Hi everyone! I haven't had a chance to contribute for awhile, so I thought I'd tell you what I did. Been feeling guilty since I got my German Shepherds, because I haven't had quite as much time to spend with my gerbs. So since Ginger died, I converted her tank, a 20 gallon long, into a "play world." Now, I know this wouldn't work if I had multiple pairs, who would squabble over different gerbils' scents. But since I only have Tootsie and Inky right now, it's really working out. First off, I put a thick layer of pine shavings at the bottom, with paper towels and toilet paper mixed in, making it great for burrowing. Next, I bought an "A-frame" bamboo hut, and a doughnut-shaped bamboo hut, and placed them on one end of the tank. At the other end, I placed a hollowed out coconut hut. In between, I've arranged a new wheel; five or six big clean rocks; a hollowed out wooden tube with drilled holes for exploring,; a hollowed out wooden cube; a silly miniature zucchini toy with holes in it for burrowing; three small, fragrant balsam pine stumps that I asked the woodsman to cut for me when I bought a Christmas tree; and a package of carrot flavored, carrot shaped wood blocks that the gerbs love. Finally, I sprinkled two bags of those miniature colored wood blocks for chewing throughout the tank. To top it all off, I added a few dishes of primo food (i.e., regular mix with Vitacraft cheese wedges and almond slivers), and of course some water. The results have been great. Spending a few hours in the different environment each day does a world of good for Tootsie and Inky. I think being in a whole different area, with unique toys, gives them mental stimulation that they can't get anywhere else, even playing with me. They're slim and trim and always have a good long nap after their daily romp. My goal is to keep them as healthy and happy as possible, so they live a nice long life. They're both approaching two years old (I can't believe how quickly time passes), but they still act like teenagers, and I want to keep it that way! Thanks for listening. *************************************** Amy Yolanda Castillo [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
