Bedding is better otherwise the sad will get in their eyes. Sand should only be used in a sand bath so they can clean themselves.
It's not recommended because gerbils love to burrow and it gets in their eyes they should have wood shavings that are not pine or cedar as they cause respiratory problems and not sawdust because it gets in their eyes you can use sand in a sand bath which is a little box and you put a bit of sand in so they can wash themselves but not as the main covering or bedding.
To separate this mixture, you could first use a magnet to separate the iron filings. Then, you could add water to dissolve the sugar, leaving the sand and sawdust behind. The sawdust can be separated from the sand by filtration.
To separate a mixture of sand, salt, and sawdust, you can use a combination of physical separation techniques. Firstly, use a sieve to separate the sawdust from the sand. Then, dissolve the salt in water, leaving the sand behind. After the salt has dissolved, use evaporation to recover the salt, leaving the sand separated.
It's not recommended because gerbils love to burrow and it gets in their eyes they should have wood shavings that are not pine or cedar as they cause respiratory problems and not sawdust because it gets in their eyes you can use sand in a sand bath which is a little box and you put a bit of sand in so they can wash themselves but not as the main covering or bedding.
For their bedding... cat litter or sand.
some gerbils would rather use it as a toilet make it possible for the gerbil to exit the sand
If all three are mixed together you can separate the sawdust from the group with a Sieve filter with holes smaller than the sawdust, but larger than the sand/salt particles. You could then use another sieve, if the sand and salt particles are significantly different in size,...OR add water to the mix....the salt will dissolve into solution leaving the sand behind. Pour off the water and let it evaporate, leaving the salt behind. Put the mixture of sand, salt and sawdust into a quantity of water: the sand will sink to the bottom, sawdust will float and salt will dissolve. Skim off (and dry) the floating sawdust. Pour off the water containing the dissolved salt. This is then heated to cause all the water to evaporate (leaving behind the salt). The remaining residue in the original container (wet sand) can now be dried off with heat.
They are not necessarily allergic to it but sawdust is not recommended for gerbils as they love to burrow and it can get in there eyes. This also includes pine and cedar wood shavings which are hazardous. I use simple unscented wood shavings that won't cause respiritory problems and fill the cage 1/3 to 1/2 full so thy can burrow. You could also use shredded paper but the cage will have to be cleaned more often.
No, don't use crittertrail cages with gerbils. Unlike hamsters, gerbils are chewing machines. They can ingest the plastic which can kill them, and by chewing the plastic they can escape. I would use a 10 gallon tank instead. Gerbils cost around $10 each from a pet shop.
Yes, gerbils can use hermit crab sand as a substrate, but it's important to ensure that the sand is clean and free from harmful additives. Hermit crab sand is typically made from natural materials and can provide a suitable environment for burrowing. However, it should not be the sole substrate; a mix with other bedding materials like aspen shavings or paper-based bedding is recommended for optimal health and comfort. Always monitor your gerbils for any signs of irritation or discomfort with any new substrate.
You shouldn't wash gerbils with water. There's a special kind of dust/sand you can buy and keep in a bowl in their cage. They roll around in it and it keeps them clean.
Gerbils are not like dogs they dont pee to mark there territory instead gerbils use there scent gland witch it located right in the center of there tummy they will rub it agaisnt an area to mark there territory:)