Gerbils chewing on ramps?

Question

I used to have my 3 gerbils living in a 10 gallon aquarium, then i was told that's too small for 3 gerbils to be living in. But I didn't know what to do, because I really can't go any bigger than a 10 gal. I can only go taller. So, then I found a tank topper. I've had it for about a month or so now, but the problem is it's plastic. It has wire walls but the levels and ramsp to get to the levels are plastic. Anyway, now my gerbils are chewing on the bottom ramp that leads to the second level. They aren't eating it, because I see the bits of purple around the area. So, I know they are just chewing it. But it's getting to the point where the ramp is a whole lot shorter than it used to be and i'm scared eventually they won't even be able to get to the upper levels. I guess I should have seen this coming since it was plastic, but i didn't even think about it! If I tell my mom, i know she's gonna be pissed! what do i do?

Answer 1

dont bother buying a plastic or wire cage the gerbs need a 10 gal glass aquarium with solid wire top careful where you mount a water bottle they will try to climb out. They can be smart.

Answer 2

Gerbils chew on EVERYTHING. don't be alarmed

Answer 3

Don't worry, they can climb on the bars, my hamster never even used her ramp, and they are chewing on it because they need to shorten there teeth. Try a wood block from a pet store or meijers, they cost no more than 2 dollars or less.

Answer 4

Just tell your mom the truth. Chewing is what gerbils do. You can't stop them from chewing.

I would recommend you look at these toppers. They're all wire.

http://www.petco.com/product/10806/Small...

http://www.sofunpetproducts.com/page/pag...

I, myself, have a topper from the second link. I just put a piece of cardboard (on the second level) and a grass mat (under the second level) in the topper to give my gerbils a solid place to sit.

Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection of the feet in small animals and birds. It can be caused by living on wire, genetics, or unsanitary living conditions.

I've never had a problem with any type of infection in my gerbils in the almost 6 months that I've had them.

If it really gets to the point that they can no longer get on the ramp, you can try making your own. There are also bendable wooden sticks you can get at the pet store, like this.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js...

Answer 5

they sell small wooden sticks at any pet store

i would suggest purchasing those, they may stop chewing on the plastic ramps and start chewing on the sticks that were actually made for chewing

i had the same problem

hope this helps! (:

Answer 6

Um its a bad bacterial infection they can get. Im not sure what to do about the ramp. maybe just save up some money and make room for a larger cage and sell your old one to get a little money back. If you live in So Cal Im giving away my snakes old cage....made of glass...screen top with a lock. about a foot and a half long and a foot tall and a foot wide...lol I think.