Are you the proud parent of a furry, four-legged bestie? Then you know that proper gerbil care includes regularly changing their bedding. Gerbils love their privacy and a clean cage, so monitoring their bedding is essential for keeping them happy and healthy.
Changing the gerbils’ bedding doesn’t have to be a chore. Considering the type of bedding, the type of cage, and a few other tips can make the task easy and even fun!
In this article, we’ll discuss why you need to change the bedding, how often you should change your gerbil’s bedding and what are some special circumstances.
Why you have to change the gerbils’ bedding
The bedding helps to keep your small pet warm and provides a cozy home for your gerbil. It also provides them with a soft and comfortable place to burrow and sleep. However, bedding can also quickly become dirty and filled with urine and feces, which can lead to odors and a less-than-pleasant living environment for your gerbil.
That’s why you need to keep on top of cleaning and changing your gerbil’s bedding. Not only will it keep their home smelling fresh, but it will also help prevent any potential health issues caused by dirty living conditions.
So, when it comes to keeping your gerbil happy and healthy, don’t forget about their bedding! A bit of regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way.
If your little pet doesn’t like the bedding, it may start to scratch the cage or chew on the bedding. So using a good quality bedding that your gerbil will enjoy it’s a must.
Types of bedding
When it comes to keeping your gerbil’s cage fresh and clean, one of the most important things to consider is how often to change the bedding. But with so many types of bedding and a variety of gerbil-specific factors to take into account, it can be hard to know just how often you should be making those bedding changes.
Aspen shavings
This type of bedding is made from the wood of the aspen tree and is a popular choice among gerbil owners. It’s absorbent, soft, and dust-free, making it a great option for gerbils with sensitive respiratory systems.
The downside is that it can become saturated quickly and start to smell if you don’t change it often enough.
Paper-based bedding
Next, we have paper-based bedding, such as CareFresh or Yesterday’s News. These types of bedding are made from recycled paper products and are great at controlling odor.
They tend to last longer before they need to be changed, but they are not as soft as aspen shavings.
Fleece bedding
Another option is to use fleece bedding. This is a popular option among gerbil owners because it is soft, washable, and long-lasting. Fleece bedding is also good for gerbils with sensitive respiratory systems.
The downside is that it needs to be washed frequently.
Factors to consider
Apart from the type of bedding you use, there are other factors you need to consider when changing your small pets’ bedding.
Number of gerbils
The first factor is the number of gerbils you have in one cage. Generally, the more gerbils you have, the more often you will need to change the bedding.
Type of habitat
The second factor is the type of habitat your gerbil lives in. If your gerbil is in a large open habitat with plenty of substrates, then you may not need to change it as often. However, if your gerbil is in a smaller habitat with limited substrate, then you may need to change it more often.
Activity level
The third factor is the activity level of your gerbil. Gerbils are active animals, so if they are constantly running around and digging in the bedding, it will need to be changed more often.
Do gerbils need a lot of bedding?
Yes, gerbils need a lot of bedding. While the type of bedding you choose will depend on your personal preference, you’ll have to ensure that the bedding is clean, dry, and dust-free.
General guideline
A general guideline for how often bedding should be changed is at least once a week. This will ensure that your gerbil has a clean and comfortable place to rest and sleep. And spot cleaning should be done daily. This means you should remove any feces, uneaten food, or soiled bedding as soon as you notice it.
Of course, this is just a general guideline and you may need to change the bedding more or less depending on the type of bedding you use, the number of gerbils in the cage, and their habits. For example, if you use aspen shavings, you may need to change them more frequently as they can become saturated quickly and start to smell.
Remember that gerbils are natural burrowers, and they do like to have a place to hide and nest in their cage. In this case, spot cleaning may not be enough, and you may need to change the entire bedding more frequently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best type of bedding for your gerbil and how often you should change it. Generally, bedding should be changed at least once a week and spot cleaning done daily.
However, depending on the type of bedding you use, the number of gerbils in the cage, and their activity level, you may need to change it more or less frequently. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that your gerbil has a clean and comfortable place to rest and sleep!
