Well, we knew the day would come - no avoiding it when you have pets, I’m afraid :) Time for tank-cleaning! To be fair, with gerbils, this isn’t anything like what it is with other small rodents - it isn’t even as bad as changing the cat’s litter box. There is a definite “gerbil” smell, but it’s more just different than offensive. This is because gerbils come from a cold, dry climate (Mongolia) and their little systems are extremely efficient about water usage. They don’t take in a great deal and they urinate out very little. Likewise, their poops are dry and inoffensive.
The first thing we looked for was the walking ball - a clear, plastic ball (pierced all over for air circulation). We found a small pink one, but we once had a large clear ball. Further searching proved fruitless so we used the smaller one. Three gerbils did fit inside, but we’ll acquire a larger one for next time if the old one doesn’t surface. Right now these kids are tiny but before long they’ll only be wee and will need a bit more room for comfort’s sake.
Generally, the operation goes like this. Remove the lid from the tank. Carefully (and one at a time!) remove the gerbils from the tank and deposit them in the ball. Replace the ball’s lid and make sure it latches securely. Place the ball on the kitchen floor so the gerbils can run around. Remove the permanent fixtures from the tank (house, toys, water bottle, etc...) and then empty the bedding into a trash bag. Clean the tank with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. Clean food bowl and water bottle. Then reassemble - put in fresh bedding, fresh food and water and a new chew toy (toilet paper roll, bit of cardboard egg carton). Replace gerbils and you’re good for another week to 10 days.
Goldie has seen this process many times before and we didn’t really think he’d be especially interested but, as far as we knew, Jade had never seen it and she was absolutely fascinated. She never left that ball alone all the time things were getting cleaned. Goldie came by just once to see what was going on and I swear you could hear him thinking, “Oh, is that all?”.
Gerbil babysitting
I have knit quite a bit on the Waves shawl, but the depth continues to look shallow. I suppose I have to admit that the compression involved in the Chinese waves stitch pattern is the cause. But I’m going to continue on. I have plenty of this yarn and I want to see what happens with this idea. Right now, the width is about 30” and the depth about 10”.
I have also found, courtesy of Sarah Bradberry’s wonderful site, a couple of garter stitch lace patterns that I think would work for the edge.
Cane Leaf Edging
(click on caption for link to pattern)
Narrow Elsie Edging
(click on caption for link to pattern)
I stumbled over this pattern yesterday, for the Knitty-Gritty Sockette that I thought was cute as can be. This might be a good weekend project :)
Have a great one!
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Er, you do realize that adopting gerbils is NOT what the Dulaan project means by helping homeless Mongolians, don’t you? 
Ryan - LOL! Well, you know, I try to do my part whether that means making socks and mittens or finding a home for some poor, deprived gerbils :)
can you imagine how snap, crackle, and pop viewed the big creatures peering in at them in their little moving condo? tiny gerbil breakdowns!! umm, and maybe the kitties felt they were peeking into the windows of a deli? (i seem obsessed with your kitties having a feast, don’t i? geez, we had all manner of little rodents happily co-exisiting with kitties without a single munchdown occurring)-
sarah b’s site is nirvana isn’t it?
stay happy-
Barb - Actually, the little guys couldn’t have cared less about the big hairy beasts peering into the ball. They (gerbils) are essentially fearless - we would never have put them into a frightening situation. And we have never lost one to anything but natural causes either :)
Sara’s site is, indeed, an incredible resource!
I imagine the kitties were quite entertained. I love the edgings, Thanks for posting the links. I’ll be interested to see how the shawl works out.Still raining here too.
Maureen - It’s an interesting project and I’m having fun with it. However, like every shawl knitter before me I’m sure, I wish it would grow in a more seemly manner instead of dragging its heels and being stubborn about its measurements!
