What Kind of Hay Do Gerbils Eat? (Responsible Owners' Answer)

Curious about what kind of hay those squeaky gerbils actually eat?

Worried you'll accidentally feed them the wrong thing and send their tiny, furry world into chaos? 😬

Don't fret!

I've got your back.

Let's unravel the hay mystery together, shall we?

What Kind of Hay Do Gerbils Eat?

Gerbils, those cute little furballs, have a specific dietary need for hay.

The most recommended hay for gerbils is Timothy hay.

It's like the Beyoncé of hay - everyone adores it!

Timothy hay gives gerbils the right nutrients and it's easy on their stomachs.

So you can feel good about giving it to your furry buddies.

Now, here's the deal:

Gerbils should have some hay each week, but don't go overboard (yes, even with hay).

Too much hay can actually cause diarrhea, which nobody wants to deal with.

Here's something cool:

Hay can also work as bedding for our digging pals. It lets them embrace their natural instincts, just like the tiny adventurers they are.

While we're at it, let's debunk a myth - there's no such thing as "hamster hay".

Any good-quality small animal hay will do wonders for gerbils too. 😊

Now, I know you must be wondering, What other types of hay are suitable for my adorable gerbils?

Well, let me tell you something fascinating...

What Kind of Hay Is Best?

Freshness is essential when it comes to selecting the optimum hay for your gerbils.

Look for hay that is green in color and has a pleasant smell.

This indicates that it's fresh and nutritious for your furry friends.

Alfalfa hay is another option, but it should be fed in smaller quantities due to its high nutrient levels.

It's not suitable as a main source of hay for adult gerbils.

On the other hand, orchard hay is an excellent choice.

It's high in fiber, low in protein, aids digestion, and helps prevent obesity.

To ensure that the hay you choose is appropriate for gerbils, always check the packaging for any specific recommendations or warnings.

The ideal choice for gerbil bedding is a mixture of hay, aspen shavings, and paper-based materials, ensuring a cozy habitat for your gerbils.

Hay should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding your gerbil. Mold can develop on timothy hay if it becomes moist, so placing paper without ink underneath the hay can boost absorbency and prevent this issue.

For hamsters, timothy or meadow grass hay is preferred over alfalfa hay. These types of hay are also recommended for gerbils.

What's more, oat hay is a great option for hamsters. It's high in protein, fiber, and fat, and even has crunchy oats attached. It can also be used as an enrichment toy for your hamster.

But what else should you include in your gerbil's diet?

Let's dive deeper into the essential staples and important considerations for optimal care and nutrition!

What Should a Gerbil Diet Consist Of?

Gerbils need a well-balanced diet

Let me tell you, gerbils' diets are super important.

You definitely don't want your adorable little furry friend to get sick, right?

Of course not!

Firstly, gerbils gotta have hay and grass in their meals.

It's like the foundation of their diet.

Helps them grind down those teeth and supports their natural digging behavior.

But that's not all!

You can switch it up with aspen shavings and paper-based bedding.

Trust me when I say they'll go crazy for it.

But hold up, there are some foods you should steer clear of.

I'm talking about cheese, chestnuts, apples, spinach, and berries.

They may taste yummy to you, but these can actually give gerbils a case of diarrhea.

And trust me again when I say this, nobody wants a dehydrated gerbil.

That's just not a good look.

Now, let's talk about the hay situation.

Gerbils absolutely love chomping on hay.

It's completely normal for them, so don't freak out.

Just ensure you give them a well-rounded diet that includes pellets, fresh fruits, veggies, and of course, hay.

You know, the good stuff.

Keep their meals interesting and tasty while also keeping them healthy.

It's all about finding balance, my friend.

Choose the right bedding for your gerbils

So, now that you've got the diet figured out for your gerbils, what about their sleeping arrangements?

Let me tell you, gerbils adore having a cozy spot to sleep, play, and simply chill out.

Who can blame them?

Opt for natural choices when selecting bedding materials.

Stay away from anything that has ink, glue, or plastic.

Trust me, gerbils wouldn't appreciate any of that in their comfy abode.

They deserve better, and deep down, you know it.

Make sure the bedding has a minimum of 6 inches of substrate.

This allows your gerbils to dig and burrow to their heart's content. It's like creating a paradise just for gerbils!

And here's a pro tip for ya:

Clean up any soiled spots in the bedding weekly.

Trust me, doing this will save you a ton of time and keep things smelling fresh.

Oh, and don't forget about completely changing the bedding every 3 to 4 weeks.

Come on, would you want to snooze in a messy bed?

Well, gerbils definitely wouldn't. So give them the clean and cozy environment they truly deserve.

It's only fair.

Keep an eye on your gerbils' health

Now let me tell you something really important about gerbils - they aren't always the best at taking care of themselves.

Sometimes, they need a little extra help from their human friends...like you!

If you notice anything unusual like diarrhea in your gerbils, take it seriously.

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and we definitely don't want that.

So if you see anything out of the ordinary, ensure to consult a veterinarian right away.

Better safe than sorry, my friend.

And let's not forget, a well-balanced diet is the key to keeping your gerbils healthy.

Hay, pellets, fresh fruits, and veggies should all be part of their meals.

Variety is what makes life interesting, even for our little gerbil pals!

So, there you have it - everything you need to know about your gerbils' diet.

Now go out there and be the absolute best gerbil parent you can be.

Your furry little buddies will thank you for it.

But you might be wondering, why is hay so important for gerbils?

Well, let me fill you in on all the amazing benefits it provides for your furry little friends!

The Importance of Hay for Gerbils

Gerbils have teeth that continue to grow, which can be problematic if they become too long and cause dental issues.

However, you can prevent this by incorporating hay into your gerbil's diet. Hay acts like a nail file for their teeth, ensuring they stay at the right length. In fact, hay serves multiple purposes for gerbils. They use it to burrow and create tunnels, as it provides insulation and comfort for their homes.

What's more, hay keeps gerbils entertained and prevents boredom or anxiety.

With hay, they have something to gnaw on and stay mentally stimulated.

But that's not all - hay contains essential nutrients such as fiber, calcium, protein, and fat.

These are crucial for your gerbil's all in all well-being.

Moreover, hay encourages natural foraging behavior and makes mealtime more exciting.

So remember, hay is more than just food for gerbils.

It helps maintain their dental health, serves as nesting material and tunnels, prevents boredom and anxiety, and provides essential nutrients.

Always ensure that hay is available to keep your gerbil happy and healthy.

Now that we understand the importance of hay in a gerbil's diet, let's delve into the different bedding options available.

You ought to choose the right material for your furry friend's habitat to ensure optimal health and comfort.

Hay is just one aspect of their care; another essential consideration is selecting the appropriate bedding that promotes their natural behaviors without causing any harm or discomfort...

Gerbils and Their Compatibility With Straw

Straw may appear similar to hay, but it won't provide gerbils the nutrients they need.

As such, it's not recommended for their diet.

Your yard's grass may seem tempting, but hold off on using it as bedding due to the risk of contamination.

To keep your furry friend safe and healthy, choose a non-toxic, digestible, and dust-free bedding material that encourages tunneling.

Avoid any options that could trigger allergies, irritations, or digestion problems if consumed.

Instead, consider alternatives like hay, aspen shavings, or paper-based bedding.

These will meet your gerbil's bedding needs effectively.

And that's all for today, folks!

You've reached the end of my blog post, so let me ask you something: Did you enjoy it? I dedicated a great deal of time and effort to create informative and comprehensive blog posts. It's a task that brings me joy and satisfaction. Hence, I would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to click on any of the social sharing icons and share this blog post with others. Thank you very much!

Until next time,

-Alex Amber