>My kids are the proud new owners of two gerbils. We�ve done some research
and discussed exercise wheels with the pet store owner. She has not been
able to obtain exercise wheels that would be safe for gerbils and told us
that our guys really don�t need one anyway. I have a two part question. 1)
Do my gerbils need an exercise wheel to keep active for their health? 2)
Where can I get a gerbil-safe exercise wheel? The pet store owner told me
that if I should find out where to obtain such a wheel, she would greatly
appreciate it.
>
>Thanks in advance for your help,
>Bluestringz
I weave thin cardboard, like that from cereal boxes, in the 'spokes'
of wire wheels. Then tape that down on the outside. I do this for
both gerbils and dwarf campbell hamsters, and young syrian hamsters
(under two months old). I replace the cardboard when it gets soiled
or chewed off...I have a few that like going in their wheel so they
need the cardboard replaced a few times a week.
There is a type of wheel, called a "Wodent Wheel" that is an
enclosed wheel; but they are rather pricey. If you need more than
a few wheels, I suggest the cardboard.
They do mention on their site, that they don't recommend them
for gerbils or chinchillas, unless you want to see them eat up
the wheel....I am going to post the URL anyway.
A friend uses them for her syrian hamsters, she told me about
them when she bought some last fall. Sometimes the animal
just wants to sit there and chew them up though, so she has
had to take them away from a few of her critters.
Their website is:
http://www.teleport.com/~trnsoniq/wodent.html
They quote an 8 inches (20 cm) by 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) wide;
11 inches (28 cm) by 3 1/2 inches wide; and a 12 inches
(30 cm) by 5 1/3 inches (13 cm) wide.
and ranging up to $19.95 plus S&H....
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
