Should I attempt to introduce my 2 sets of bonded females?

[skyli]

I currently have 4 female gerbils in 2 separate enclosures. One pair are litter mates (Kenzi and Rouge), and the other pair (Luna and Squibbles) were introduced to each other using the split cage method. Luna and Squibbles were both loners from pet stores. Squibbles first friend (who she also met via split cage method) died in August. I'm not sure how old they are - Squibbles is at least a year. 

One set lives in a Ikea detolf cage, and the other has a 20 gallon long aquarium with a 10 gallon topper.  

Do you think I could successfully introduce all 4 ladies and have them live in the ikea detolf cage together?
If so, would I do the split cage method with 2/2?

If I keep them separate, should I switch their enclosures monthly when I do a deep cage clean? I use Nature's Miracle Cage cleaner for smells, but would switching stress them out? I make sure to move their hidey hole/ sand baths/ water bottles / coconuts go with them between cages. The wheels stay with the cages, and there's more stuff in the ikea cage. I just always feel bad for the pair in the smaller set up. 

[LilyandDaisy]

No, it wouldn't be a good idea to try to introduce all four. Pair to pair introductions are never recommended because:
- They're unlikely to work out
- The presence of other gerbils can cause a bonded pair to fight, so by putting them in a split cage together you risk splitting up the pairs you already have.
- Gerbils do best in pairs and pairs have a much lower declanning rate than groups. Groups are prone to declanning, especially females and groups of unrelated gerbils. So in your case, if you got past the initial introduction, your group would be extremely high risk for a declan later on, which could result in four lone gerbils, or in the worst case scenario, dead or injured gerbils.

I hope that makes sense. Sorry that it's all a bit negative but there aren't really any pros to a pair to pair introduction!

I wouldn't switch their tanks each month. I think that would annoy them, going from lots of space to less space, to lots again etc.

[skyli]

Thanks for the help and quick reply. From everything I'd read, it didn't seem like trying to form one big gerbil clan was a good idea. I just wanted them all to be friends, but risking injury is certainly not worth it.