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Post by Cloudy on Jan 23, 2015 15:49:32 GMT -8
Hi I have two lone gerbils as both have lost a partner to old age. One is male and one is female. The female is 2 1/2. Do you think she is past the fertile age and if so can I pair her with my male? Thanks in advance
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Post by reesesturtles on Jan 23, 2015 19:50:57 GMT -8
I have a similar situation with a 4 year old male and 2.5 year old female. So I'm curious as to what other's might say. In my case, the two are in a permanent split. I would like for them to be completely bonded, because I think the extra companionship may be comforting to both of them, but at the same time I worry that the male may die soon anyway and cause the female unneeded grief. And also, I don't really want a litter coming out of the union.
Wish I had an answer for you cloudy, but I pretty much have the same question.
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Post by betty on Jan 24, 2015 8:43:45 GMT -8
A breeder friend of mine who has been breeding for 'ever' told me that over 1 year - if previously unmated - a female won't get pregnant. She has tried it several times over the years.
I however haven't tried it with a female so young, but I now have several females over 2 years living with males and so far no babies. That's not to say it won't ever happen in a pairing, but so far - even with one long term pair actively having sex on a regular basis - I have had no old lady pups.
Someone on here said on a previous thread, that if the female has gone 'round' in appearance she probably won't be fertile - but if she still looks trim and has a 'waist' so to speak, she could still be fertile.
I think with your 2.5 year old females you should be OK - but never say never?
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Post by Cloudy on Jan 24, 2015 15:51:01 GMT -8
My female has had a litter when she was much younger and it was her daughter that just died. I rescued her just over two years ago and she was pregnant but still looked skinny so no one realised and she is still skinny today even though my other female of a similar age has gone round. She could be slightly older as I am not sure of the age when I got her but l know she can't be younger. I have 7 gerbils all over the age of two a trio a pair and the two on there own. Maybe I should try a split intro and if a litter happens then .....
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