Introducing breeding pair

[biancachristensen]

Does anyone have any advice on how to introduce a breeding pair of gerbils. Can I just put them in with each other or maybe wipe them down with a baby wipe so they smell the same(I don't know if that is safe or not that is why I am asking if it is even effective) or is the split cage method the best or only way. If I do have to use the split cage how long should I keep them split before I put the completely in with each other. Also I will be using aspen bedding if that has anything to do with it.

[Crystal]

Split cage method is always the best way to go when introducing any gerbil to another.
Age plays a factor as well, but I still would split cage even if they were youngsters (8 weeks to 12 weeks are more likely to get along quicker but once they reach maturity they kind of grow out of that).

With a split cage you'll need to clean out the cage you plan on using, so that zero trace of the previous scent is left behind. You'll use fresh new bedding and put each gerbil on each side of the split cage. It can take any amount of time but depending on how they react towards each other any where from 3 weeks to possibly months. What also helps is rotating the gerbils, switch places for each gerbil so that they mix in their scents and sleep in each others' nests. If over time you see them sleeping side by side next to the split, is when they are showing signs of possibly getting along. But if aggression is shown when either approach each other by the split, then it may take a while but don't lose hope. If there's no signs of aggression then they may be introduce by the few weeks and see how it goes. But be ready with an oven mitt or something so that if a fight does break out, you can separate them quickly. (I use a small container, which is fine to just isolate as soon as possible and remove them before it gets bad.)

Hope I helped in any way