29 replies to this topic

[wonderz]

Hi! I'm recently a new gerbil owner (I got them yesterday) and I just had a few questions about them. Also I'm still waiting to be approved on the gerbil forum yet that's why I'm posting here!

 

1. What would be the appropriate size tank for two of them? Currently I have them in a 20 gallon tank (long). 

 

2. What chews can they have? Or where can I buy chews because petsmart/co don't have very limited options that are safe. I'd also like to know the best place to find wooden hideouts and bridges.

 

3. What temperature should I keep their room out? 

 

4. What cleaner should I use to clean their tanks? I used a vinegar and water solution for both my chinchillas and hamsters but not sure it if its safe for gerbils. 

 

I think that's all the questions I have for now, but anymore extra information about gerbils would also be greatly appreciated!    

Edited by wonderz, 07 November 2021 - 11:47 PM.

[lil BIG dwarf]

Hi! I'm recently a new gerbil owner (I got them yesterday) and I just had a few questions about them. Also I'm still waiting to be approved on the gerbil forum yet that's why I'm posting here!
 
1. What would be the appropriate size tank for two of them? Currently I have them in a 20 gallon tank (long). 
 
2. What chews can they have? Or where can I buy chews because petsmart/co don't have very limited options that are safe. I'd also like to know the best place to find wooden hideouts and bridges.
 
3. What temperature should I keep their room out? 
 
4. What cleaner should I use to clean their tanks? I used a vinegar and water solution for both my chinchillas and hamsters but not sure it if its safe for gerbils. 
 
I think that's all the questions I have for now, but anymore extra information about gerbils would also be greatly appreciated! 

20 gallon long is the minimum size so your good, though you can always get a larger tank

Most chews are safe-I just give mine cardboard and some wood sticks. Amazon (especially Niteangel) has a lot of good wooden supplies.

About 60-70 F is the minimum to maximum.

Vinegar and waters food

Get a lot of cardboard. Like a lot a lot. Any box, container, or those weird compostable cup holders you get at Dunkin Donuts can be a gerbil toy.

[wonderz]

20 gallon long is the minimum size so your good, though you can always get a larger tank

Most chews are safe-I just give mine cardboard and some wood sticks. Amazon (especially Niteangel) has a lot of good wooden supplies.

About 60-70 F is the minimum to maximum.

Vinegar and waters food

Get a lot of cardboard. Like a lot a lot. Any box, container, or those weird compostable cup holders you get at Dunkin Donuts can be a gerbil toy.

Okay! I've been looking at the Niteangel items on Amazon, but it doesn't really say what wood it's made out. Since you use it for yours I assume it would be safe so I think I'll try those products out. 

 

Also do you give yours wood shavings, if so what brand? 

[lil BIG dwarf]

Okay! I've been looking at the Niteangel items on Amazon, but it doesn't really say what wood it's made out. Since you use it for yours I assume it would be safe so I think I'll try those products out. 
 
Also do you give yours wood shavings, if so what brand?

I from what I can tell from their website/Amazon I think they use Aspen and birch (and maybe some solid pine, which is safe) mostly.

At the moment I don’t (I’m still a very new owner, I’ve had them for 2 or 3 weeks), but I’m planning on trying out small pet selects Aspen as their paper bedding is nice.

[daisy~]

1. The bigger the better! Your current tank will be ok for now but down the line you'll probably find you want to upgrade them.

 

2. Willow sticks are good. Also, hay and cardboard. If you have any apple, hazel or pear trees that you know haven't been sprayed with anything, you can use the branches.

 

3. Normal room temperature or a little below is fine. They are fine in cold temperatures but struggle with heat.

 

4. You don't really need to use anything special for routine cleaning of tanks. I just use a damp cloth to wipe out any dust. Vinegar is safe but unnecessary. If you're cleaning a tank to be used by different gerbils, or cleaning a new tank, I would use bleach because vinegar isn't a reliable disinfectant.

[wonderz]

I from what I can tell from their website/Amazon I think they use Aspen and birch (and maybe some solid pine, which is safe) mostly.

At the moment I don’t (I’m still a very new owner, I’ve had them for 2 or 3 weeks), but I’m planning on trying out small pet selects Aspen as their paper bedding is nice.

Oh nice! I definitely want to get them a platform so I don’t have to section the tank off. I’ll probably wait on aspen shavings until I’ve had them a little longer like you have. But anyways, thanks so much for your help!

[wonderz]

1. The bigger the better! Your current tank will be ok for now but down the line you'll probably find you want to upgrade them.

2. Willow sticks are good. Also, hay and cardboard. If you have any apple, hazel or pear trees that you know haven't been sprayed with anything, you can use the branches.

3. Normal room temperature or a little below is fine. They are fine in cold temperatures but struggle with heat.

4. You don't really need to use anything special for routine cleaning of tanks. I just use a damp cloth to wipe out any dust. Vinegar is safe but unnecessary. If you're cleaning a tank to be used by different gerbils, or cleaning a new tank, I would use bleach because vinegar isn't a reliable disinfectant.

I’ve been giving them willow sticks and cardboard to chew on, which they love! I would really like to get a bigger tank but the shelf they’re on is only 13 inches wide. Im thinking of making a custom one though!

[wonderz]

Hey! I give my gerbils the Higgins sunburst mix and was wondering if there are things I should pick out? I know corn and sunflower seeds but I want to make sure there isn’t anything else. Im going to try to scatter feed for now since they keep barring their bowl, but I’m gone most the day and can’t see what they pick out and what they’re actually eating. I just don’t want them eating all the treats.

Also should I start giving them the mazuri mouse blocks? If so, how many should I give them (assuming one for two?), and should I cut them in half because they seem pretty big.

Thanks! (:

[lil BIG dwarf]

Hey! I give my gerbils the Higgins sunburst mix and was wondering if there are things I should pick out? I know corn and sunflower seeds but I want to make sure there isn’t anything else. Im going to try to scatter feed for now since they keep barring their bowl, but I’m gone most the day and can’t see what they pick out and what they’re actually eating. I just don’t want them eating all the treats.

Also should I start giving them the mazuri mouse blocks? If so, how many should I give them (assuming one for two?), and should I cut them in half because they seem pretty big.

Thanks! (:

Do not pick out anything from the mix at all. If your hamster is a picky eater, you need to wait for them to eat it all. Picking out food changes the Ga (protein, fat, fiber) in unknown ways. Mazuri blocks can be cut in half if you want too, and ideally a whole bag is mixed in with a whole bag of Higgins.

[wonderz]

Do not pick out anything from the mix at all. If your hamster is a picky eater, you need to wait for them to eat it all. Picking out food changes the Ga (protein, fat, fiber) in unknown ways. Mazuri blocks can be cut in half if you want too, and ideally a whole bag is mixed in with a whole bag of Higgins.

I have gerbils, would it be the same? I’ve just heard that they can only have a minimum of 5 sunflower seeds a day.

[lil BIG dwarf]

I have gerbils, would it be the same? I’ve just heard that they can only have a minimum of 5 sunflower seeds a day.

That’s for treats iirc-I wouldn’t remove from the food mix for gerbils, either. If you desire less or more sunflower seeds you may need to change mixes.

[daisy~]

Like LBD says, taking anything out of the mix can unbalance it. Sunflower seeds aren't inherently unhealthy, just high in fat, but you don't generally need to be concerned about fat levels unless your gerbils are getting overweight.

 

Gerbils need less protein than hamsters so you don't need to use Mazuri with Higgins.

[wonderz]

Alright, thanks so much!!

[wonderz]

Hey again…so apparently I accidentally bought the wrong mix without even realizing it…ugh. I bought the Higgins rat and mouse mix instead of the higgins (food and treat) hamster and gerbil mix. Is there anyway I can still give them the rat and mouse mix or should I just give it away? Could I combine the two?

[daisy~]

Looking at the ingredients of both I don't think there's a great of difference. It should be fine to feed. Have you looked into other options such as Robin's mixes? They have a lot less fruit and added sugar than Higgins.