Gerbil Gnawing material in the Gerbil Webshop

You can buy Gerbil rodent material easily and quickly at DRD ^{Knaagdierwinkel®} The Gerbil Webshop for your Gerbils!

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!

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

1. Untreated fruit tree wood: Apple, pear, cherry and birch wood are safe choices

2. Untreated Willow Wood: Willow wood is a popular choice for gnawing material for rodents, including gerbils. They often enjoy gnawing on willow branches

3. Untreated Hazelnut Wood: Hazelnut branches can also serve as safe gnawing material for gerbils

4. Untreated Basswood: Is very popular with Gerbils

5. 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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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?