problems raising gerbils?

Hello!

Sorry about your gerbil, I know exactly what its like.

Here is what I think:

It should be OK.

1. Divide your cage into two, or split them up so they can see each other, and smell each other with no physical contact.

2. Make sure one gerbil is in each side.

3. Keep swapping them over each others side so they get used to each others scent. If they don't, then wash them (one at a time)* so they smell the same. Also wash the cage (if possible).

4. Once the gerbils appear curious and not aggressive to each other, the divider can be removed. Often, the gerbils will start sleeping near one another on opposite sides of the divider, a good sign that they are accepting one another.

5. For the first 30 minutes, stay right by the cage, with gloves, so that the gerbils can be separated if serious fighting occurs. Gerbils will often play fight, boxing and chasing each other and squeaking; this is fine. Serious fighting usually involves the gerbils forming a tight ball and rolling around, squeaking shrilly, and biting at each others necks. Blood is often drawn.

6. After 30 minutes, you still need to keep a close eye on them, for another few hours, to make 100% sure they accept each other.

7. If the gerbils fight, go back to the divided cage stage and repeat, keeping them divided for a longer period of time. If two or three tries with the divided cage trick doesn't stop the fighting, they will likely never get along.

8. If there is no fighting after a few hours, the gerbils can be left together. If they cuddle up to sleep and groom each other, they will likely be okay.

9. Watch for any signs of bite wounds and fighting over the first several days. Go back to the divided cage if they seem to be injuring each other.

Tips:

1. Males are often easier to introduce, and the younger the better (I suggest under 11 weeks), females can be harder to introduce.

2. Divided hamster cages can sometimes be found, or you can divide a cage diagonally with a piece of wire mesh. The mesh should not be too open or the gerbils may be able to injure each other through the mesh.

3. Never try to introduce a gerbil to a pair or group of gerbils, or introduce groups of gerbils to each other, this can lead to serious injuries and even death.

*When washing, don't use soap , you should have room temperature and put it in a sink. Don't leave it in there too long, and have a towel ready. You must support it all of the time. Once its washed, dry it with the towel gently until it feels dry enough.

Hope I helped!!! Happy gerbil hunting!

It Should Be Ok,Bring Your Gerbil To The Pet Store And Pick Out Which One You Want And Put Them Together To See If They Are Alright Together,Some Gerbils Just Dont Like Each Other And Some Are Instantly Best Buds !

your gerbil might not live aslong on its own, it is possible, but i tried and my gerbil killed the other one :'( it was not a pretty sight he couldnt walk as his back legs got broken bless him. but it would probally be best. make sure you definately get one of the same sex as i have gone through that and its hard work, and do whats called a split cage method where you put mesh through the middle of the cage ( if possible) and put either gerbil on each side so they can sniff each other but not actually fight but be careful that the wire is secure as my gerbil got through to the other one and murdered him but you could help by introducing them in neutral territory like putting them in a big cardboard box with lots of places for the gerbil to escape to if it feels threatened and gradualy start removing the mesh for small amounts of time a day but plz plz be careful its horrible when gerbils fight.

but if you decide not to risk it make sure you give you gerbil plenty of love and handle him daily ( if he doesnt mind it) if not talk to him lots and give him plenty of toys and treat so that he lives the happiest and longerst live possible.

good luck say hi to your gerbil :D

yes same happened to me