Fresh branches from one of your trees is good. Bake it in the oven at 300
for 30 minutes and allow it to cool before putting it in your cage. Don't
use wood from any of the prunus species (apricot, peach, plum) because they
have arsenic content and it would not be good for them to chew. Also stay
away from figs or other known poisonous plants like oleanders or thevetia.
(Anything that exudes a white milky sap when cut should raise a major
caution flag.) I would also stay away from cedar and pine because we know
that bedding made from these trees may lead to respiratory problems, though
I have not read of problems from the wood.
It is always better to check on the safety of the wood BEFORE you put it in
their house. Ask your vet or contact the nearest university co-operative
extension office for safety first if you are unsure.
Also, wooden toys for children SHOULD be safe. The government has pretty
strict guidelines for manufacturers of toys for toddlers in the US, i.e. no
lead based paints, etc., so look around the toy section for ideas and be
creative. (tinker toys, Lincoln logs,...)
If you are handy with a drill, you might consider drilling through some
whole Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans and running a clean wire
clothes hanger though them. (I stay away from almonds simply because they
can be grafted to a peach tree and therefore suspect in my mind for arsenic
content in the shell...over-protective, I suppose, since I do not remember
reading anything to prove that they are dangerous.) I have done this for my
Lovebirds because their cage is large enough for this and they like it, but
I don't have room enough for this in the gerb tank. Use a vise to hold the
nut when you drill, NOT your fingers. I speak from experience.
Wounded-fingerly,
Juanita
-----Original Message-----
From: Gerbil Discussion List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf
Of Latasha Moody
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2000 9:42 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: :C Getting bigger cage and need some ideas
I am getting a bigger cage and need some ideas on how
to furnish it ? How do you make a bridge so they will
have a little more room ? My gerbils LOVE climbing but
right now there cage is a bit to small for that. But I
want to make there new home fun as possible !
-Tasha
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