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Post by nicmell19 on Apr 21, 2015 11:37:58 GMT -8
Recently, one of my gerbils passed away, and I currently looking for a new companion for my other gerbil, Monty. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I suppose  ) there are no male gerbils up for adoption in any of the shelters near me. What are some of your experiences with Petco/Petsmart gerbils? Are they generally pretty people shy? |
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Post by sedwards87 on Apr 22, 2015 6:21:12 GMT -8
Both of my boys are Petsmart gerbils and besides a few days spent adjusting to their new home, they have been very friendly and curious and loving. BUT, they had not been in the store very long at all when we bought them. Actually, they were still being kept in the back and had not even been placed out on the floor yet, so this may have something to do with their temperament.
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Post by daisy on Apr 22, 2015 20:03:20 GMT -8
I couldn't find shelter gerbils either and ended up getting two boys from a local Petsmart last July. I thought it was a lot cleaner and nicer than the local Petland, where they didn't know if they had boys or girls. The Petsmart was an all-boy store and the tank was clean and the two gerbils were littermates who had been kept together. I'm not sure how old they were, but definitely over 6 months. They had been there quite awhile, but had no major adjustment problems when they got home One is clearly dominant, but they get along well and curl up together each night.
If the store looks clean and the staff seems knowledgeable and helpful, you are probably alright. |
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Post by nicmell19 on Apr 22, 2015 20:59:43 GMT -8
I'm trying to decide between getting one or two young pups, or one adult for Monty. I don't think he ever showed any dominance with his brother. He would butt in at the water, or the food dish, but that's about it. He's a really active gerbil around 2 years old. He definitely has become more skittish since his brother passed away. He would always climb up on my hand and up to my shoulder before...now he just grabs his treat from my hand and goes into the corner. I think he needs a buddy. I think three would still be fine for his current home (20L gallon tank), is that correct? Any thoughts or advice on what might be a better option for Monty?
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Post by betty on Apr 23, 2015 0:07:49 GMT -8
All those options have their pros and cons, so just decide what you want and go with it.
Depending on how old Monty is, one pup should be really easy to split. The pup wouldn't have been in the store long, but it could be part of an even numbered delivery so you could be leaving a single pup in the store.
2 pups is usually recommended so that when Monty passes, you aren't left with a single gerbil again. However when these 2 brother reach maturity, there is a very slim chance that they will want to overthrow Monty when he shows signs of aging. It doesn't happen very often.
By getting an older friend you won't have to worry about the dominance changing as they should stay as they are from the first split, however older males are harder to find in the first place. You could be waiting some time to find a suitable match.
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Post by rilence on Apr 23, 2015 0:22:19 GMT -8
I would recommend two too, in the event that Monty does not accept the newcomer, at least he will have his friend, still!
And Betty is right, having another friend of the same age would reduce the chance of the newcomer getting lonely again earlier in his life.
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Post by nicmell19 on Apr 23, 2015 4:44:32 GMT -8
If it doesn't work out, either with two pups or an adult, is a 20L gallon tank big enough to do a permanent split?
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) there are no male gerbils up for adoption in any of the shelters near me. What are some of your experiences with Petco/Petsmart gerbils? Are they generally pretty people shy?
