Gerbil Gnawing material in the Gerbil Webshop
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Gerbils have a natural need to gnaw. This is because Gerbils are rodents and have continuously growing incisors. It is therefore necessary for Gerbils to have something to gnaw on to wear down their teeth. If Gerbils have too little opportunity to wear down their teeth, the teeth may become too long or grow crooked, with all the consequences that entails.
Rodents use rodent wood to wear down their teeth. Because rodents' teeth are always growing, they need to be gnawed regularly so that they do not become too long and grow crooked.
Do Gerbils gnaw a lot?
With many rodents you see a difference in gnawing activity, which is actually not the case with Gerbils. These animals really love to gnaw and can therefore sometimes gnaw on parts, which the owner is not very happy with. Because Gerbils are really good at gnawing, it is important that their enclosure is equipped for this. Plastic edges will be gnawed away in no time. It is therefore wise to focus Gerbils' attention on the right gnawing material. Safe gnawing wood from willow, birch, lime, apple, etc. is ideal to give. The variation in thickness and structure is also great fun for the animals!
How fast do rodents and rabbits grow teeth?
Mice : About 0.3 millimeters per day
Hamsters : About 0.3 millimeters per day
Gerbils : About 0.4 millimeters per day
Rats : About 0.5 millimeters per day
Guinea pigs : About 2 to 3 millimeters per week
Rabbits : About 2 to 3 millimeters per week
Chinchillas : About 1.5 millimeters per week
Degus : About 1.5 millimeters per week
What do a Gerbil's teeth look like?
Let's look at the Gerbil from the dentist's chair, then we can note the following about the teeth:
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Incisors (front teeth): Gerbils have two large, curved incisors on the top and two on the bottom. These incisors grow continuously throughout their lives as they wear down from gnawing on food and other objects. The incisors are sharp and are used to cut and gnaw food.
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Molars: Behind the incisors are the gerbil's molars. They have small, sharp molars in the upper and lower jaws. The molars are used to grind and grind food. Gerbils' molars also grow continuously to compensate for wear and tear.
Which gnawing material is suitable for Gerbils?
For Gerbils we recommend safe gnawing material such as gnawing wood or gnawing stones made from natural materials such as loam or corn. The old-fashioned limestones are not suitable for Gerbils because they contain too many minerals that can deposit in the bladder and kidneys. Gnawing stones enriched with sugar are also not suitable for Gerbils. The purpose of a gnawing stone is to wear down the teeth. The animal should start gnawing on gnawing material if it feels the need to gnaw and not because it is tasty because of the taste. Of course, a gnawing stick can also be given as a change, but that is more of a snack than gnawing material.
Which types of wood are suitable for Gerbils?
Gnawing wood is the healthiest and natural choice for Gerbils, but not all types of wood are suitable for these animals. The following types of wood can be used safely.
- Untreated fruit tree wood: Apple, pear, cherry and birch wood are safe choices
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Untreated Willow Wood: Willow wood is a popular choice for gnawing material for rodents, including gerbils. They often enjoy gnawing on willow branches
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Untreated Hazelnut Wood: Hazelnut branches can also serve as safe gnawing material for gerbils
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Untreated Basswood: Is very popular with Gerbils
- Untreated Beech wood: Is sturdy and durable, making it a good choice as a gnawing material for gerbils. It provides resistance to the gerbils' gnawing, allowing them to wear down their teeth effectively.
It is not wise to take these types of wood from nature yourself. The wood used in our products is grown in our own orchards and cleaned so that it is suitable for animal consumption.
An Overview of Our Gnawing Wood Varieties
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Linde: Loved for its soft texture and taste, Linde provides a pleasant chewing experience for Gerbils. Linden wood is known for its soft and light texture. It offers a mild gnawing sensation, making it suitable for all Gerbils who like softer materials. Basswood has a light and mild flavor, making it attractive to animals without a strong preference.
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Willow: With its crispy bark and juicy interior, Willow is a favorite choice for Gerbils that enjoy active gnawing. Willow wood has a crispy bark and a soft core. It provides a varied texture that the animals can appreciate. Willow wood has a natural and light taste, which makes it attractive to gnawing Gerbils.
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Hazelnut: Hazelnut gnawing wood combines strength with flavor, making it a sustainable and tasty choice for your gnawing friends. Hazelnut wood has a firm texture. It offers good resistance for Gerbils that like to actively gnaw. Hazelnut wood has a characteristic taste that Gerbils can appreciate.
- Apple: Apple wood is a popular choice as a gnawing material for Gerbils. Applewood generally has a medium texture. It offers satisfactory resistance to gnawing, which is ideal for animals that like to actively grind their teeth. In addition, apple wood has a mild and pleasant taste. This subtle flavor can arouse Gerbils' curiosity, causing them to enjoy gnawing on the wood.
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Birch: Birch's light and airy character makes it a versatile choice, perfect for Gerbils with different gnawing preferences. Birch wood has a light and airy texture. It is suitable for animals that prefer slightly less dense materials. Birch wood has a mild flavor, making it a versatile choice for different Gerbils.
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Beech: With its sturdy structure, Beech offers a long-lasting chewing challenge for Gerbils that like to be challenged. Beech wood has a sturdy and durable texture. It offers long-lasting gnawing pleasure and is suitable for animals that like a challenge. Beech wood has a neutral taste, which makes it attractive to animals without a clear preference.
- Coffeewood : Coffeewood, made from coffee plants and generally has a soft and smooth texture which is very interesting for Gerbils. The taste of Coffeewood is a natural, earthy taste. Gerbils can certainly appreciate this taste while gnawing. Coffeewood is also known for its durability, it lasts a long time as a chewing material.
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Wood and Branches of Herbs: For animals that like a tasty variety, wood and branches of herbs offer a combination of gnawing pleasure and aroma.
How do you use gnawing wood for gerbils?
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Placement in the enclosure: Simply place the gnawing wood in your animals' enclosure. They will instinctively nibble on it when the need to gnaw arises.
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Durability: Gnawing wood lasts a long time and does not need to be replaced every time the enclosure is cleaned. Only wet gnawing wood must be removed to prevent mold formation.
Gnawing wood from the garden or picking outside?
We strongly advise against picking wood from the garden or outside. Our gnawing wood is harvested and cleaned under protected conditions, making it free from possible parasites and contaminants that can occur in nature. Using our carefully selected gnawing wood ensures a safe and healthy gnawing experience for your animals.
Order Now and Let Your Gerbils Enjoy Natural Gnawing Pleasure!
Give your Gerbils the gifts of nature with our diverse range of gnawing wood. Order today and watch your Gerbils enjoy the gnawing adventure!
Can gnawing material prevent problem behavior in Gerbils?
Gerbils really like to chew and they do that on everything. However, providing sufficient gnawing material can prevent problem behavior. If the animals can happily gnaw on chewing material, they are more likely to leave other parts of the enclosure alone. Gnawing wood fulfills the following functions:
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Teeth Wear: Rodents, including gerbils, have continuously growing teeth. By gnawing on wood, they can keep their teeth at the correct length and prevent excessive tooth growth. This reduces the risk of dental problems, such as overly long teeth or crooked teeth, which can cause pain and discomfort.
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Stress Reduction: Gnawing activity helps rodents burn off excess energy and reduce stress. It gives them something to do and a distraction, making them less likely to get bored and less likely to engage in destructive behavior, such as gnawing on cage parts or themselves.
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Enrichment: Offering gnawing wood in the gerbils' enclosure provides enrichment and stimulation. It allows them to satisfy their natural gnawing instincts and explore their environment. This helps to promote the mental health of gerbils and provide them with an active and challenging living environment.
It is important to provide sufficient gnawing material in the form of safe wood, such as beech wood, lime wood, willow wood, etc. This allows gerbils to fulfill their gnawing needs and reduces the risk of problem behavior.
What are the symptoms of dental problems in Gerbils?
Dental problems can manifest themselves in different ways in gerbils and therefore show different symptoms. It is very important to perform a periodic health check on the animals and recognize these symptoms so that you can intervene quickly. Some symptoms of dental problems in gerbils include:
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Decreased appetite: If a gerbil has problems with his teeth, he may have difficulty eating. He may eat less food or be more selective about what he eats. This can lead to weight loss and general weakness.
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Changed chewing behavior: Watch for changes in your gerbil's chewing behavior. If he chews on one side of his mouth, drops food from his mouth, or constantly moves his mouth as if he is in pain, this could indicate dental problems.
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Excessive salivation: Dental problems can cause excessive salivation in gerbils. If you notice that the fur around your gerbil's mouth is damp or sticky, this could indicate salivation problems due to dental problems.
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Changes in tooth length: In healthy gerbils, the upper and lower incisors should meet and wear properly. If you notice that your gerbil's teeth are growing too long or crooked, this could indicate dental problems.
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Decreased activity or lethargy: Gerbils with dental problems may feel less active and may show signs of lethargy. They may withdraw from normal activities and show less interest in their environment.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your gerbil, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian with experience with rodents as soon as possible. Dental problems in gerbils can be painful and can affect your gerbil's health and well-being, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
What to do with dental problems in Gerbils?
If you notice that a gerbil's incisors are growing too long or if the gerbil has problems with eating or chewing, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. A veterinarian can check the gerbil's teeth and shorten the teeth if necessary to maintain the gerbil's health and well-being.