Born free

[superswally]

Would it be cruel to take my childrens two gerbils to a field and set them free? I thought they would have died by now and as they were a 5 minute wonder with the kids its me that has to change them and feed them. Also because of the noise they make the kids dont want them in their rooms so they are plonked in my living room. Its affecting my chi. We have had them about 2 years now how long will this torture continue?? ps I probably wont set them free coz they would probably die wouldnt they?

[B00]

Yes they'll die! PLEASE don't do that!

I'm sorry, but YOU bought the animals so therefore they are YOUR responsibility. All children want pets, and we all know that the animals are forgottenby them as soon as they are bought. It is not the gerbils fault that they are no longer "entertaining"

A gerbils lifespan is anything from 3 to 5 years.

Once again, please don't release them- have you thought of asking friends/ relatives if they want them? Would your childrens school take them?

[Simeon]

I do believe releasing none indiginous species into the wild is an offence.

[B00]

Not to mention cruel!

[RATTER15]

Don't do it, cruel and illegal. take them to the RSPCA. even abandon them at the RSPCA complete with cage and food if needed. just make sure they will be safe from predators and the weather until found, just an option and not a good one at that.

[allotment10]

oh please DON'T do that, it is so cruel, if i lived near you i would take them, try the local pet shop or the PDSA , or like boo says the childrens school, those little animals rely on you for food , water & shelter, they wouldn't know what to do if you just let them go! please don't do it!

[divegirl]

It's affecting your Chi!!!! Idiot.

[mike_jln]

OMG how can you be so cruel ? they are just like babies, they need love and looking after, don't your kids make a noise, need feeding and cleaning after ? but you wouldn't just dump them would you? the animals didn't ask to bought into your home so either take the responsibilty for them and treat them properly or get them a new home where they will be looked after.

[skylight]

Gerbils (desert rats) are lovely little creatures. Pets should not be bought on the whim of a child. They have to understand they need to be looked after etc. (so do the parents!!) Either take them to the RSPCA as Ratter says or take them to your nearest vet, but dont be so heartless.

[lankeela]

I sincerely hope this post is a wind up, although how anyone could be so ignorant as to post this I really cannot comprehend.

[meltoadhall]

your chi?
maybe you need to teach your children to take some responsibility for them. are they old enough?
gerbils are wonderful animals, much more interesting than hamsters cause they stay awake more in the daytime. would your childrens teacher be interested in having them in the classroom? lots of schools have gerbils over hamsters.

[eyeshade]

Superwally, I hope you have read the posts here and taken it all in. At least you came on the sight and asked the question before doing it!!!! God forbid. Humph...
Please let us know that you didn't release them and are getting on with the job of taking care of them, they won't live forever so you can have the knowledge that you did the best for them.

[lizwizz]

Apart from anything else, its not a great lesson for your children, telling them that animals are disposable once you've had enough of them. My son has a gerbil, he's bored with it now but he still has to make sure she has food and water and cleans her cage out every week. You should give the responsibility back to your children and make sure they are the ones doing the looking after.

[kazxe]

Please go to www.giveusahome.co.uk they offer rehoming for small pets

or even google gerbil rescue for somewhere near you

DO NOT LET THEM FREE - YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT!!!!!!!

[commoner]

Whilst I understand your problem....I have been there, done that etc......I can't say that allowing your kids to transfer the responsibility for their pets onto you is the way forward.

Gerbils as pets live between 2 and four years so it looks
like the "torture" could last up to another two years......Whatever you decide I sincerely hope that you won't allow any more pets into your household. not ever.

That is a great pity in my opinion because for a very small outlay in the way of love and attention we give our pets, the benefits and rewards are 100 fold.

As for your chi........well I think maybe the gerbils have chi too so think about their position for a minute...............

[TheGopher]

Unbelievable!! Young children's pets are ALWAYS the responsibility of the parent, not the kids. THEY ARE NOT TOYS. Please take them to the RSPCA or a Rescue Shelter and never get any more pets. All pets are a commitment, cause problems, involve time and expense and need contstant care and attention. Obviously as your 'chi' must come first, pets of any sort are not for you.

[TheGopher]

Sorry, 'Commoner'. That was not directed at your response. I also believe also that parents should ensure that children are taught about commitments and are not totally excused any duties towards their pets - I just mean that ultimatively the responsibility is solely with the parents.

[Cetti]

Looking at the username this has to be a windup post, does't it? Please say it is.

[commoner]

...no Cetti I don't think it is ...... superswally is a name I have seen before and in fact in the next post to this re. Eradicating Scottish Midges..............superswally gives an excellent answer in recommending Avons Skin-so-Soft as a great repellent for these voracious wee beesties..........I fully recommend it.

[Cetti]

Thanks commoner.

Yes, I see what you mean, a very sensible answer which makes this post all the more baffling as it doesn't appear to have been written by the same person.

[superswally]

erm so sorry to have caused such uproar. The question was of course tounge in cheek I would not shirk my responsibilities by letting the gerbils free. I should have been far more direct in asking what is the life span of a gerbil. I aquired the gerbils through a friend whos two boy gerbils she bought from pet smart suddenly had babies, and was really doing her a favour. Although they are a bit of a pain for me my children do like them and I will keep them safe and fed till they pop off naturally. Again please accept my sincere apologies I didnt mean to offend anyone.