split tank trouble

[jbradner]

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!

[RitzieAnn]

Well, I've had intros start out bad that end up just fine. I wouldn't worry if blood has been drawn, there still could be a future.

As far as the closed eye, keep an eye on it. If discharge happens, you can use a q-tip moistened in warm water and gently pet it. (one way, not back and forth). I've had crusty eyes before (er- my gerbils have... lol)

Also, a word for the wise, if your gal is over a year, then it's not very wise to breed her. Having first litters after that age are very hard on the body, as there is a lot of stretching involved with birthing. The same would be if it's her first litter in a long time, too. Just something to keep in mind. It would be terrible to have her possibly die during birth.

Do you have pictures? We love pictures!

[jbradner]

Thanks for the information, I did not realize there would be a problem breeding my female at this age.
This, of course puts me in a real dilemma.
I had thought that perhaps having a permanent split cage might be the ideal setup for these two lonesome gerbils... the female just seems to be so depressed if the male is not on the other side of the screen.
But, today she started acting out, making furious jumps at the screen and trying to scurry over the top of it. They were sleeping together (on opposite sides of the screen) earlier in the day so I though they might like to meet. When I removed the screen they both immediately went into the "ball of death". Luckily I separated them before anyone got hurt.
I just don't know what to do, the female is depressed without another gerbil, but tries to kill the male every time they have contact..... The female is so worked up I think she is going to have a heart attack. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am at a loss, all I want is what is best for both of them....

thanks

[ohmylokix]

I'd keep them apart and get a girl for the female. Birth could severely injure her. She'll be just as happy with a female, and without the stress of birth.

I'd put them into their own tanks until you can find friends for both of them. Then split them with their new friends.

I've been doing a lot of splits lately. My female/female didn't take too long, but females should be split for 30 days minimum, I feel. This is to let them adjust and get used to one another. Males are easier, I hear, but I've only done male/female.

[RitzieAnn]

Well, you can either practice some tough love and make her deal with it, or you can try and find a young girl gerbil to split her with. Really though- she'll be fine in a split.

There's no harm in them staying in their current splits. Just make sure it's secure.

[ohmylokix]

Yeah, as long as the split is in there with aluminum channel or wood batons and siliconed, then they should be able to stay in it. I split them up so that they forget any smells from the previous gerbil, but you don't have to do that.

I used hot glue once.. the gerbils were able to push the aluminum channel loose and get through.

[jbradner]

thanks so much for the advice,
I think I will keep them separate in the split cage for a while until I decide whether or not to get them paired up with same sex partners (I will abandon my attempts to introduce and breed them). Maybe continuing with switching sides was a bit stressful on the female, I will try and leave them on their individual "sides" and see if she handles it better...
thanks for the quick replies! this forum is really helpful...