Wheels

What gerbils need-  Wheels


Most gerbils will appreciate a wheel to run on.  A few gerbils won't use wheels very much or even at all,  but this is relatively rare so I would suggest providing one.
There is a variety of wheels to choose from.  I would suggest using Silent Spinners or mesh wheels.
Silent Spinners are good because they spin very well,  and are relatively quiet.  They are plastic,  but the plastic is thick enough that your gerbils should not be able to chew through it.  
Mesh wheels are good because they are generally cheaper,  are metal so no chance of being chewed through,  and the sizes are better.  However they do not spin quite as well.  
I use both Silent Spinners and mesh wheels.  I generally give the Spinners to my younger,  smaller gerbils,  and the mesh wheels to the stronger adults who won't have as hard a time running on it.
Which ever wheel you use,  it's a good idea to attach a block of wood to the bottom so that the wheel does not fall over.
Also,  the size of the wheel matters!  Most Silent Spinners are 6.5",  which is too small for larger adult gerbils.  I only use Spinners for my female gerbils,  since they are smaller.  

There are other types of wheels out there as well,  some of which should be avoided.  Flying Saucers, Plastic wheels (other then Silent Spinners) and any wheels smaller then 6.5" are not good for gerbils.