Post by jbradner on Nov 9, 2007 21:09:53 GMT -8
Hi everyone,
I am having some problems introducing a female to a male gerbil. I had two female gerbils and one of them died about 1 1/2 months ago. The lone female is only about a year and a couple of months old, and I sought out to adopt another single gerbil to keep her company. I came across a male a few weeks ago who needed a home and decided to try a split cage introduction. (yes, I expect lots of babies!) After two weeks, switching them twice a day, I tried the introduction tonight. There was lots of sniffing, the male started chasing the female all around the cage and mounting her (sexual or marking behavior?, not sure which). Anyway, the next thing I know they are curled up in the "ball of death". I got the two separated, but not before the male had a small cut around his eye.
So the question is: what do I do now? I fear exposing the male to more injury if I re-introduce them, though I think I know what to watch out for this time. Should I keep up the split cage and try to reintroduce in a week?
I heard somewhere that once they draw blood they are unlikely to ever get along. Is this true, in other's experience? How many times a day should I switch them, maybe I need to switch them more often?
Now I have one gerbil with a closed eye, it looks OK, but must be irritating him if he will not open it--- any suggestions on how to care for this injury?... the eye itself does not look damaged.... should I use some sort of preventive antibiotic? if so, which one and how do I get it?
thanks in advance for all your help!
I am having some problems introducing a female to a male gerbil. I had two female gerbils and one of them died about 1 1/2 months ago. The lone female is only about a year and a couple of months old, and I sought out to adopt another single gerbil to keep her company. I came across a male a few weeks ago who needed a home and decided to try a split cage introduction. (yes, I expect lots of babies!) After two weeks, switching them twice a day, I tried the introduction tonight. There was lots of sniffing, the male started chasing the female all around the cage and mounting her (sexual or marking behavior?, not sure which). Anyway, the next thing I know they are curled up in the "ball of death". I got the two separated, but not before the male had a small cut around his eye.
So the question is: what do I do now? I fear exposing the male to more injury if I re-introduce them, though I think I know what to watch out for this time. Should I keep up the split cage and try to reintroduce in a week?
I heard somewhere that once they draw blood they are unlikely to ever get along. Is this true, in other's experience? How many times a day should I switch them, maybe I need to switch them more often?
Now I have one gerbil with a closed eye, it looks OK, but must be irritating him if he will not open it--- any suggestions on how to care for this injury?... the eye itself does not look damaged.... should I use some sort of preventive antibiotic? if so, which one and how do I get it?
thanks in advance for all your help!