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Post by E_Hope on Jun 23, 2020 12:56:11 GMT -8
Hello! A family friend was staying at a hotel when they came across a gerbil hiding underneath an AC unit. We agreed to take him in, as we had a spare cage to keep him in and most of the supplies we needed already. However, I know gerbils are very social. Does he need a friend? I wouldn’t want to introduce another gerbil only for them to fight. Also, I don’t know how old he is. He is definitely an adult, but if he is already very old, I would not want for the new gerbil we brought home to be alone once he died then. Would getting two new gerbils be good, just in case? Or would they “gang up” on him? Just looking for advice! I want our new little gerbil to have the happiest life possible now that he is with us! Thank you!
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Post by catnut on Jun 23, 2020 15:03:25 GMT -8
great of you taking him in, interesting story, guess someone abandoned him or he escaped and they didn't find him. I would see how he is on his own for the next two weeks and to make sure he is healthy, then decide if he needs a friend or not (also make sure he is male for sure). What kind of cage do you have? he needs at least a 20 gallon aquarium to dig and burrow. try to get him to get used to you and see how hand tame he is after afew days to let him settle in. Enjoy your new friend. take care, Tammy
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Post by E_Hope on Jun 23, 2020 15:51:26 GMT -8
Yes we have him in a 20 gallon aquarium right now. He is very hand tame, and will sit still in your hand and “purr” if you stroke his head. We are fairly certain he is a boy. We will definitely wait a couple weeks to make sure he is healthy- he didn’t seem too great when we first got him, but we have no clue how long he went without food/water. He seems much perkier now.
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Post by betty on Jun 24, 2020 5:13:19 GMT -8
Wow, what a story? I wonder if there is an owner still looking for him though if he is that friendly - have you asked the hotel if anyone reported one missing (I often take gerbils into hotel rooms when travelling).
Otherwise yes, make sure you give him enough time to make sure he doesn't have mites or anything from his time running free - and then I would certainly look for another older male gerbil from a rescue or breeder (etc) to pair him up with if you can.
As for 'alone' choices - yes he can stay alone with plenty of changing enrichment, but we always recommend a friend for gerbils if you can, but there are many options - none are certain except leaving him alone.
Single matches similar-aged gerbils are better for the gerbils and the longevity of the clan - even though you may end up with a single later on when one dies - however you have a single now so not really any different? If you go for a pup they will bond faster and most likely stay friends forever, but until the pup is fully mature, you can't fully guarantee the clan.
Getting two pups for your current one is also very easily done if they are both very young pups - and many people report no problems at all from their male trio (different story with females). However as you say - on maturing (anywhere between 6 months to just over a year) there is the chance that the balance of the clan will change to the detriment of the original gerbil. It certainly doesn't always happen, but there is a small chance.
However, the 2 gallon won't be suitable for 3 gerbils once they are all grown up - unless you have a decent multi-layered topper - but would be great to convert into a split-tank for any intro (and to keep them in for a few weeks while still bonding.
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