What Do Gerbils Chew On: Everything You Need to Know

Can I be honest with you?

Your gerbils are like the Tasmanian devils of the pet world.

They chew through everything, wreaking havoc and turning your home into a circus of chaos.😱

And let's not forget the danger they pose to themselves.

It's a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

So, how can you protect your fragile little friends and prevent them from chewing on harmful items?

Well, my dear reader, in this Gerbil 101 guide, I'll reveal all the answers you've been searching for.

Buckle up, because it's time to take control of the gerbil revolution.

Let's go!

Gerbils and Their Teeth

Gerbils have interesting teeth, you know.

Their teeth keep growing all the time, so they need to chew on things to wear them down and keep them a good length.

It's really important for their dental health!

To help them out, here's what you can give your gerbils:

1. Ceramic and glass stuff like food dishes, houses, tunnels, and flower pots are great because they can handle the chewing and give them something safe to chew on.
2. Be careful with leather items like belts. They might not be safe for gerbils unless they're untreated and don't have any chemicals. So, think twice before giving them leather to chew!
3. Gerbils also like to chew on bars, like the ones in their cages. This helps them keep their teeth the right length and keeps those little teeth healthy.

Chewing is super important for gerbils and it's a big part of their everyday routine.

Giving them things to chew on will keep their teeth healthy and prevent any dental problems.

So, make sure you set up an environment that encourages their natural chewing behavior.

With these tips, you can ensure your gerbils have strong and healthy teeth their whole lives. 😁

But what happens if you don't provide suitable objects for your gerbils to chew on?

Well, let's dive into the potential problems that can arise and discover why you need to meet their gnawing needs.

Trust me, you won't want to miss this!

The Importance of Appropriate Chew Toys

Gerbils need appropriate chew toys for dental health

Gerbils have these awesome teeth that are always growing, so they need something to gnaw on.

That's where chew toys come in.

Ceramic and glass items, like food dishes and flower pots, work great.

Not only will it keep their teeth in check, but it'll also save your furniture from getting chewed up. Plus, it keeps them entertained and active.

Gnawing on wood is a gerbils' entertainment and tooth maintenance

Guess what?

Chewing on wood is like a fun pastime for gerbils.

They absolutely love it!

And here's the best part - it actually helps keep their teeth healthy.

So, by giving them safe wooden chew toys, you're giving them double the fun while taking care of their dental hygiene.

But here's the catch:

Make sure you give them enough chew toys.

Otherwise, they might start getting creative with what they chew on, like metal bars.

And trust me, that's not a good idea.

It's way better to have them occupied with chew toys than dealing with expensive dental problems.

Provide gerbils with safe chew toys to prevent harm

Listen up, gerbil owners!

I'm telling you, it's super vital to give your furry friends the right chew toys.

Why?

Well, without proper chew toys, they get desperate and start gnawing on anything they can find, including metal bars.

That's just asking for trouble.

So, ensure you provide them with safe chew toys. It's an easy way to keep them out of trouble and prevent any nasty dental issues.

Plus, replacing chewed toys is way cheaper than dealing with overgrown teeth.

Keep those little chompers in top shape.

And now, let's dive into the world of safe wood options for gerbil chews and toys!

Trust me, you'll find it fascinating...

Choosing Safe Wood for Gerbil Chews

There are a few choices available for selecting secure wood for gerbil chew toys.

The key is to ensure the wood is appropriate, nontoxic, and untreated.

One option is to use branches from hardwood trees that are not sprayed, painted, or chemically treated.

You can also use wooden chews and toys, like cardboard, untreated paper towel/toilet paper rolls, hay cubes, and various types of wood.

Here's a list of safe wood options for gerbil chews:

• Softwood
• Hardwood
• Rough surfaces
• Twigs
• Wooden toys

Another great option is clean and chemical-free cardboard and bits of tree.

These make for free and safe chewing items for your furry little friend.

However, there are a few types of wood you should avoid. It's best to steer clear of unidentifiable wood or driftwood, as they may contain unknown substances and chemicals.

Moreover, you should avoid plastic or cloth toys, those with dried peppers or easily removable dye, and metal bars for chewing.

Instead, opt for special gerbil chews made of safe wood or plant-based materials.

Some cockatiel and parrot toys and treats may also be suitable, as long as they are not made of plastic or cloth and do not contain harmful components.

By providing your gerbil with safe wood options, you can satisfy their chewing instinct and promote their dental health.

But what about the food that gerbils can chew on?

Well, it's not just wood they need to be cautious about.

There are certain toxic foods that should be avoided for their health and safety.

So, if you want to ensure your gerbil stays happy and healthy, let's dive into what foods to avoid and what options you have for safe and nutritious treats!

Harmful Foods to Avoid

You need to be cautious about what gerbils consume.

There's some stuff that's no good for them, so just keep these in mind:

1. Chocolate: It's got theobromine, which can mess up a gerbil's health real bad.
2. Onion and garlic: These foods can mess with their red blood cells and make 'em anemic.
3. Citrus fruits: The acidity in 'em can do a number on their tummy and cause digestion issues.
4. Avocado: Has this thing called persin that can really harm their heart and ability to breathe.
5. Plastic items: Don't let your gerbils chew on plastic, they might accidentally swallow or choke on those little pieces.

Instead of those dangerous foods, give 'em a healthy diet.

You're safe with fruits and veggies like carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, peas, apples, and berries.

But be careful not to go overboard with too many fruits, veggies, or grains, 'cause it can mess with their digestion.

Safe seeds include oats, barley, millet, flaxseeds, and sesame seeds.

Stay away from giving gerbils chocolate, onion, garlic, citrus fruits, and avocado, 'cause those foods are toxic. And avoid most wild bird treats and accessories, 'cause they might have chemicals and preservatives that harm gerbils. 😊

So, now that we know what foods gerbils should avoid, let's dive into how to provide them with a healthy and balanced diet!

Establishing a Nourishing Feeding Routine

Here's the information you should be aware of when it comes to feeding your gerbils:

1. You gotta give 'em a good pellet mix that has all the stuff they need and satisfies their natural instinct for chewing and searching for food.
2. Protein is vital too, so throw in some bugs or small bits of cooked meat or egg every now and then.
3. Don't forget to clean their cage regularly to get rid of any old food they've hidden away, since it can rot and cause problems.
4. Treats are nice, but don't go overboard if you want them to stay a healthy weight. Fruits and veggies are great options for healthier snacks.
5. Make sure they have fresh water available at all times. It's best to use one of those bottle thingies with a metal tube for them to sip from.
6. Change the water every day and keep the bottle squeaky clean to avoid any gross contamination.
7. And here's a fun idea: let them search for food on the floor of their cage. It'll give them something to do and provide an even wider range of nutrients.

If you stick to these tips, you'll be providing your gerbils with a nourishing and enjoyable feeding routine.

And what about making sure you provide the best living environment for your gerbils? If you're curious about how many gerbils can live in one cage, check out my Number of Gerbils That Can Share a Cage blog post.

I've got all the information you need to ensure their well-being and compatibility.

Creating a Safe and Stimulating Habitat

Creating a safe and stimulating habitat for your gerbil is crucial.

Regularly inspecting the cage for potential hazards is a must. Gerbils will chew on anything in their cage, including bars and water bottles, which may indicate boredom.

Ensuring all cage toys and supplies are nontoxic is essential.

Providing enrichment is key.

Paper tunnels or wooden chew toys can help prevent undesirable chewing behavior.

You ought to note that most reptile accessories and huts are not suitable for gerbils, except for cork and half log tunnels with bark.

Please bear in mind that home decor and garden products are typically unsafe for gerbils to chew on.

Chewing on the bars of the cage can lead to bar rub, causing skin and teeth problems. To prevent this, provide ample bedding for burrowing and a large exercise wheel.

Sufficient enrichment is a great way to alleviate the desire to chew on cage bars.

If chewing persists despite your efforts, it might be a sign that the cage is too small. Consider providing a larger one for your furry friend.

In summary, regularly inspect your gerbil's cage, provide appropriate chew toys and enrichment, and ensure their environment is safe and stimulating.

With these measures in place, you can create a cozy and healthy habitat for your gerbil.

In conclusion, if you're concerned about your gerbil's continuous jumping motion, I highly recommend checking out What Is the Reason for My Gerbil's Continuous Jumping Motion.

And that's all for today, folks!

Thanks for reaching the end of my blog post! I'm curious to know if you enjoyed it. I always put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to create comprehensive and helpful content. Therefore, it would mean a lot to me if you could take a moment to click on one of the social sharing icons and share this blog post with others. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Until next time,

-Alex Amber