Only rats/ mice...

Although gerbils are from mongolia, they are in the gerboa(jerboa) family.

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Originally Posted by _BoidFinatic_

Although gerbils are from mongolia, they are in the gerboa(jerboa) family.

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That does not mean that they smell the same. How do you know for a fact that they smell the same to a ball python?

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

That does not mean that they smell the same. How do you know for a fact that they smell the same to a ball python?

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Wildcaught Ball Pythons may only eat gerbils because the odor is close to that of the jerboa. They are rodents of the genus Meriones. The Mongolian gerbil being Meriones unguiculatus and an example of an african gerbil(jerboa, jird) is Meriones Libycus.

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Originally Posted by _BoidFinatic_

Wildcaught Ball Pythons may only eat gerbils because the odor is close to that of the jerboa. They are rodents of the genus Meriones. The Mongolian gerbil being Meriones unguiculatus and an example of an african gerbil(jerboa, jird) is Meriones Libycus.

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That still does not GIVE PROOF that they have the same ODOR to a ball python.....so basically you are just assuming that since they are two rodents of the same genus that they must smell the same to a ball python. Please don't state stuff for fact unless you can prove that it is fact. Assumptions about these kind of things are how common myths like the 'cure all hunger gerbil' get started in the first place.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

I personally wouldn't house a tiny baby in a 29 gallon long. If you want a tank - go with a 10 gallon with two tight hides. Here's what I personally use for my babies - it's a 15 quart tub from Dollar General. Heating pad has since been replaced by flexwatt and a thermostat.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...b/BabyRack.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...ub/BabyTub.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...b/BabyTub2.jpg

Additionally, you might consider purchasing a nice male from a breeder rather than the pet store. Pet stores are usually imports, and imports this late in the season generally aren't as healthy as ones imported earlier in the year and certainly not as healthy as one you can get from a reputable breeder!

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I have some of those containers, they are great!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...w/000_3000.jpg

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

That still does not GIVE PROOF that they have the same ODOR to a ball python.....so basically you are just assuming that since they are two rodents of the same genus that they must smell the same to a ball python. Please don't state stuff for fact unless you can prove that it is fact. Assumptions about these kind of things are how common myths like the 'cure all hunger gerbil' get started in the first place.

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You're correct. I am assuming that since they are from the same genus that they smell the same. In my experience with Wildcaught and Captive hatched Ball Pythons, I have noticed that they may only accept gerbils as food. I have seen that they will eat albino gerbils also, so I highly doubt that they eat gerbils only due to their common (darker) colors.

Ever think of similar movements, sounds, etc.....glad to see you ruled out color ;)

LOL.....I wonder if offered both a gerboa and a gerbil....which one would a wild caught specimen take...

Just stiring up some chat :D

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

LOL.....I wonder if offered both a gerboa and a gerbil....which one would a wild caught specimen take...

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How bout you do some research and get back to us with the facts! :)

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Originally Posted by Sputnik

How bout you do some research and get back to us with the facts! :)

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LOL....if you finance the rodent purchase.....I think the going rate for African rodents were around $150 a pair the last time I saw them for sale...ha ha..

You could ask for some gerbil bedding next time you are at the pet store and let the mouse or rat crawl around on that for a while. Then each feeding you let the rat/mouse run around in the bedding for less time until it will eat a mouse/rat without the gerbil smell! Try that!