> Another question I had is when are the pups old enough to run a wheel with an adult
>gerbil in the acquarium? I don't want them to be injured.
Mine get a wheel beginning 4-5 weeks old, but under
supervison only. I hover over the tank and when the adult
gets on the wheel along with a pup, I put my hand on it
preventing it from moving. Gives them a chance to figure
out what it's all about without getting hurt. Once they get
about 6 weeks old (maybe sooner) they can hold their own and
don't need me watching out for them.
> Also what is the best wheel to get? I had a plastic safari wheel but they chewed it
>up, I know a wire wheel isn't safe because there tails can get caught, but what is
>left? It has to be able to attach to the side of the acquarium.
>
> Thanks
>
> Cindi
Wire wheels can be made safe by wrapping brown paper around
the rungs so feet don't slide through, and ensuring there is
a space between the strut and the axle, so tails don't get
caught. You have to replace the paper every so often, but
it's not that big a chore. See
http://thesanctuary.tripod.com/wheels.html. If the stand
isn't the type that will hang over the side, or if it
doesn't have the necessary space, you can discard the
stand. I use florist wire, duct tape, and beads to hang
them safely. I'll try to get a picture of one I have fixed
up like that tomorrow when I'm playing with my camera. :)
I have never yet had an injury with these precautions.
--
Tana and The Little Rascals
http://thesanctuary.tripod.com
http://gerbils.freehosting.net
http://www.geocities.com/tinypaws68/
