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Post by panthershadow83 on Dec 21, 2004 18:20:11 GMT -8
I apologize if there's already a topic on this ( ), but I noticed on the site you said that gerbils must be housed together, at least two per cage. I had a gerbil a couple of years back, and it was housed alone, and he was perfectly happy. Is this type of housing merely suggested or must you house two gerbils together?
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Post by spaniard on Dec 21, 2004 20:37:27 GMT -8
I guess you dont have to have gerbils together but its recommended they'll be happier in groups and more active
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simcoe
Member
Ginger & Bucky ? My girls.
Posts: 62
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Post by simcoe on Dec 22, 2004 6:32:34 GMT -8
I've also read that having a buddy lengthens their lifespan.
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Post by paws on Dec 22, 2004 8:14:48 GMT -8
yes and no. I have a baby in a splitter with my older ones who is very happy and friendly and tame. If they are splitted I think it would be OK to have them alone. I got the impression you have a hamster from another post you made. You could maybe split the hamster from the gerbil, but I wouldn't reccomend it.
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Post by panthershadow83 on Dec 22, 2004 8:32:54 GMT -8
No, I currently have no pets. I've done a lot of research on hamsters for odd reasons, but I don't own one. I will be getting a gerbil soon ;D.
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Post by paws on Dec 22, 2004 9:50:36 GMT -8
gerbils are the best. Remeber, 2 is better than 1! Gerbils are better then hamsters! ;D
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Post by andrea on Dec 22, 2004 10:08:57 GMT -8
Gerbils are social animals and will naturally in the wild live in a big family group. A pair is better than one. Sometimes you will have lone gerbils for on reason or another, usually when they get old and its partner dies. Gerbils when they get older are extremly hard if near impossible to introduce. A pair or three is a nice amount, when a colony gets much bigger violence tends to break out. Also males are more docile than females and fights between themselves tend to be less in males.
I would suggest you try to get a pair they will be much happier that way.
Andrea
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Post by queenofthenile on Dec 22, 2004 16:45:51 GMT -8
If you are interested in having gerbils as pets, you really should have two. They can get quite lonely when they don't have a mate, and are much more prone to boredom. Lone gerbils are often less tame (more nippy, in my experience). Not only will your gerbil be happier with a mate, it is wonderful to watch them sleep with and groom each other .
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Post by j on Dec 28, 2004 0:50:47 GMT -8
Yeah go with 2. They like to have someone to eat with, drink with, sleep with, groom and get groomed by. They interact with eachother a lot. And when gerbils are alone they tend to act stupid. They're less active, mostly sleep in a box, corner, or under the water bottle with their fur all puffed out. They constantly dig in the corners of the tank or chew bars if they're stuck in a cage. They scare easily and thump alot, almost impossible to tame..
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Post by sweetie on Dec 29, 2004 7:58:06 GMT -8
Hey Panther, I imagine that one can live alone. It is not impossible by any means. I guess the quality of life for a sole gerbil is not ideal. Gerbils are social creatures and most of thier natural instincts have evolved from living in colonies. Thumping the feet to warn of predators, grooming, snuggling, etc. These behaviors can be carried out alone, but, the fact remains that they evolved because they live in groups or colonies. The fact that they live in colonies or social settings is what kept the species alive and thriving. Yes they can live alone but it is not an optimal situation. This was a great question Panther!! I appreciate you bringing it up! This question allows both members information and real life experiences come in together. Thanks
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