Should I get Red a friend?

[alleyj]

Red has lived by himself ever since he was attacked when he was little. I know gerbils are colony animals and am wondering if he would appreciate a friend... but don't want to go through the process of introducing another gerbil into his home if he's not gonna like it since the last time he was with another it didn't go well for him. 

Would a better alternative be a playdate with one of my girls every now and again? Supervised, of course. I just don't want him to be lonely by himself...

[horselover]

I don't think Gerbils do well with temporary playdates. They need to be bonded or the good likely fight.

[ninestone]

Unless you see obvious signs that Red is in need of some socializing, I probably would not. It is likely to be stressful to be around another gerbil after the traumatic experience he went through. It seems like most of the attempts to split-cage gerbils who were previously attacked that I've heard of don't work.