Hi, before I answer let me just say that I'm not a gerbil expert, so my answers are based mostly on personal experience and what I've heard. That being said, here's what I think... :-) As far as boxes go, I think anything's pretty much ok as long as there isn't any cellophane included. I would also avoid egg cartons, or any boxes that held meat or fish or anything like that, since the bacteria from the raw food could carry onto the cardboard. Other than that, I think food boxes are ok.
I can't help you much with the allergy question, since none of mine have ever had allergies (I've had agouti, black and black pied). For the wooden boxes, all I can really say is that I remember someone saying that apple wood was good. I don't know how available that is, though. I don't know much about the qualities of different types of wood, but I would think that anything that isn't too aromatic or splintery would be ok. You might want to get more input from the experts on this (and all the other stuff too). Hope I helped a bit. :-) ----- Original Message ----- From: "J Doe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, January 21, 2002 1:55 PM Subject: product boxes ok? and sneezing > Hello all, I haven't had much need to post since my initial messages to the > board. I want to extend tons of thanks to everyone who helped us out with > our girls (Ember & Tanzi). Tanzi's leg has healed fine and unless you feel > along it, you would never know it had been broken. She is more energetic > than ever. The two questions I have this time are as follows: > 1. Are the boxes that gerbil food/treats come in ok for them to chew up? Is > it safe to say that if a box is ok to put food in (human or gerbil) that it > is ok for them to chew up? I usually avoid tissue paper rolls if they have > too much glue on them. What has been the group's experience? > 2. Our Ember (argenti) must have allergies of some sort. She shows signs of > very slight nasal discharge, but nothing wet. If you look closely at her > nose, you can see a bit of dried red stuff. Also, when she sleeps with her > head tucked under in the bedding for a while, she will sometimes sneeze for > a bit after she wakes up. Our Tanzi (black, but with a very pale pink nose) > never shows any of these signs. Some of the group has mentioned that > lighter colors tend to have allergies. Does the majority find this to be > true? We have "diluted" their aspen bedding with carefresh and this has > improved things somewhat. > > Also, (so much for just two questions)if we want to build them a new house > in their tank, what type of wood would be best? I know that cedar and pine > are out, how about oak, birch, etc.? > > Thanks again for all your help! > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. >
