After CoCo & CiCi (my sister's two Gerbils) had spent a one year in a relatively comfortable sized tank, it was decided it was time they progress up the Gerbil property ladder. Despite the highly competitive market place. The twins were able to find a moderately priced mansion, (in Gerbil terms), just down Rotastak Way, Gerbil Street, Pet Island.
So What is Rotastak? Rotastak is a modern alternative to the metal wire cages we all have fond memories clipping water bottles to, and unhatching a large metal door on the front. It consists of bright coloured plastics that can be manipulated using tubes and a series of tanks, to make a fun and exciting habitat for smaller pets, eg, mice,
hamsters and gerbils.
It looks expensive? The Rotastak kits do seem quite glorified and grand for a small pet. But allow me to put your mind at rest. They are not drastically expensive. Retailling at an RRP of £55 in leading shops, we managed to pick ours, brand new from ebay for £34 delievered. For what you get in the kit that does seem value for money, and if your Child has been asking for one continously for the last month. It could make a great gift for Birthday or Christmas.
Is it Difficult to Assemble? Im affraid so. The instructions included consist of one A4 coloured sheet that does little to guide you through a step by step process. After negociating the numerous tanks in satisfactory positions you are going to have great fun trying countless combinations to get the rigid exterior tubes to meet one hole to the next. I assure you it can be done, as is frustratedly depicted in the pictures surrounding the display box and instructions. But godness me, you need some patience.
Oh if you get one, i'll give you a little tip. You will be supplied with a number of blue tubes. Some have a tiny lip at the bottom and others dont. The instructions give no guidance on this, but i worked out the ones with the small lip are used to connect to the external tube run with the red plastic clips. (That should save you about half an hour :-) )
All told, to assemble this kit correctly, without applying undue stress on any of the parts to force it to fix, i imagine it took me about an hour. I wish you well with yours!
What do the Gerbils think? As soon as CoCo and CiCi got the keys to their new home they seemed very excited. They were running around enjoying the numerous levels with a new found freedom they previously had not experienced.
To begin with, it seemed the exterior tube run was a little steep for the Gerbils the way we had set it up. But we soon learned that it was no problem for them, and in fact, it will prove to be good exercise for them. The wheel was a big hit. With my sister commenting this morning that they spent most of the night on it.
The food drawer at the very top of the product also works very well and keeps things in place very tidily. Finally, they seemed to struggle to find the water bottle. Its much smaller than i expected and only one of the twins has found it so far. Im sure instinct will sink in with the other one soon and they'll find it.
Is anything annoying about the product? Two things came immediately to light, and we have only had the product 2 days. Firstly, most cages allow sleeping quarters for the Gerbils which is separated with a small partition which the Gerbils will usual gnaw on. It seems Rotastak are aware of this and so have set no sleeping quarter into one of the tanks. Its not overly problematic but it would have been nice. Secondly, after putting the cage together, frustratingly it seems parts have to be dismantled to clean the cage properly. A large flap does raise on the large bottom tank. Which is were most mess will occur. But cleaning the middle and top levels will prove to be very difficult. In fact, im dreading it.
Conclusion- Overall, i am impressed with this product. Ok it has taken a while to put up, and may be labourous to clean out. But most importantly it is fun for the Gerbils who seem to love it. It was reasonably priced can be extended in time with all sort of different accessories and add ons you can buy for the product. It is very flexible and has been realitively well thought out.
I would recommend.
Oh one final thing. When fully assembled it is rather large and so if placed in a bedroom will take up a large amount of room. Probably best to have a 75cm2 space for it.
Please comment and review if you found this review helpful. Thanks
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That is some really good info you have gave, thanks
HotBabes 02.09.2007 11:04
If they made them easier to clean it would be so much better! Used to take us ages with taking it apart, cleaning and putting it back together again. x
Sep 1st, 2007
very helpful by (100%):
