new gerbils

[nobleandpure]

i am going to get two new 5 week old gerbils to introduce them to my one gerbil, and i would like to know what is the best way to introduce gerbils to each other and how could i prevent them from fighting?  i am aware that having three gerbils is not recomended but i heard that it is easier to introduce gerbils at a young age that the best age is 5 weeks old. and i am getting two because when my old gerbil dies i do not want to have the same problem, one gerbil. I do not recomend getting a gerbil that is the same age as the one you have because then they are more prone to fights. If you have any answers i would like to know 

[blanknote]

You should use split cage method; www.gerbilsbyleigh.com/guide-to-gerbil-split-intros

I believe if you also search "split cage" on the forum, you will find a lot of information and people's own experiences.

[nobleandpure]

Do you know of any other ways besides the split cage method? The only other one I know is switching bedding and gerbils every few days so that they can get used to each others smell.

[betty]

The split cage method is the best and most universally used method because it works time after time with little or no injury to gerbils or their owners.

There is always the odd gerbil who just doesn't seem to get on even after the owners have tried the split cage method though, but this is rare if used correctly. And if they don't get on in after a split, they most certainly wouldn't get on after an incorrect introduction.

The split cage method does use the same theory as you say above, where the gerbils are switched from side to side regularly throughout until you see 'good' signs - you don't change the bedding as such though you move the gerbils between the different beddings. Same principal but much easier.

There are other more risky methods that should only really be used by experienced breeders/gerbil keepers - and I know quite a few breeders who use this all the time with their young pups and they seem to get good results - but if this is your first time mixing gerbils then perhaps this isn't the best way.

I suggest you do as blanknote says and read up on all the older threads on here about splitting young pups to an existing gerbil before making your choice.

3 gerbils in itself isn't a bad idea - it is usually trying to split 3 older and unrelated gerbils together that causes the problems - and moreso in females. But pups to adults usually goes well. Perhaps ask your breeder if they can do the split for you if they are more experienced (they might not be but worth asking).

[nobleandpure]

Thank you for the imfomormatoin.