What Are Some Gerbil Bedding Options?
- Hemp. Hemp is a natural choice that is easily kept free of dust. ...
- Hay. Hay is easily ingested and it’s clean. ...
- Corn Cob. Corn cob is easy to compost after cleaning. ...
- Potting Soil. Gerbils will enjoy building tunnels with peaty soil. ...
- Sand. Gerbils are naturally adapted in sandy settings. ...
- Aspen Shavings. ...
- Shredded Paper. ...
What bedding can you use for gerbils?
Gerbils need a thick layer of dust- extracted bedding to dig into. 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.
What's the best gerbil bedding?
Gerbil Bedding OptionsHay - hay is an excellent bedding option for gerbils as it is easy to dig tunnels through, as well as being a natural bedding. ... Carefresh or cardboard shavings - this is soft, cozy bedding that is great for tunnelling.More items...
What materials are safe for gerbils?
Gerbils like to chew on wood and other natural materials. Household items like toilet rolls, cardboard egg boxes, and corrugated cardboard are also good options. Gerbil food mix and vegetables are part of your pet's natural diet, and these will also help wear down your gerbil's teeth.
What do you put at the bottom of a gerbil cage?
Because gerbils like to dig and burrow, a cage that is filled with at least 4 inches of bedding is ideal....Fill the cage with 4 inches of bedding.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.More items...
Is wood shavings okay for gerbils?
Gerbils also require a sand bath. This helps keep their fur in good condition. You can use chinchilla sand, available from most pet shops. We never use sawdust or wood shavings as they can irritate gerbils eyes.
What do gerbils like to sleep in?
Gerbils need a lots and lots of bedding material. A very deep layer enables them to satisfy their nesting and tunnelling instincts. They need at least five inches of bedding on the cage floor. As well as the bedding, you should consider giving your gerbils or nesting box - a house within a house, if you like.
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.
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.
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.
Is Aspen bedding OK for gerbils?
Aspen bedding is a good choice for small animals such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats. It is very economical and is absorbent and does a decent job of odor control. Sometimes (not always―it depends a bit on the brand or batch) is can be quite dusty which can cause sneezing and respiratory symptoms in some pets.
Is Straw safe for gerbils?
Being the expert diggers that they are, they can usually burrow their way out, but this may not be the case with any babies caught in the burrows. Peat and straw can also stain the gerbils' coats, a problem if you show your gerbils.
Can gerbils have cotton balls?
It's all OK, but be careful with the cottonballs or polyester fluff because of what RW said. If you are going to use them, make sure to break the balls into smaller pieces.
What is the best bedding for gerbils?
The best bedding for gerbils is one that is non-toxic, holds its shape well, absorbs odor, won’t irritate your gerbil’s sensitive eyes/nose/ears/mouth. It will resist excess moisture that would otherwise mildew or mold.
What do gerbils need to hide?
Gerbil bedding options. Gerbils should have multiple options for hiding and resting. The general recommendation is to provide at least three options for hiding, resting and digging. A thick layer of gerbil bedding. A hide box (one for each gerbil in the enclosure) Plenty of edible gerbil-safe hay.
How thick should gerbil bedding be?
But if you can provide an even thicker layer of bedding up to one-third of the cage width, that is even better. Your gerbil will enjoy it even more!
How long do gerbils dig?
Wild gerbils will dig tunnels up to 8.7 yards (8 meters) long and whole gerbil families will live, forage, breed, nest, rest and hibernate in those tunnels. Suffice it to say tunneling and digging is a huge part of a gerbil’s life, whether in the wild or in captivity.
What is a hide box for gerbils?
A hide box (one for each gerbil in the enclosure) Plenty of edible gerbil-safe hay. If you are new to keeping gerbils, you can also expect the hide box to get thoroughly chewed. So here again, it is vital to research what the hide box is made of before offering it to your gerbils.
Can you use corncob bedding for tunnels?
Also, corncob bedding won’t hold its shape for making tunnels as well as some other gerbil bedding. So it is best used when mixed with another type of bedding such as shredded tissues or paper towels or empty toilet tissue/paper towel rolls. Pestell Pet Products Easy Clean Corn Cob Bedding.
Is corn cob bedding good for gerbils?
Corn cob gerbil bedding. Corn cob bedding has pros and cons. A benefit is that corn cob is a particularly absorbent material, which means it will soak up waste and odor like a charm. But the drawback is that corn cob bedding needs to be changed out more frequently or it will start to mildew or mold.
What is the most important thing to do for a gerbil?
Proper bedding choice might just be the most important part of your gerbil’s home. Bedding is what your gerbil lives in and interacts with constantly. And it has a variety of purposes: something to chew on, build with, tunnel into, pee on. You want to make sure it is as safe and comfy as possible!
Where do gerbils live?
The natural habitat of the wild gerbil is grassland, shrubland and desert of the steppes in China & Mongolia. They dig tunnels in which to live, nest, hibernate, breed, and rest in – often as long as 26 feet!
What is aspen bedding made of?
Aspen bedding is made from the shavings of aspen trees. As a wood-based substrate, it is easy and comfortable for gerbils to chew. It is also aesthetically pleasing and has a nice, natural scent. However, aspen shavings alone will not hold a tunnel shape, and some brands can contain dust and need sifting.
What is Carefresh Shavings Plus?
Combining safety, absorbency, and superior substrate composition, Carefresh Shavings Plus is by far our favorite pick for gerbil bedding. The Carefresh brand is a longstanding and knowledgeable company for small pet needs, and provides excellent customer service.
Can gerbils chew aspen?
Gerbils love chewing on aspen shavings, but overall, they are not appropriate for gerbils unless mixed with other substrate like paper bedding. Additionally, depending on the batch and brand, you can sometimes receive a bag that is quite dusty. Pros. Hypoallergenic, scent free.
Is Kaytee bedding safe?
Kaytee is another brand with a reputation for safe and good quality bedding . Completely free of scents and chemicals that may cause respiratory issues, this plant-based substrate has also been processed to remove 99% of dust. It also boasts some of the highest absorption of any bedding brand on the market!
Can dusty bedding hurt gerbils?
Though not technically toxic, dusty bedding can hurt your gerbil over time just as easily.
What is Carefresh bedding made of?
Made from natural fiber, the CareFresh Complete Bedding offers your furry friends a nice, comfortbale, and natural feeling home which is far better for your furry buddies, your home and for the environment.
Is newspaper dye harmful to pets?
The dyes and inks used in creating newspapers are harmful to your pets if they lick or eat any, and in the process of making their nests and tunnels they will certainly chew and reshape their bedding material with paws.
What is the best substrate for gerbils?
The best substrate (also called bedding) for gerbils is a plant-based substrate that is absorbent, controls odors, is non-toxic, and is good for creating tunnels. It’s best to combine different substrates such as aspen wood shavings, a paper-based substrate, and hay.
How thick should a gerbil bed be?
If possible, you should add an even a thicker layer of 40 cm (15.8″) or more. The gerbil handbook by Swiss Animal Welfare even recommends a layer of 70 – 80 cm (27.6-31.5″). don’t use perfumed substrate types: gerbils have very sensitive noses and can get health issues from perfumed bedding.
What is hemp bedding?
Hemp. Hemp bedding is made from the inner core of the hemp stalk. This core is made from fibers that have a high absorbency and also are good at reducing odors. It’s a biodegradable and compostable type of bedding that’s safe to chew and may be ingested by your gerbils.
Why is hay not good for gerbils?
The smell of hay can help reduce nasty odors in the cage but it’s not a great substrate because of the lack of absorbency. Sometimes hay can also contain mites that transfer to your gerbils. Hay can be used as nesting material on top of the substrate and can sometimes be used by your gerbils to fortify their tunnels.
Do gerbils have allergies?
hypoallergenic properties: a lot of people suffer from allergies but these allergies aren’t necessarily to be attributed to your pet.
Is wood shaving safe for gerbils?
Aspen shavings are generally considered to be safer than pine and cedar shavings. These shavings are made from hardwood and are almost dust-free and are non-aromatic.
Do gerbils burrow in the wild?
Gerbils build tunnels and burrows in the wild and need to be able to do the same in captivity. Some rodents don ’t need thick layers of substrate and aren’t real tunnel builders but gerbils are. So if you only give a thin layer of a substrate or if the substrate isn’t suitable for tunneling your gerbils won’t be happy and can get stressed.
What is a gerbil's 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. In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of caring for a pet gerbil and provide some tips for choosing the best gerbil bedding.
What do you need for a gerbil?
Gerbils are fairly easy to keep which is what makes them such a popular pet for children. 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 ...
Is it safe to put gerbil bedding on?
Non-toxic materials. Your gerbil’s safety is of the utmost importance, so avoid bedding made from unsafe materials. For example, certain wood shavings like pine and cedar contain oils that can be dangerous for small pets.
Is Carefresh bedding dustier than paper?
May be dustier than paper bedding alone. Some packages have larger pieces of wood. If you can’t decide between wood shavings and paper bedding, this Carefresh Small Animal Bedding is an ideal solution. This bedding combines the absorbency of wood shavings with the soft texture of recycled paper.
4. Living World Aspen Wood Shavings for Small Animals, Bedding & Nesting Material, 1200 Cubic Inches
Aspen Shavings made from 100% natural aspen wood, kiln dried and virtually dust and scent-free
6. PETSPICK Aspen Soft Pet Bedding for Small Animals, 24L
Cozy, soft aspen wood shavings made from virgin wood; allows pets to burrow comfortably
9. Kaytee Fiesta Hamster and Gerbil Food 4.5 lb, Fortified Gourmet Diet
Shapes And Textures Support Dental Health Through Natural Chewing Activity
Cost
Cost and performance are essential factors to consider when acquiring a gerbil bedding. More enterprises entering the gerbil bedding market means more options for quality and performance. The most expensive gerbil bedding does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money. Many low-cost models offer excellent performance and comfort.
Branding
A brand with high-quality products and outstanding customer service is the ideal choice for gerbil bedding. Good brand products are created with extreme care and precision, and they will always be available to answer your questions, correct any product flaws, or refund your money if any damage is found.
Specifications
Before you click the buy now button or add items to your shopping cart, make sure the product fulfills your requirements. Specs matter while choosing a product. They define the product’s capabilities.
Design
The world is filled of great gerbil bedding, making it difficult to choose. A decision can be made by looking at the design. Materials used in manufacture, color scheme, and even visual weighing all contribute to a product’s overall design. Knowing this can help you locate a product that exactly meets your tastes and demands.
