Once the pet knows that there is hay for it, it will nibble at it when it will feel like munching. Straw does not provide any nutritional value to gerbils and is not as soft or comfortable for them as hay. While all these hay types are suitable for gerbils, Timothy hay is the best option. It is important to choose hay that is high-quality and free from dust and mold. In conclusion, oat hay can be a great addition to your gerbils diet but should only be given in moderation due to its potential drawbacks. When looking for some in a pet store, make sure its free from dust and mold and looks green and fresh. Other Gerbil Species. Every 3 to 4 weeks, completely change the bedding. Their home should be safe, roomy, comfortable and interesting. A gerbils digestive system is designed to process hay and other plant-based food sources. Its found in many commercial gerbil food mixes, providing the nutrients gerbils need to stay healthy. They really love the loose stuff mostly but do have a go at the cubes once in a . Gerbils enjoy eating Timothy, meadow, alfalfa, and orchard hay. Should Gerbils Have Hay? Alfalfa hay is another popular choice as it contains more calcium than other types of hay and can help prevent urinary tract infections in gerbils. When selecting the best type of hay for your gerbil, look for one that is fresh-smelling with no mold or mildew present. What Do Gerbils Eat? Complete Guide To The Gerbil Diet - Misfit Animals Meadow hay may contain higher levels of calcium than other types of grass hay. Bedding is essential for gerbils as it helps protect them from injuries and diseases. You should make sure that the hay is fresh and free from mold or other contaminants. Your gerbil will nibble on it throughout the day and use it to burrow and sleep under. Substrate, sand and . Instead, purchase gerbil-safe hay from a pet store and put it into your pets enclosure as its sold. Hay is an important part of the gerbil diet, as it is high in fiber and helps to keep the digestive system running efficiently. What Kind of Hay Do Gerbils Eat? Gerbil Welfare Alfalfa is great hay for young guinea pigs and pregnant mother piggies. Gerbils, like all rodents, have front teeth (incisors) that never stop growing. Can Gerbils Eat Hay? ( Best Types + Benefits!) Oat hay is high in fiber and protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals for gerbils. Gerbils are small, social rodents that make delightful pets. But this is not an advised method to feed the gerbils. Timothy hay is great for the gerbils. As it is nutritious and a good energy source, you may want to feed meat to your gerbil. They dont require a lot of care, but they do need hay for their diet. When it comes to nutritional value, hay is superior to other food sources such as pellets or seeds. So when keeping them at home you should also find something as easy and interesting for the pets, like hay. Gerbils like to chew on hay as this will help to sharpen their teeth. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_16',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-narrow-sky-2-0');Orchard hay is often mentioned as another option. Timothy hay contains healthy fats and proteins. Sometimes their stomach gets upset and their digestive system gets disturbed. Insects like mealworms are a great source of protein as well. Thats why well explore some of the best types of hay for gerbils. The potential drawbacks of using Timothy hay as bedding are that it can be more expensive than other types of bedding materials. If your gerbil is only eating hay, then its probably time to look at their overall diet. So, you might be wondering whether its safe to feed gerbils apple. Specifically, fiber is essential for keeping the digestive system healthy by encouraging it to work hard. Meadow hay provides a good balance of nutrients while orchard hay is low in calcium but rich in antioxidants which can help boost immunity. PDF Gerbil Care Sheet - Small Angels Rescue Can Gerbils Eat Insects | Find Out Here | All Animals Guide Yes, alfalfa hay is good option for the gerbils. Make sure to clean out the cage regularly and replace the bedding with fresh material every few weeks. Overall, hay is an excellent choice for gerbil bedding because it provides them with a safe and comfortable environment. Its important to note that oat hay should only be given to gerbils in moderation since it can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities. Gerbils can have straws, but it is not the best option for them. Their little tummy would be full of hay and they would not be able to eat more nutritious foods. How do you prepare hay for giving to the gerbils? Can Cows Eat Alfalfa? Facts & FAQ | Pet Keen If I don't limit how much I put in their cage every day, they could chew a whole bag in a day. Do They Like Them? There is a little amount of healthy fat and protein which will be necessary for the health of your pet gerbil. Guide Gerbils Housing Gerbils Should Gerbils Have Hay? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-box-4','ezslot_4',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-box-4-0'); Were going to dig into why gerbils dont need hay but how they can benefit from it. Hay has more uses than being a nutritious food source. Also getting Meadow hay is a great pocket-friendly option for gerbil owners. You can also find Timothy Hay at local feed stores, as well as large retail stores like Walmart and Target. A weekly handful of hay will benefit your gerbil nutritionally, so its fine to feed it in moderation. {How To Reduce}. Amazon.com : Andy Alfalfa Hay, Premium Guinea Pig, Chinchilla, Gerbil Gerbils must be able to dig through their substrate, so mix hay with aspen shavings and paper-based bedding to enable them to carry out this natural behavior. It is high in fiber and low in protein, which helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. What Other Fruits Can You Feed Them? . As mentioned, hay has a fibrous texture. Your gerbils will be spending a majority of their time in their habitat, so it should provide as much floor space as possible. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',111,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-111{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Adding Timothy hay to your gerbil's food mix is a great way to provide them with the fiber they need and keep their digestive system running smoothly. It provides essential vitamins and minerals that are important for their overall health. No. Do Gerbils Hide Their Food: How Long Can They Go without It? Required fields are marked *. To boost the absorbency of the hay, you can place paper without ink underneath it. alfalfa hay | The Gerbil Forum - ProBoards However, with so many hay varieties, it can be hard to know which ones are safe. It is also a cost-effective way to feed animals, as it can be stored for extended periods of time without losing its nutritional value. Oat hay does contain slightly higher levels of sugar than timothy hay which may not be ideal for some gerbils with sensitive digestive systems. They can have timothy hay as we have already mentioned. ", "Can gerbils eat hay?" Can gerbils have hay as bedding? Breeding, Pups, and Sexing Gerbils. Explained! You can supplement your gerbil's diet with puffed wheat, dried bananas, unsalted peanuts, unsalted sunflower seeds, dried kidney beans, dried lima beans, dried lentils, dried black-eyed peas and alfalfa hay. If they eat too much hay then along with having a filled tummy, they could also suffer from diarrhea. This will help prevent pests from getting into the hay and contaminating it. Hay is low in protein and high in fiber. Some hay such as alfalfa has calcium in it which is good for your gerbil, but only when eaten in small portions. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The tooth grows from the bottom, and gerbils naturally grind it from the top as they eat. Another advantage of using hay as bedding is that it can be mixed with other materials such as aspen shavings or paper-based bedding to create the perfect environment for your pet. Colours and Genetics. For example, while fruits and vegetables are nutritious for gerbils, they also contain sugar which can be unhealthy in large amounts. As we have already mentioned that if you get the hay from the back yard then it would not be ideal for the gerbils to have it, as it may lead them to consume some chemicals along with the hay. Continue with Recommended Cookies. By providing them with hay you will encourage their natural eating habit. They had plenty of practice doing so in sandy environments, so it is as natural to them as breathing. Is commercial hay required by the gerbils? Hay is a great option for gerbils because it is all-natural and simple for them to burrow through. Other types of hay available for purchase include orchard hay, alfalfa hay, and oat hay. A handful of fresh Timothy hay should be enough for most gerbils per day. Alfalfa Hay. Also, the ever-increasing incisor tooth of the gerbils needs something to chew always which will keep the growth in check. It tends to be cheaper than other types of hay, so it makes a good bedding material. Timothy hay is a popular choice among pet owners because it has a sweet smell and is low in calcium which can help prevent bladder stones from forming in gerbils. One reason could be it has some sort of dental disease. It is also great for foraging and nesting, which can help keep your gerbil entertained. Alfalfa hay is a popular forage for rabbits and other small animals. Not all hay is safe for gerbils to nibble on. It also aids in the proper functioning of their digestive system. Hay is a great source of fiber, which helps keep the digestive system running efficiently. Can Gerbils Eat Kale? As it contains too much of such nutrients, giving a high amount of alfalfa hay can be problematic for the gerbils health. So you need to offer them something which is not toxic, will not add many calories, and along with that this small creature can have in huge amounts. If you watch gerbils interact with hay, you will see that they spend most of their time chewing it into smaller bits.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Consider the following for your gerbil to chew: When picking paper products, avoid those with ink, and avoid wood products that contain glue (like corrugated cardboard or particleboard). Can Gerbils Eat Hay | Find Out Here | All Animals Guide Hay is part of their natural diet. Hay makes the perfect bedding for your gerbil because it is easy to dig through which is what they love doing. Timothy hay is high in fiber which helps to keep the intestines working properly and prevents constipation. Gerbils naturally eat seeds of various grasses, bulbs and a range of leaves and herbs. Can You Use Hay In A Gerbil Cage? - Caniry You might see your gerbil chew the hay, but do gerbils eat hay? Heres a look at the benefits of using hay as bedding for gerbils and some tips on how to use it effectively. What Kind of Hay Do Gerbils Eat? Explained! - spicyanimals.com They will chew on hay as a way to sharpen their teeth. To ensure your gerbil stays healthy and happy, make sure to give them access to fresh hay, pellets, vegetables, and water. Last updated: May 26 2023 Alfalfa is considered to be great food for many cows. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Gerbils rarely drink water, so diarrhea depletes their bodies of essential fluids. Gerbils need hay as part of their diet to stay healthy and happy. As mentioned, hay has a fibrous texture. If you're looking to purchase Timothy Hay for your gerbil, there are a variety of places to purchase it. Hay contains vital vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber which helps to maintain digestive health while providing enrichment to prevent boredom. I have a story to tell about it in another informative gerbil article. I give mine a handful of alfalfa hay when I clean them out, plus they have those compressed cubes of it to chew in their tank the whole time. Hay is an excellent choice for bedding in a gerbil cage. Hay has a softer texture that makes it more comfortable for gerbils to burrow in and provides them with some nutritional value. A combination of hay, aspen shavings, and paper-based bedding will provide your pet with plenty of insulation and cushioning while also allowing them to dig tunnels and build nests. While captive gerbils primarily eat high-quality dry food, adding fresh greens to their diet is a good way to provide them with additional vitamins and minerals., Gerbils enjoy eating berries because they're sweet and tasty. When comparing the nutritional values of alfalfa hay versus other types of hay, its important to note that alfalfa hay contains more calcium than other types. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Gerbils love eating oat hay because it contains immature seed heads. Hay is soft and is easy for the gerbil to dig holes through, it also mimics what they would nest in the wild. Skip to content Skip to footer. This Timothy hay from Kaytee Natural is a highly rated 2nd cutting. We want to provide you with all the information for your furry little pals! Gerbils do not need hay for food. It can also be used as bedding for your pet to provide them with comfort and insulation. Nuts are high in fat so should be given sparingly. Ideally, you want to provide them timothy or meadow grass over alfalfa hay. Timothy hay is the most popular type of hay for gerbils because it has a high fiber content and is easy to digest. These Exotic Pets Eat Hay - The Spruce Pets It provides a change of texture for gerbils to explore and enjoy, so feed it alongside other hay varieties to provide maximum mental stimulation. 5. Hay, aspen shavings, and paper-based bedding such as Kaytee Clean & Cozy, and Megazorb are all popular options for gerbil bedding. Hay is a much better option because it provides some nutritional value and is softer and more natural for your pet gerbil. Because gerbils can burrow underneath the hay, it makes an ideal addition to whatever bedding you use. Oat hay is a popular type of hay that is often fed to small animals such as gerbils. Hay and grass is a staple food for gerbils. Orchard hay is a type of grass hay that is safe for gerbils to consume. Nuts and seeds offer protein and healthy fats for energy. Yes. Ger. When describing a gerbils diet, Susan Brown, DVM, writes that you should leave a small amount of grass hay in the cage.. This hay is high in fiber, low in sugar and calories, and helps keep your gerbil's digestive system healthy. Gerbils are naturally friendly and curious - ddfl.org It also has a sweet aroma that can stimulate your pets appetite and encourage them to eat more hay. Can gerbils eat banana? When it comes to bedding for gerbils, hay is an excellent option. Overall, when selecting the right kind of hay for your gerbil, its important to consider their dietary needs as well as the quality of the product you are buying. Even oat hay and botanical hay is good for the gerbils. Other Gerbil Boards. Not only that, but its a source of natural fiber and helps aid digestion. Each type has its own unique nutritional benefits and can provide essential vitamins and minerals that help keep your gerbil healthy. Meadow hay is a type of grass hay that can be beneficial for gerbils. Do you have a gerbil at home and want to make sure they're getting the best nutrition? It contains several different types of grasses, flower and seed heads, and plants, which provide a mentally enriching experience for your gerbil every time it nibbles on it. Timothy hay is a type of grass that is dried and used as bedding or food for small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, and gerbils. Adding items such as cardboard tubes or chew toys can give your gerbil something fun to play with while they are in their cage. The fiber content of hay will worsen the health condition of the pet. You can also find Timothy Hay at local feed stores, as well as large retail stores like Walmart and Target. They will be both physically and mentally satisfied and thus you would be able to get a healthy and happy pet gerbil. If you are researching which substitute to use for bedding in your gerbil cage you might be thinking, can you use hay in a gerbil cage? They enjoy burrowing and exploring their environment, so its important to provide them with plenty of hay to keep them healthy and happy. Overall, Timothy hay is an excellent option for providing your gerbil with a comfortable and natural environment to live in. Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is often included in human diets due to its Gerbils are popular pets and certainly one of the cutest small animals out there. It can even exceed a cow's nutritional needs. Alfalfa hay can be fed to small pets (in accordance with your veterinarian). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'shrewdnia_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shrewdnia_com-leader-3-0');It is safe for gerbils to consume hay, as long as it is grass hay, such as Western Timothy, Orchard Grass, Oat Hay, Botanica More l Hay and other all-natural, farm-fresh grass hays. Hay can be stored in cool places and used for a long time. . Dont overfeed your gerbil hay, as it can cause diarrhea. Gerbils are omnivores, meaning they need a balanced diet of both plant and animal-based foods to stay healthy. Gerbils enjoy eating Timothy, meadow, alfalfa, and orchard hay. Hay contains essential vitamins and minerals that can help support a gerbils immune system and overall health. In addition to hay, gerbils need a diet of fresh vegetables and small amounts of protein. Its a fair question since not all animals have the same. Chewing on hay also helps keep their minds stimulated which can help reduce boredom and stress levels. However, that doesn't mean that you should. Our alfalfa hay is high in calories and nutrients for young & growing small pets. But what kind of hay is safe for gerbils? What to Feed Your Gerbil: Can They Eat Pasta? The woodchips would be ideal when the gerbils would try to make a nest on the bedding. Meadow hay may contain more weeds and seeds than other types of hay which can lead to digestive issues if ingested by your pet. Hay is an excellent option for gerbil bedding because it mimics the environment they would have in their natural habitat. If your gerbil is not chewing on hay or other chewy items, then you need to investigate why. What bedding to avoid for gerbils? It will not be toxic for the gerbils to have alfalfa hay. Gerbils love to chew something for the whole day and timothy hay is an ideal product for them. f youve recently expanded your family by adding a sweet and tiny gerbil to it, you might feel a little confused as to how you, Gerbils belong to the rodent family and are pretty intuitive animals. Usually, the package is dusty free so it will not be fussy or cause a respiratory problem for the gerbils. Hay for Gerbils, Hamsters and Mice - Small Pet Select U.S. Yes. Alfalfa Hay. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shrewdnia_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-2-multi-110{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}If you're looking to purchase Timothy Hay for your gerbil, there are a variety of places to purchase it. Oxbow Animal Health Western Timothy Hay and Small Pet Select are both excellent choices. Some people may have allergies to handling oat hay so its important to wear gloves when handling it or feeding it to your pet. Give your gerbil a minimum of 6 inches of substrate, and spot-clean it once each week. }. It tends to be more expensive than other types of hay due to its higher quality and nutritional value. Though the bedding should not only consist of hay, rather it should be a mix of woodchips and hay. Prices for various sources of protein are somewhat . Although they dont need hay, it does provide several benefits. . Overall, adding Timothy hay to your gerbil's food mix is a great way to ensure that they are getting the nutrition they need and staying healthy and active.
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