gerbil cages

[Cavie Cove]

have could you make a c&c cage gerbil prof or is it a case of you can't?
Any sugestions?

[fourbwabbys]

You would need to use the mesh grids so they couldn't climb out. Also, I don't know much about gerbils, but if they can climb, you'd need to have a top on the cage.

[dagwellismypigy]

You would need the coro on the outside. Mesh grids and a lid. I would do about 10 inch sides on the coro because of their digging. I would go for a 1x3 or 1x2 sized cage, though bigger is always better.

[bunnyluv17]

I wouldn't recommend C&C cages for gerbils. Gerbils are hardcore chewers and diggers, they would chew through the coroplast even if it was on the outside. They can chew through any kind of plastic. They would also chew the plastic off the mesh grids, which might be harmful if they injested some. The best cages for gerbils are large aquariums with mesh tops. The gerbils cannot chew through the glass and, when piled high with bedding, the gerbils can burrow to their heart's content. When housed in wire cages, gerbils often develop sores on their noses (and even in their mouths) from chewing on the metal bars. Aquariums should be at least 20 gallons for a pair of gerbils (but preferably larger).

[Lisser]

Originally Posted by bunnyluv17

I wouldn't recommend C&C cages for gerbils. Gerbils are hardcore chewers and diggers, they would chew through the coroplast even if it was on the outside. They can chew through any kind of plastic. They would also chew the plastic off the mesh grids, which might be harmful if they injested some. The best cages for gerbils are large aquariums with mesh tops. The gerbils cannot chew through the glass and, when piled high with bedding, the gerbils can burrow to their heart's content. When housed in wire cages, gerbils often develop sores on their noses (and even in their mouths) from chewing on the metal bars. Aquariums should be at least 20 gallons for a pair of gerbils (but preferably larger).

This is very good advice. My boys (gerbils) are in a 20 gallon glass aquarium that is filled half way to the top with fluffy carefresh. They absolutely have a blast burrowing and digging new tunnels. They certainly are builders aren't they. I'm thinking of going bigger than 20 gallon they are having such a good time. They love to peak out at me through the glass. I come over and lift the lid and they hurry over to me. They jump in my hand and let me hold them for a few minutes. I'm also able to pet them and gently rub behind their ears. They gets tons of kisses each day too!!

I never thought I'd be so attached to them. They are so social and friendly. This is why I chose them over hamsters.

[futureguineamom]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bunnyluv17
I wouldn't recommend C&C cages for gerbils. Gerbils are hardcore chewers and diggers, they would chew through the coroplast even if it was on the outside. They can chew through any kind of plastic. They would also chew the plastic off the mesh grids, which might be harmful if they injested some. The best cages for gerbils are large aquariums with mesh tops. The gerbils cannot chew through the glass and, when piled high with bedding, the gerbils can burrow to their heart's content. When housed in wire cages, gerbils often develop sores on their noses (and even in their mouths) from chewing on the metal bars. Aquariums should be at least 20 gallons for a pair of gerbils (but preferably larger).


This is very good advice. My boys (gerbils) are in a 20 gallon glass aquarium that is filled half way to the top with fluffy carefresh. They absolutely have a blast burrowing and digging new tunnels. They certainly are builders aren't they. I'm thinking of going bigger than 20 gallon they are having such a good time. They love to peak out at me through the glass. I come over and lift the lid and they hurry over to me. They jump in my hand and let me hold them for a few minutes. I'm also able to pet them and gently rub behind their ears. They gets tons of kisses each day too!!

I never thought I'd be so attached to them. They are so social and friendly. This is why I chose them over hamsters.

I agree with the above 100%! I've had gerbils and they make amazing pets. However, even pet store mouse cages with very small spaces in between bars can let them escape! They are probably the most extreme escape artists in the rodent family that there is. Aquariums work well, however a mesh top is a MUST. I also agree that a 20 gallon works well for a pair, but more is better.

[aqh88]

Given tons of space gerbils actually aren't too interested in escaping. I wish I still had a picture of my cage setup I used to use. I connected three 30gallon plastic storage containers using the normal gerbil/hamster tubes and made tops out of hardware cloth. The residents were Rasheeka and her 2 female babies. The males had another setup after I realized I ended up with a male instead of a female. While the gerbils destroyed everything in their cage they rarely chewed the tubes and never escaped from that setup. However normally if they can get ahold of a plastic edge it will be destroyed in the next 2hours or less.

[Lisser]

Let's see if I can get this to work..I'd like to post a few pictures of my sweet little gerbils, Herald and Gerald. They are such great little guys! I hope this works....nope it won't work..files too large. I'll upload to photobucket...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...gerbils005.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...gerbils006.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...gerbils003.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...gerbils002.jpg

[crittermom]

Lisser, how is your wheel fastened to the aquarium glass? I use a Silent Spinner on its stand, but it scoots around the cage quite a bit.