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Post by keeperofghosts on Feb 11, 2021 16:48:21 GMT -8
Hey yall.
I have a question. I have my first trio of bonded male gerbils and they are well bonded and get along great. I've had gerbils for over a decade now in pairs but im so giddy that my first trio has worked out!
However, I'd like to breed one of them. How can I breed one of the boys and still be able to put all 3 back together?
Sorry if the answer is obvious I just wanted some clarity.
Appreciate ya.
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Post by betty on Feb 12, 2021 6:25:15 GMT -8
Generally, you wouldn't.
2 reasons really - first is that it will take around 2 months or more before the male can go back if you are breeding gerbils in the normal way. This way is where you pair and male and female and leave them together until around 2 weeks AFTER the second litter. That way they are partners and both raise the young together and the dad gets to keeps some sons.
If you choose to do it a different way - then this might not apply - but if your male has been away from his brothers for more than 2 months - they may well not want him back. You would have to do a three-way split - which you may well already know - with adult gerbils - is never recommended by anyone because of the risks of fighting and declanning.
Some people still try trio introductions - and some people leave females to raise a single litter by themselves - so it can be done. However, I wouldn't want to suggest either of those to anyone due to the fact I wouldn't choose to do either myself (but the latter is sometimes needed though through mis-sexing incidents).
Perhaps someone who has tried either can comment on this - or anyone else has some thoughts - as I am always looking to learn more about things I don't currently do.
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Post by beachbumgerbils on Feb 12, 2021 9:30:20 GMT -8
I agree with betty on this.
Male gerbils typically make great dads. They help momma gerbil take care of the babies, which means less work for her. They also are helpful in socializing the pups as they get older. I generally take dad out with all of his sons about 4 weeks after the 1st litter (or when mom starts looking pregnant again).
If you do decide to breed one from the trio, I would recommend pairing him up with a son or sons. There's a good chance that the 2 adult males left will do just fine on their own. And even though they have been together, they likely won't remember daddy gerbil any more. Introducing 1 adult gerbil to an established pair of adult gerbils rarely goes well.
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