Gerbil introduction

[on:]

So, a couple months back, I got a gerbil. There was only one at the store, and so we only got him. Now, two weeks ago, I got a new gerbil to join him. We've been doing the split cage method for that time. The first day, my sister allowed the two into the cage together, and they got along just fine. Now, though, we've tried allowing them to be together, and every time, the older gerbil will sniff under the younger for a couple of seconds, and then they'll come together and form like a ball, fighting. I've read that that is a major agressive behavior. So, we always separate them straight away. I don't know what to do at this point. So, I figured some one here might have some experience dealing with this, and may be able to help.

[Reply #1 on:]

I wish I could help but I'm not that familiar with gerbil behaviors. I will put this topic in the spring newsletter which should be ready to go very soon. Hopefully some other members will be able to help you out. 

[Reply #2 on:]

I have a lot of experience with rodents, and I need to know a few things:

1. The ages of the gerbils.
2. The genders.
3. How much space they have.

Gerbils can live in families but can be territorial depending on gender, age, etc. A male and female will raise their pups together. Young gerbils growing up will get along. But introductions can be difficult at times.

[Reply #3 on:]

1. I will be honest, I don't entirely know, as I wasn't given birth dates. I'm sorry I can't help out with that at all. Though I do know that our first one, Wes, is noticably larger than Ziggy, because he's older. Though, that's honestly all that I know. =/
2. Both males
3. The cage is about two feet wide, a foot and a half tall, and the width is about a foot. Though, I'll admit that those are all guessimations. I couldn't find anything to measure with.

[Reply #4 on:]

Your situation is probably that the older male has established his territory. He would willingly accept a mate, but a younger male is more than likely out of the question.

Have you tried to introduce them any more lately?

[Reply #5 on:]

When I was introducing my new chinchilla into the cage with the other two (All males) the breeder gave me some helpful ideas.  I don't know if they will work for gerbils or if you have already solved the problem, but here is what she said.

First, she said to clean the cage very well so that the scent of just the ones living in the cage are not as dominate.  The she said to take vanilla and put a dab on their noses and their little private areas as well as all around the cage.  That way when they smell each other all they smell is vanilla. 

She also said to take the introduction slowly.  She suggested swapping cages for a few days.  Put the new one in the cage that I want to house them all in and then put the others in the other cage for a few days and then switch.  Thia way they get used too all the smells.   

I did take a week or so for mine little guys to live harmoniously together, but they all made it through and they live happily on one cage.  I hope this might be helpful