Signs to look for during an introduction

[ps25]

People sometimes ask me how to tell if an introduction is going well, once the gerbils actually meet up.  I find it hard to explain what I look for, so I decided it was time to sit down and try to describe it.  Here's the signs that I look for but I'm hoping others will add their comments as well...

Good signs
Sniffing faces and butts
Lowering the head to allow "kissing"
Relaxed, smooth movements
Smooth fur
Ears forward
Ignoring each other (going about their business eg eating, chewing cardboard)
Some minor tussles to establish dominance (one walks away and is not followed)

Grooming

Adult gerbil largely ignoring a pup gerbil being pesky and not reacting aggressively (the occasional moment of pinning down with one paw is ok)

Bad signs
Fur fluffed up to make them look bigger
Ears laid flat
Jerky movements
Positioning themselves sideways, especially with backs curved (looks like a big furry comma, or like 2 cats arching their backs before a fight)
Tussles with continued pestering/following immediately after
Holding the other gerbil down
Staying in a corner
Squeaking
Thumping

Tail swishing

Furious chasing around the cage (as in you can barely see them running, and they're banging into the side!)

They go face to face, barely moving and just stare at each other for a while (then one might move in slowly to e.g attempt to groom the other, this could either trigger a fight or the receiving gerbil might accept this and they'll be ok).

[marls]

Thank you for this. Can you please give me an idea of positive behaviour during the split? I have had successful bonding before but I’m presently trying to bond to males that don’t seem very interested in each other at all. I tried to introduce them once already but they ended up in a ball. That was after a week so I’ve put them back in the split for another two weeks. They are sleeping in each other’s nests and occasionally sniff at each other. There is no aggression but no grooming either. My new one is very nervous and very nippy with me so I am a bit nervous about this introduction. As I said, I’ve only had successful introductions before so this one is a new experience for me.

[Markpd]

(I think marls questions have been answered elsewhere?)

Extras for the bad list, thumping (directed at the other gerbil), and (separately) tail swishing!
Good idea btw ps25

[ps25]

I should've thought to add thumping LOL. I've never noticed tail swishing but I will keep an eye out for it next time. I just added both to the list at the start of this thread.  Thanks

[Markpd]

I'll see if I can find a video of Avon tail swishing to Blake later.

[Markpd]

Opps, I forgot about the video

Well this video shows some tail swishing, but I don't think it was the one I had in mind.

Also, seeing as I'm a mod now, I think this thread is worth sticking .

[Markpd]

I think we should expand on ps25's very useful list to not only look at early intro signs, but to also include signs of a possible impending declan where they're already together, and then hopefully we can create a guide from that.

I've just realised what's missing from the 'bad signs' list, which is also relevant to declanns is really fast chasing, as in you can barely see them running and they're banging into the side of the tank/cage!

Hopefully many more people can chip in here as I have very limited experience.

[Markpd]

ps25 Could you add the above bad sign to your list? [edit] Nm, I did it.

[sparkbubble]

My gerbs were mis-sexed. Do males also sniff butts to check fertility? I observed my male sniffing my girl's bottom numerous times the day before she had her litter, and what did I know? they mated later. I also wonder if opposite sex gerbils bond quicker, as mine bonded in six days...

[LilyandDaisy]

Apr 4, 2022 12:38:37 GMT -8 sparkbubble said:

My gerbs were mis-sexed. Do males also sniff butts to check fertility? I observed my male sniffing my girl's bottom numerous times the day before she had her litter, and what did I know? they mated later. I also wonder if opposite sex gerbils bond quicker, as mine bonded in six days...

Bottom sniffing in gerbils means much the same as it does in dogs. It's how they find out important information about the other gerbil, such as whether they are a friend or a stranger, whether they are male or female etc. It's possible it could give them some information about fertility as well. 

[alanasgerbilz5214]

What do you do if the gerbils show bad signs?

[Markpd]

If it's before you've removed the divider, then don't remove it until they (hopefully) get on better.
If it's after you've removed the divider, and they don't calm down after a very short time (a few minutes I guess?) then separate them again.
If there's furious chasing, or worse a ball fight, then separate them immediately. To separate a ball fight, you'll either need thick gloves, a piece of card or a flower pot (the latter is probably the best option, as you've then blocked either gerbil getting to each other again).

[Markpd]

Just thought of another bad sign, when 2 gerbils go face to face and just stare at each other. Now if one gerbil backs down then the intro can still work out (I have no idea what the likelihood of that is though), however if neither do, then it could lead to a fight or a chase.

Would anyone like to add their observations to this scenario before I add it to the 'bad signs' list?

[Markpd]

List updated.

[TJ's Rodent Ranch]

Yes gerbils staring at each other always is a warning sign for me. I also often notice their hair rise up on their spine if they intend to attack. (The hair rising can give you like a five to three second notice, as far as I've seen).