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Introducing Strange Gerbils
Younger Gerbils (6-10 weeks)?
Gerbils that are 6-10 weeks old can be introduced rather easily. They are not sexually mature and thus wont be be as aggressive as when they get older. To introduce them just place the two gerbils (NOTE: Always introduce only two gerbils, group intoductions never work out!) in a neutral environment. That could be a brand new cage with brand new things and clean bedding OR a washed out used cage with washed used things but make sure to always have clean bedding. Put both of the gerbils into the cage at the same time and watch them closely. They may smell and wrestle with each other but that is normal. If they chase or bite then separate them immediately! They are fighting (to read about fighting click here)! Use gloves to separate them because they may bite you! If all goes well watch them for about 45 minutes or so and keep a close eye on the pair for the next couple of weeks. If it doesnt work out try the method below! :)
Older Gerbils?
For older gerbils introduction can be alot more difficult. You must use the Split Cage Methos with all sexually mature gerbils. This allows them to get to know each other (both sight and scent) before they actually meet. To do this method just put a screen (with small holes so that it wont be chewed or toes get biten) diagonally acoss an aquarium. The corners will hold it in place and make sure to make it tall enough so that it goes all the way up to the lid. You can secure the divider with duct tape if you want to. Next put food and water on BOTH sides and maybe a toy or two. Then just put one gerbil on each side (NOTE: Always introduce only two gerbils, group intoductions never work out!) and switch then 2 times daily. The switching allows them to smell each others scent better and lets them get used to living in the same area. Do this for about a week to a week and a half. Then introduce them in a nuetral area as decribed above. If it doesnt work out try the Split Cage Method again. If it doesnt work the second time it most likely wont work out at all. Try introducing the gerbils to different alone gerbils or they even may have to be kept alone. If it does work out watch them for about 45 minutes and keep a close eye on them for the next couple of weeks. If fighting does accur during any time of this separate them at once. Use gloves to avoid being biten yourself. Never introduce gerbils that have been in a serious fight in their past!!
Males vs. Females?
When it comes to introductions males are generally more acceptant that females. Males also can be kept in group or 3 or 4 unlike females that should only be kept in pairs. A male-female introction also usually goes rather smoothly. Same-sex pairs can be alittle more tricky. All in all you should try to buy pairs already introduced to save yourself the trouble and try to introduce young gerbils instead of older ones. Gerbils love company! To read about this click here
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