Happy Thrifty Gerbils

Gerbils are desert animals and love sand.

I bought some Critter Bath sand from the pet store. It cost about $6.00 for 15 oz. I calculated that I was paying $12.00 per month for bath sand - way too expensive.

Then I read an article that said children's play sand is just as good for gerbils. So, I went to Home Depot and bought a 50 lb. bag of Play Sand for $2.95!!! That's enough sand for a whole year! I put 2 cups of sand in a shallow bowl and left it in their aquarium. They loved it! They dig in it, roll in it, use it as a bath and litter box.

I also save by collecting toilet paper roll tubes at work. Gerbils love to chew on cardboard and run in little tubes. I put a small collection box for cardboard tubes, with a picture of my gerbils, at the office. The janitor has been very helpful leaving up to 20 tubes a week at my desk. Everyone thinks the gerbils are cute and some co-workers have even brought rolls from home.

For people thinking about getting gerbils - be aware that they are chewers and gnawers. When buying them a place to live, skip over the wire cages and fancy colorful plastic homes. They will get destroyed! Always put gerbils in glass aquariums or terrariums. They last much longer and are a better investment.