Wheels
Wheels are a great tool for enrichment. Gerbils love to run. Wheels need to be a minimum of 8" in diameter. Larger wheels are preferred. As a show breeder its important for gerbils to have a straight tail. Some gerbils will develop wheel tail from running on wheels. They lift their tails and arch them over their back to keep their tail off the wheel. Using very large wheel of 11 or 12" in diameter can also prevent wheel tail. This can put a serious curve into how your gerbils hold their tails. I prefer to use saucers with my gerbils. Saucers do not cause wheel tail.
When choosing a wheel I prefer to use metal wheels, as they are chew proof. I tend to avoid most plastic wheels as these will get destroyed. The biggest factor in choosing a wheel is how difficult it is to clean. Gerbils pee and poop while running, and this can build up on the wheels running surface. Wheels need to be cleaned regularly as they will begin to stink rather acutely with use.
Metal Flying Saucer
This wheel is chew proof, easy to clean, and ergonomic. Gerbils will not get wheel tail from running on this wheel.
Easy to clean
Chew Proof
Great
Metal Mesh Wheel
Believe it or not, this is the quitest wheel. Use chapstick on the axel. The mesh provides a safe surface to run on. These wheel tend to not need as much cleaning.
Easy to clean
Chew Proof
Good
Silent Spinner
This wheel is very loud, and the bearing makes a whirling sound. Urine and poop tend to collect in the middle, and it will need to be taken apart fully to clean properly.
Difficult to disassemble to clean
Chew resistant
Good
Silent Runner
This wheel offers the ability to replace parts, they also sell a vented track to prevent the build of urine and poop.
Must disassemble to clean
Plastic
Great
Comfort Wheel
This wheel is very chewable. The plastic is quite thin and most gerbils chew it.
Easy to clean
Plastic
Good
Wooden Wheels
These are incredibly difficult to clean and will become caked in urine and poop with time. There are a lot of variations in quality.
Very difficult to clean
Chewable
Poor
Plastic Saucer
These wheels are easy to clean and will not give your gerbils wheel tail. They are made of plastic and tend to get chewed on.
Easy to clean
Plastic
Good
Wodent Wheel
This wheel is unique in that you can buy replacement parts as they get chewed up or destroyed. Very easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Must disassemble to clean
Plastic
Good
Metal Bar Wheel
The metal bar wheel is a very old and simple style of wheel. The rungs are dangerous. A gerbils leg or tail could slip while running and injur the gerbil.
Easy to clean
Dangerous
Very Poor