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Post by londongerbils on Jun 13, 2020 4:34:42 GMT -8
I have a complex question if you can help me.
I have a single female gerbil of a year who needs a new partner. However, when looking for another single female for gerbil for adoption I’ve not found one. But on my search I found two 10 week old gerbils that were listed for adoption by an individual. The gerbils seem to be living in a low cage with no room to burrow, and though the individual isn’t a breeder, they bought a male and female, and now want them adopted together. I said to the individual that they were unlikely to find someone to adopt them together because they’d have babies soon, and that the best option would be to contact a breeder or animal shelter. They were reluctant to do this said they’d consider getting them adopted individually and offered me the female. However, is this irresponsible to adopt her? Firstly because it leaves the male alone and secondly could the female be pregnant already or is she not old enough? I would love to give her a bigger home and a friend, but not if it’s an irresponsible decision. does anyone have any thoughts on this?
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Post by betty on Jun 13, 2020 8:18:58 GMT -8
Depending on your set ups at home - this could be good for you, your gerbil and their gerbils - if you were able to home them all yourself.
Firstly, yes she should seperate the male and female pups anyway unless she is planning to do the whole two litters thing themself, so the male will be alone for a short while until the female has pups (if she is already pregnant). and he may be easier to split with another male gerbil if she isn't. All very complicated between the two of you.
Secondly - You could agree to take both the gerbils off her - with the plan to rehome them to a shelter/adoptee yourself at a later date. You could split the male and female as soon as you get them into temporary accomodation, and put the female on pregnancy watch. If she doesn't have pups, you can split her to your female and rehome the male to someone you trust (rather than leave him alone with the original owner who may not find him a partner).
If she does have pups, and she has more than 2 females - you can put one with your female and leave one or more with the mum herself and you can put all the boys in with the dad and home as a clan. Obviously, you can't guarantee that she will have more than two female pups and one male, so that could be the only sticking point for you all.
Hmm?
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Post by londongerbils on Jun 13, 2020 9:25:09 GMT -8
Thank you so much for your detailed reply.
I will consider you’re idea of adopting them both and then rehoming the male to a trustworthy person or shelter, and splitting her to my female if she isn’t pregnant.
I have two questions about this: How likely is it she’s pregnant if she’s 10/11 weeks old? Is she able to have her own pups? If she is able to, how long would she need to be isolated for before it can be certain she isn’t pregnant? I don’t know how long a gerbil pregnancy is, I’ve only ever had two pairs of females.
Thanks again!
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Post by betty on Jun 15, 2020 1:41:29 GMT -8
londongerbils she is very likely not pregnant at that young age. However, as dominant females can be very mean to other females' pups (and other moms) it would be wise to wait for a minimum of 3 weeks (from the day the male was removed) ideally 4, before starting the split. Gestation is around 3 weeks, so because the split will take a few days/weeks anyway you have that built in overlap. Obviously if you think she isn't and want to start the split early - plan to make it a long, slow split (starting in a larger space than usual if possible) so she can have somewhere to nest and hide for the first few weeks and she can sort-of comfortably build up to it. You really can't tell if a female is pregnant until the last week, so it unfortunately will just be a waiting game until the 4 weeks have passed. Not too much help I know, but there is always the 'cautious longer way' and the 'lets see what happens' way. And although I favour the first for the safety of my gerbils - many a new insight into gerbils lives and behaviours has been gained from the latter.
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Post by londongerbils on Jun 15, 2020 3:22:51 GMT -8
Thank you so much. I will have a think about what you’ve said. You’ve been very helpful.
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