7 replies to this topic

[Poppythehammy]

Hi! I learn best through videos and I wanted to know any reliable gerbil care videos on YouTube. I also wanted to ask about suitable cages. I hear gerbils are prone to chewing through bins so I was thinking maybe the prevue 528? Also what is a good gerbil diet? Me and my mom plan to get 2 gerbil in the coming months, and are trying to find good research sources

[daisy~]

I don't know of any reliable gerbil Youtubers unfortunately (I'm not saying the ones that are there are necessarily unreliable, I just don't watch them so I don't know what they're like). There is some awful gerbil information on Youtube, so be very careful. Check everything you hear with at least one other source, such as The Gerbil Forum.

 

The Prevue isn't suitable for gerbils because it can't hold enough bedding. They need an absolute minimum of 8 inches, but really you should aim for 10-12 inches for best results. They also might chew through the base. Bins can be good options if they're smooth inside. A 40+ gallon tank is the best option. Linnmon or Pax type DIYs also work (though with something as big as the Pax, it may be best to introduce the space gradually rather than all at once).

 

A good gerbil diet has a variety of seeds and grains, plus vegetables and herbs (either fresh or dried), and some insects. 16%+ protein for gerbils under around 5 months and thereafter it can be less, and by the time they're over 2, probably should be less.

Edited by daisy~, 17 August 2021 - 09:44 AM.

[~Boba the Hammy~]

No plastic. So no prevue. Need lots of bedding

[HamHamha]

Gerbils need tons of bedding, and lots of chew toys. They can be on a hamster diet. 
Hope this helps and good luck with your gerbils!

[~Boba the Hammy~]

Robin~ has gerbil food in her shop! If it’s as wonderful as her hamster food, you should get that!

[♥️fluffy♥️]

Robin~ has gerbil food in her shop! If it’s as wonderful as her hamster food, you should get that!

That's a brilliant idea Boba! 

[Bing Bong~]

Hi! I learn best through videos and I wanted to know any reliable gerbil care videos on YouTube. I also wanted to ask about suitable cages. I hear gerbils are prone to chewing through bins so I was thinking maybe the prevue 528? Also what is a good gerbil diet? Me and my mom plan to get 2 gerbil in the coming months, and are trying to find good research sources

hi! not sure of gerbil youtubers but i may be able to help you out a bit.

the prevue 528 can hold 12 inches of bedding with easy modifications, but the ledge in which the wire sits on provides a place for them to catch there teeth on and chew. now, probably quite a few would be fine in the prevue, but i wouldnt risk it because if you get a pair of above average, detirmined chewers, they might be able to escape. personally, i disagree with what daisy~ said about bins- even if the bin itself were solid, when you cut a hole in the top, even when fitted wih mesh, if they were to be able to reach the top they could easily chew through that.

 

the bare minimum tank is 20 gallon long, but mot people (including myself) think 40 gallons should be the bare minimum. shoot for a bedding depth of 12 in most of the cage. 

 

most people reccomend to have a wheel as an option. i would reccomend a 12 inch wheel, because then two gerbils can run comfortably. some gerbils will not use wheels, but some run like crazy. if you notice that both gerbils love the wheel, possibly consider getting a second (the second can be smaller). a bonded pair of gerbils typically dont squabble over resources, but its nice to provide two if you can. the niteangel acrylic wheel is a good option.

 

yes, they need fresh vege daily (in gerbil sized portions) and a diet with 14% protein

[peablossom]

i agree with daisy~ 

gerbils need a diet of seeds, grains, veggies, insects, herbs and flowers. also, i don't think the prevue is a very good option. a tank-type enclosure(like an aquarium) is best. you can also make diy cages from ikea things, which is a lot cheaper. the minimum size is 20 gallons for 2 gerbils, but i think a 30 or 40 gallon cage is best. you need at least 8 inches of bedding (preferably more) and then they also need enough room to stand up in above the bedding. also, you willl probably need a wheel. gerbils need LOTS of chew toys aswell. there aren't really many good gerbil youtubers, always check the information before listening to them. but thre is one i know is reliable called Fins and Whiskers. I'm so glad I found her channel as otherwise my future gerbils would suffer(there is TERRIBLE information some places) 

here is the link

https://www.youtube.com/c/FinsWhiskers

 

i hope this helps and looking forward to seeing your gerbils soon!  (sorry that's the closest emoji to a gerbil i could find)

 

- Peablossom