Sofia Martinez
Gerbils are known to chew on plastic wheels, and while this behaviour is not fatal, it can lead to health issues if ingested. Gerbils have constantly growing teeth, and they need to chew to keep them trimmed. Gerbil owners have reported that their pets have chewed through plastic wheels, cages, and toys, with some even escaping by chewing through the corner of a plastic cage lid. To prevent this, owners can opt for wooden wheels or treat plastic wheels with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar to deter chewing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic wheels safe for gerbils? | Plastic wheels are safe for gerbils as long as they are large (10"+) to prevent back problems and the gerbils are not chewing on them. |
| Gerbil wheel alternatives | Wooden wheels are preferable but need to be replaced often. Other toys such as seesaws, tunnels, bridges, and run-about balls can also provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. |
| Stop gerbils from chewing plastic wheels | A temporary fix is to spray the wheel with a 3-part water, 1-part apple cider vinegar mix to make it bitter. |
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What You'll Learn
Gerbils chewing plastic wheels
Gerbils chewing on plastic wheels is a common issue that many owners face. Gerbils can get bored, and chewing is one way for them to entertain themselves. Chewing on plastic wheels can be problematic as plastic is not good for gerbils to ingest. If your gerbil is chewing its plastic wheel, it is recommended to replace it with a wooden wheel or a more durable plastic wheel, such as an acrylic wheel. Additionally, ensure that your gerbil has enough other items to chew on, such as chew toys, and that its enclosure is an appropriate size.
Some gerbils may be particularly fond of chewing plastic, and it can be challenging to deter them from doing so once they have developed the habit. In such cases, providing a variety of enrichment options and ensuring the gerbil has sufficient stimulation can help reduce the likelihood of them chewing on the plastic wheel. It is also recommended to monitor their behavior and watch for any signs of compulsive chewing, as this could indicate underlying mouth or tooth pain.
To prevent gerbils from chewing on wooden wheels, which may be more expensive to replace frequently, some owners have suggested treating the wheel with a mixture of three parts water and one part apple cider vinegar. This solution can be lightly misted onto the wheel to deter gerbils from chewing on it. However, this may not be a permanent solution, as some gerbils may still chew through the treated wooden wheel.
If your gerbil is excessively chewing on its plastic wheel or other items in its enclosure, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues, such as tooth or mouth pain, or overgrown teeth. The veterinarian can provide advice and treatment options to address the underlying cause of the behavior.
In summary, gerbils chewing on plastic wheels can be a concern due to the potential health risks associated with ingesting plastic. Providing alternative chewing options, ensuring a suitable living environment, and offering various forms of enrichment can help deter this behavior. For persistent chewers, consulting a veterinarian and considering switching to a wooden wheel or more durable plastic alternative may be necessary.
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Plastic toxicity
Gerbils can chew on plastic wheels, and while plastic wheels are not directly fatal, they can cause health issues. Gerbils, like other small animals, can be exposed to harmful microplastics that impact their health. These microplastics can cause intestinal issues and critical intestinal functions and carry bacteria and viruses, leading to diseases and illnesses. It is advised to provide gerbils with a range of items to chew on to prevent them from chewing their wheels.
The impact of PET plastic on human health is significant. Studies have found unsafe levels of toxic chemicals in beverages packaged in plastic bottles, including popular brands like Pepsi and Coca-Cola. These chemicals are used to make plastic bottles for carbonated soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, and bottled water. The chemicals added to PET plastic to enhance specific characteristics, such as elasticity or transparency, can also be harmful.
Furthermore, plastic toxicity affects not only humans but also our beloved pets. Everyday pet products, such as toys, water bowls, and even food, contain microplastics. These microplastics can be ingested or inhaled by pets, potentially causing various health issues. For example, sheep heads with plastic tags on their ears may be ground up and processed into pet food, leading to plastic fragments in their meals. While there is growing evidence of the harmful effects of microplastic ingestion and inhalation on humans, more research is needed to understand its impact on animals fully.
To reduce the impact of plastic toxicity, it is essential to encourage companies to find sustainable alternatives to PET plastic and prevent plastic pollution. It is also crucial to raise awareness among pet owners about the potential dangers of exposing their pets to plastic products and to advocate for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of pet food and products.
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Gerbil exercise and mental stimulation
Gerbils are very active and require daily exercise for their physical and mental health. They are prey animals and naturally super active, always on the move. They are also intelligent and require mental stimulation through toys and puzzles. Exercise wheels are a great way to provide them with the necessary exercise, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the wheel should be large (10" or more in diameter) to prevent back problems. Secondly, it should have solid flooring to prevent their little tails from getting tangled, which can be extremely dangerous.
Gerbils will potentially gnaw on a plastic wheel, so it is important to provide them with plenty of other things to chew on and keep an eye on them. If they ingest too much plastic, it can cause damage to their GI tract. Wooden wheels are an alternative, but they need to be replaced every couple of weeks. Acrylic wheels are another option and are quite durable.
In addition to wheels, gerbils can be exercised using playpens or by allowing them to roam outside their cage for short periods in a secure area. They are social creatures, so having a companion of the same species is important for their mental health. Regular handling is also important for stimulation and to help keep them tame and friendly. Gerbils rely heavily on scent cues, so it is best to spot-clean their cage frequently and keep complete cage cleaning to a minimum.
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Gerbil wheel size
Gerbils require a solid wheel with no gaps around its running edge. A wheel with rungs is extremely dangerous for gerbils as their tails can get caught in the gaps as the wheel turns, which can be highly painful and injurious. Therefore, it is recommended to get a solid plastic wheel.
The ideal size of a gerbil running wheel is around 8 inches in diameter, which is easy and comfortable for the gerbil to run on. The wheel can be bigger or smaller than 8 inches depending on the size of your gerbil. A larger wheel is preferable to a smaller one as a small wheel can cause back problems for gerbils.
It is important to ensure that the gerbil wheel is the correct size and made of solid plastic. This is because gerbils cannot run enough in a wheel that is too small for them, and if the wheel is not solid, their tails can become trapped and injured.
To prevent gerbils from chewing on their plastic wheel, it is advisable to provide them with a sufficiently sized tank and enough other items to chew on. Some gerbils may still obsessively chew plastic, so it is crucial to monitor their behaviour and choose materials they cannot easily chew, such as metal, ceramic, or hard plastic.
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Alternatives to plastic wheels
Gerbils are active and intelligent creatures that require stimulation and activity to stay happy and healthy. While plastic wheels can be dangerous if chewed, there are several alternatives available. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your gerbil's tank or cage is spacious enough to accommodate a large exercise wheel. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wheel that is at least 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter, as smaller wheels can cause back problems for gerbils.
One option is to opt for a wooden wheel. Wooden wheels provide a natural and safe alternative to plastic. However, some gerbils may be inclined to chew on wooden wheels, so it is essential to provide other items for them to chew on, such as cardboard tubes or wooden chew toys. Additionally, ensure that the wooden wheel is solid and does not have open rungs, as these can pose a risk of injury to gerbils. Some recommended wooden wheel brands include Trixie and RodentsHome, which offers a 28 cm wheel on Etsy.
Metal wheels are another durable alternative to plastic. Metal wheels are less likely to be chewed on by gerbils and are easier to clean. TicTacWheels is a recommended brand for metal wheels. Acrylic wheels, such as those made by Niteangel, are also an option and may be more durable than plastic wheels.
Cardboard postal tubes are a great, affordable addition to your gerbil's environment. These tubes provide an opportunity for exploration and play and can be easily sourced from Etsy or other online retailers. Just ensure that the tubes are at least 7 cm wide to prevent your gerbil from getting stuck, especially when bedding is present.
In summary, while plastic wheels may be convenient, there are several alternatives available that prioritize your gerbil's health and well-being. By choosing wooden, metal, or acrylic wheels, and providing additional enrichment options like cardboard tubes, you can create a safe and stimulating environment for your gerbil companion.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wheels are generally safe for gerbils, but owners should be mindful that gerbils may chew on plastic wheels and ingest small pieces, which can be harmful to their health.
Gerbils that chew on plastic wheels may suffer damage to their GI tract. Additionally, ingesting plastic can cause blockages in their digestive system, leading to serious health issues or even death.
To prevent your gerbil from chewing on its plastic wheel, ensure the wheel is large enough (10 inches or larger) and provide other items for your gerbil to chew on. You can also treat the wheel with a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part apple cider vinegar to create a bitter taste that deters chewing.
Wooden wheels are a popular alternative to plastic wheels for gerbils. While they may be more expensive to replace, they are safer for gerbils that chew on their wheels. Acrylic wheels are another option that is more durable and less likely to be chewed on by gerbils.
