Super easy split cage method

[SamIAm]

We recently introduced two new pups to our male gerbil and everything went swimmingly. We read everything we could find beforehand about split cages and introductions and wanted to share our split cage method since I had not seen it anywhere else.

We simply used 4 sections from a pet playpen (forming essentially a small square playpen) and placed it into the tank. We have a 20-gallon-long tank so we had to deform our square into a rhombus to make it fit. It worked great! The gerbils could not climb the divider like they can hardware cloth, but could see and sniff each other freely. We also did not have to worry about the gerbils dislodging the barrier.

SamIAm

[sweetie]

Excellent idea!! Why didn't I think of that ;D. It sounds perfect!

I am glad your intro worked. Are they together now?

[SamIAm]

Yes, they are together now. We kept them in the split cage, alternating sides, for about 5 days. On day 3, we decided to let them exercise together in neutral territory. I made sure we had gloves and containment handy if necessary but they were fine. We were still too nervous to leave them together unsupervised. On day 5 we were home all day and decided to remove the barrier. We have had zero aggression and they are all sleeping in the same nest.

SamIAm

[sweetie]

Hey Sam,

Congratulations on your successful introduction. They must be adorable all curled up and cuddling!! Might we get pictures???