>I know this was talked about earlier but I cant find the post where the
>answer was given. My boyfriend is having me ask this (even though he is on
this list on his email) but its about Gerbils nails.....how do you keep them
trimmed? Do we need pet nail clippers? Do they have nerves in their nails
like dogs do? (I used to have to clip my parents dogs nails all the time) Is
there something else we can do so they don't get to long? Will they get too
long if we don't do anything?
Get a sturdy cardboard box at least 18x18 inches (about half a
meter square) and at least that deep. Line the sides ONLY with
220 grit sandpaper, running the 11" height up (butting the narrow
width together). Take a few scraps of 2x4 dimensional lumber
about 4" (10 cm) long and wrap those with 220 grit sandpaper
also as if you were making sanding blocks. Leave a few of those
lie on the bottom of the box. Do NOT cover the bottom of the box
with sandpaper. Walking around on it can cause injury to the feet.
Let your gerbil exercise in the box, adding some treats and
toilet tissue cardboard rolls, for about 20 minutes under your
supervision (a few handfuls of shredded paper, hand rip don't
cut the edges, crinkled are a bit hit too)
When the gerbil 'dances' along the side of the box, standing
up on the hind legs, and scampers over and sits on the
wood blocks, this will file off the nails.
If you have a cage or clan, let them all exercise at once in
the box with you hovering over to make sure nobody jumps
out (even a six week old can easily clear 14-18 inches).
If you have more than one cage or clan, it is best to make
separate playboxes and don't switch stuff between boxes.
Gerbils can be really sensitive about the smell of an unfamiliar
gerbil.
I also use a 'walkboard' when preparing an animal for adoption,
but I won't tell you how as it is something that needs EXTREMELY
CAREFUL SUPERVISION to prevent hurting the animal's
feet. Build a playbox, let them have fun in it once or twice a
week, and their nails should be fine.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
