Does my Gerbil chew on plastic? Is it harmful? Is it a good idea to stop my gerbil from chewing plastic? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then read on to learn how to stop your gerbil from chewing plastic.
There are several ways to stop your gerbil from chewing plastic. Here are a few tips.
Why are my gerbils chewing on plastic?
If you’ve ever come home to find your gerbils have been chewing on plastic, you may be wondering why they’re doing it. After all, it’s not exactly the most appetizing material! However, there are actually a few reasons why gerbils like to chew on plastic.
For one thing, it’s instinctual for gerbils to chew on things in their environment. This is because they need to keep their teeth from getting too long. Plastic is hard enough to do this, but soft enough that they won’t hurt themselves while biting it.
Another reason gerbils chew on plastic is because it’s simply fun! It’s flexible and easy to chew, so it makes for a great toy. Plus, it’s usually brightly colored, which can be exciting for them.
Do gerbils eat the plastic?
Usually, gerbils don’t swallow the plastic they’re chewing on. They understand it’s not food and it’s unusual for them to eat it intentionally. However, if it’s small enough, they might accidentally ingest it. This isn’t harmful in small quantities, but it can cause digestive issues if they eat too much of it.
So if you find your gerbil chewing on plastic, don’t worry – it’s just their natural instinct at work. If you’re concerned about them damaging their teeth, you can provide them with some hard cardboard or wooden toys to chew on instead.
Are gerbils chewing on the plastic cages?
Plastic cages aren’t always ideal for gerbils because they can chew through plastic, which can be dangerous. If you have a plastic cage, make sure it’s sturdy and that there aren’t any pieces your gerbil can chew off and ingest. You may also want to consider switching to a different type of cage, like glass or metal.
Many gerbil owners have made the same mistake of buying a cheap cage that is a mix of plastic and wire. These cages often have plastic edges that stick out, and gerbils will gnaw at them. Not only is this harmful to your gerbils, but it can also be very noisy!
If you’re looking for a new cage for your gerbils, be sure to get one that is all wire. This will save you money in the long run and provide a better home for your furry friends.
Gerbils chewing on their food bowls
As any gerbil owner knows, these little animals love to chew on things. Their food bowls, cages, and even their litter boxes are all fair game. While this may not seem like a big deal at first, it can actually be quite dangerous for your gerbil.
Plastic items can break easily and sharp edges can injure your pet. Wood, on the other hand, is much safer for chewing. So, if you see your gerbil starting to gnaw on his food bowl, it’s time to invest in a wooden version. Not only is it better for your pet, but it will also prevent some problems in the future.
How to stop gerbils from chewing on plastic
It can be difficult to stop a gerbil from chewing plastic, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few things you can do to deter your pet from this harmful behavior.
Provide plenty of toys
One way to stop your gerbil from chewing plastic is to provide it with plenty of toys. This will give him something else to focus his attention on. Look for toys that are made of wood or another safe material.
Give him a chew toy
You can also give your gerbil a chew toy to help him relieve his urge to chew. This should be made of a safe material, like wood or paper.
Trim his teeth regularly
Another way to stop your gerbil from chewing plastic is to trim his teeth regularly. This will help keep his teeth at a healthy length and prevent him from needing to chew on hard objects to file them down.
Reduce the exposure to plastic
If you can, try to reduce your gerbil’s exposure to plastic. This may mean switching to a wooden cage or removing any plastic toys from his enclosure.
With a little effort, you can stop your gerbil from chewing plastic. Just be patient and provide him with plenty of safe alternatives to chew on.
Foods that gerbils can chew on
For healthy, balanced nutrition, your gerbil needs to eat plenty of protein and fibre. It should also eat a mix of vitamins and minerals. Nuggets, fresh fruit, and feeding hay are all good sources of nutrition for gerbils. Here are some other great foods to serve your gerbil that are also perfect for chewing on:
- Seeds
- Hay pellets
- Nuts
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
Some gerbil mixes also contain dried fruits and vegetables, which are a great source of fibre and your gerbil can gnaw on.
When it comes to food, most of the food mixes contain ingredients ideal for chewing and gnawing, so you can give your gerbil a variety of options. Just be sure to avoid sugary and processed foods, as these can be harmful to your pet.
Safer alternatives for gerbils to chew
If your gerbil loves to chew plastic, consider using other materials for its toys. Toilet paper rolls and cardboard boxes are good options as they are made from recycled materials and are not as soft as plastic.
Popsicle sticks
Popsicle sticks are a great alternative for gerbils to chew. You can even put them in the freezer for a few minutes to help numb your gerbil’s teeth.
Cardboard
Cardboard is another great alternative for gerbils to chew on. Just be sure to avoid any that are treated with chemicals.
Paper towel rolls
Paper towel rolls are another safe alternative for gerbils to chew. Just be sure to remove any plastic or metal before giving it to your pet.
Wood
Wood is the best material for gerbils to chew on. It is strong and will not break easily. You can find wooden toys and blocks at most pet stores.
Branch and stick chew toys for gerbils
You can also find branch and stick toys specifically made for gerbils. These are usually made from natural materials like willow or apple wood.
Conclusion
Gerbils love to chew, and it’s important to provide them with safe things to chew on. Plastic can be dangerous for your gerbil, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. There are plenty of other great options for your gerbil to chew on, like seeds, hay pellets, nuts, carrots, and pumpkin. Just be sure to avoid sugary and processed foods. With a little effort, you can keep your gerbil healthy and happy.
