Cagemate has died :( Should I get a new companion?

[pepprmint]

Hi all,

My Lilac died a few days ago at the age of 2 yrs and 9 months. Her sister Petunia (same age) seems to be doing well, still eating and drinking, but is definitely a lot more skittish and nervous now. She also spends a bit more time in the nest they shared, kinda laying there and just staring out. I'm afraid she might be lonely

I was wondering if at this age, it would be okay to introduce one or maybe even a pair of females to her? She's not as mild and mellow as her sister was, and she's definitely the more dominant one, would her temperament be a challenge? Help please!

[erin]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Introducing pups to such an old gerbil probably isn't the best idea, especially since she's a dominant female as you described. Just give her lots of love and attention for the rest of her life as yes- she will be lonely from the loss of her sister. Take care.

[qtoffer]

Sorry for your loss. I currently have the same situation. One of my gerbils died two weeks ago aged 3 years, 3 months. Her sister seems to be doing very well; her behavior really hasn't changed. The day after Arwen's death, I thoroughly cleaned out Eowyn's tank and replaced all the bedding. I've found that removing the dead cagemate's scent helps the surviving gerbil move on.

I would not get any replacement cagemates for such an elderly gerbil. I think it would just cause more stress than comfort in the long run.
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Arwen (F) and Eowyn (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper
Goldberry (F) 11/12/2011 - 20 gallon with 20 gallon topper

[keldamouse]

I think it depends on if you are going to keep having gerbils. Are you able to get a very young gerbil? If so I think go for it.

[betty]

I had a sister die at 30 months and the more dominant sister (Kelinda) was left alone. I split her to a younger (very accepting) sibling (Fraggle - 28 months) really quickly and they got on fine.

2 months later, Kelinda died, and then after a short break I split Fraggle (then 31 months) to another more dominant female who happened to be Fraggle's daughter - but she really didn't like her mum AT ALL.

Finally last month, I put Fraggle - now 32 months - to a 10 month old female and they took to each other like old friends, and have been snuggled together in their coconut shell every night for the 2 weeks they have been together.

Poor Fraggle, she has been all over, but still as lovely as she ever was.

[highflyer]

So sorry for your loss.

As for the companion, never introduce an established clan to a single gerbil, especially if they are females and the single gerbil has a dominant disposition. I would recommend introducing a male, once females reach about 2 1/2 years they usually can no longer produce babies, so this is probably your best option.

Hope I helped! Xxxx Good luck!!!