who know the signs of danger may risk a connected setup for a pair, you really don't want to be taking any risks here. It would be safer to either use just the 40 gallon, or figure out a way to get deeper bedding in the bottom half of the metal cage and use the top half as a topper (with the floor in the middle removed so it's more open - fewer pinch points for them to defend).

 

I'd suggest joining The Gerbil Forum where you'll find loads of information and friendly advice on all aspects of gerbil care.

[WillowFae]

I've had them for two weeks so far and they seem to do everything together. The tank is where they burrow, sleep and chew, and the tank is where they eat, chew and dig in the sand. They only seem to chew if you put the cardboard in specific places which is interesting. So far everything seems to be going alright.

[daisy~]

They're still very young so likely haven't quite hit the teenage "danger zone" of around 3-6 months. I was conflicted on whether to say something when I could see the effort that went into the enclosure, but ultimately I couldn't forgive myself if I said nothing and 2 months later you were posting saying your gerbils fought and one of them was killed. Now that you have the information on the risks, it's obviously your choice and your responsibility.

[WillowFae]

Thank you Daisy, for the important information. I am thinking of changing the plastic tubing for a handmade wire mesh connecting tunnel. I have a large homemade wood box that slides into the bottom of the large cage so that if something should happen, I can put it back in, put the bedding in, and separate it from the tank. I will definitely check out that gerbil board.

[peablossom]

wow, that is awesome! what are your gerbils' names?