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Post by cathy123 on Feb 10, 2016 10:14:08 GMT -8
Hi everyone,
A year ago I introduced 2 males and they declanned after 5 months of being together. The one remaining attacked the other gerbil, who sadly died recently. So, is it wise to introduce him to two other males after he suddenly attacked the other gerbil? He just seems a bit sad and lonely. Also I'm not sure if the cage is big enough for 3.
Thanks!
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Post by betty on Feb 28, 2016 5:04:08 GMT -8
It depends on the details surrounding them before the intro, their ages, the build up behaviours and whether you saw the fight itself as to whether he could be trusted with another gerbil?
You often hear of gerbils who don't get on with one gerbil, declan, and then get on fine with another gerbil - I have had it myself. People are the same, we can't bear one person and then we love another...
I certainly wouldn't say 'no' as I know it is possible, but it is up to you whether you think your cage could fit 3 gerbils as people recommend different sizes here. Ideally it would be as large as you can make it for any tank/cage really, but if YOU think it is too small, then you will always think that it is too small regardless of what others say.
Do you have the measurements or an image so people can comment?
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Post by cathy123 on Mar 1, 2016 12:25:25 GMT -8
I didn't see the fight itself but the result of it was pretty bad so I don't know if he can be trusted to be honest. His age is 1 year, 5 months so he's still quite young. The cage is the standard gerbilarium (plastic bottom, wire top and 2 platforms). The exact dimensions are 52 x 26 x 52.5. I think they could manage now with 3 of them in there because I have just added a wooden platform which he loves to climb on! Maybe I should wait until he's 2 before I introduce more? I just don't want to see another gerbil with injuries like that again and it could end up like last time when they were fine for a while and then just fought out of the blue  . |
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Post by blanknote on Mar 6, 2016 2:55:57 GMT -8
I wouldn't recommend 3 gerbils in that gerbilarium. However, would you be able to introduce him to just one gerbil?
Would you be able to get a bigger setup? There are 2nd hand tanks, etc. often on sale on ebay, gumtree, fb selling groups, and even on freecycle. I think if you do get him a friend, they would benefit from having a bigger base, where to dig and make tunnels. (I have heard people mentioning that the bare minimum for a pair would need to be 60cm by 40cm, although Blue Cross recommends 75cm by 40cm or so.)
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Post by betty on Mar 6, 2016 3:17:02 GMT -8
Gerbil declans can be pretty grim to be honest. And unless you can see the signs building up in the weeks before, they always seem out of the blue, no matter how much they looked like they loved each other. All that grooming and snuggling is part of their hierarchy games and communication.
In the early days (before I could spot a declan beginning) I have had gerbils that look absolutely terrible after a fight and need painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs afterwards - however, all of them - all the 'winners' - have been successfully re-split to new friends. (NB: There have been a few gerbils that have taken me more than a month to introduce using the split cage method. I wasn't sure of a quick introduction so I left them in a sort of semi-permanent split for a few weeks first and then started the full split.
It will always be up to you though and some split introductions can be tough. And there is always the chance of another declan further down the line with ANY introduced gerbils - but I will always keep mine in pairs. All but 2 of my current tanks are introduced gerbils (one old lady is on her 4th clan).
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Post by cathy123 on Mar 9, 2016 8:35:23 GMT -8
I saw a really young gerbil in p@h the other day (though not sure what gender) so I think I might get another. I was thinking of introducing 2 because when one passes, there will be 2 left. Thank you for the advice.  |
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Post by betty on Mar 9, 2016 8:44:08 GMT -8
Yeah, as long as the 2 you are introducing are related and very young, this is usually the best option.
Many breeders can do the introductions for you with their own pups - you just take in your single gerbil and they match up the young pups right there. It can be done in a day sometimes, depending on a few things.
Do you have any breeders near you that you know of that you can call for advice?
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Post by cathy123 on Mar 9, 2016 11:43:05 GMT -8
Unfortunately, no there aren't any breeders near me. Just p@h. |
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PurpleSheep
Member
Bossed around by rodents & a toddler
Posts: 331
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Post by PurpleSheep on Mar 9, 2016 14:04:40 GMT -8
Your gerbilarium would be too small for a trio, you would be better off getting just one gerbil, unless you are willing to get a bigger tank/bin cage. Being too cramped can cause more fighting. Even if you only get one new gerbil, a bigger tank would be an advantage in case the intro doesn't work out, so they can at least live in a permanent split.
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