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Post by zarose on Dec 5, 2021 5:46:07 GMT -8
Hi, looking for people's opinions please. A week ago 1 of our 6 month old gerbils passed away from what the vet thinks was a seizure & we are now left with 1. I have read online about how to introduce another gerbil into the cage & how it's a lengthy process that's not guaranteed to work. I've also read on what to do to keep a lone gerbil happy. Local pet shop doesn't recommend introducing a new 1 & said the 1 we have sounds like she's doing well, just wondered if anyone else has a lone gerbil. Many thanks
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Post by Markpd on Dec 5, 2021 6:26:36 GMT -8
With the rare exception of a super-anti social gerbil, it's normally only very old gerbils that are kept alone, as it is generally considered too stressful for them to go through a split intro (from approx 3yrs old, but how old they behave is a factor too). So a 6 month old gerbil would not normally be kept alone, and would be advised to do a split intro with another gerbil. Humans don't necessarily make very good gerbil partner replacements, mainly because we can't be with them 24/7, and we're different animals! , not saying it can't work though.
I would recommend that you get another gerbil and do a split intro (lots of threads here about it, old and new, use Google etc to find them, rather than the forum's search engine). If the intro doesn't work out, you could have a couple options. If you buy a pup from a breeder, they maybe willing to take it back if the intro doesn't work out (getting a pup also gives you the best chance of success), find out beforehand though (I doubt a petshop would, but it doesn't hurt to ask!). Or, if the cage is sufficiently large enough you could make it a permanent split. Info here on how permanent split's work out is thin on the ground (& I haven't had the chance to look further afield), but some people in this old thread had success and my boys (who are brothers) are in a permanent split after they de-clanned. It seems the limited contact through the mesh is enough, they're not hostile to each other (despite the fight!), and they both seem active and happy enough (2 months so far). Normally an intro with a pup works out ok though (it's not 100% sure though!).
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Post by yeti218 on Dec 5, 2021 9:27:55 GMT -8
Is your gerbil male or female? I assume your remaining gerbil is 6 months as well?
That is pretty young to leave alone for the rest of their life, so I'd definitely seriously consider getting a new companion. Double check the sex of the gerbils to make sure you dont accidentally breed, pet stores sometimes mess up in this area, though a breeder will probably get it right.
You will want to be able to deal with it it the gerbils dont bond, so be prepared to have two enclosures, a permanent split, or return the new gerbil if that's allowed. But gerbils are social animals, and dealing with that is just part of ownership.
Some people are lucky and never need to deal with this stuff, but its a reality of gerbil ownership.
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Post by zarose on Dec 7, 2021 14:35:41 GMT -8
Thank you. After reading up, speaking with our local pet shop & observing her we've decided we're going to give her loads of attention & see how she goes on 🙂 thank you so much for replying really appreciate it
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Post by zarose on Mar 20, 2022 13:29:13 GMT -8
Update. 4 months after Ninja died we still have Frosty! She is thriving on her own & not shown any signs of distress. She's played with every day, has lots of boredom breakers & enjoys the occasional treat 🥰
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Post by Markpd on Apr 4, 2022 12:07:33 GMT -8
Good to hear , with her young age though, be sure to keep watching out for signs of loneliness in the future. Thanks for the update btw
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Post by mygerbilprince on Apr 21, 2022 13:55:56 GMT -8
Definitely keep an eye out. Some don't start to show the consequences of living alone until they are older. I've found keeping gerbils together keeps them happier and even healthier.
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Post by kerry on May 1, 2022 10:31:27 GMT -8
Thanks for posting this and the replies. We've just lost a gerbil 18months old leaving her sister same age. Very unsure what to do. She always been skittish and nervous but now stays in her tunnels and is very reluctant to interact with us. It's so hard to know what to do. We thought about split intro a pup but then we'll always be left with a lone gerbil due to the 18month age gap. Any suggestions?
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Post by Markpd on May 2, 2022 3:57:33 GMT -8
What about adopting an adult gerbil of similar age from a rescue ctr?
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Thea
Member
Posts: 1,012
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Post by Thea on May 2, 2022 8:42:02 GMT -8
Agreed, it's probably safer to introduce an adult if you can find a rescue near you. There's also various Facebook groups which you could ask on, as often people on there have lone gerbils that they want to rehome. I'm sure she'd really appreciate you giving her a friend
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Post by zarose on Jul 8, 2023 5:48:57 GMT -8
Update: Sadly last Sunday we lost Frosty. 19 months she was on her own so we were happy that she enjoyed her time 💕.
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Post by betty on Jul 8, 2023 7:34:51 GMT -8
Oh bless her.
Always a sad day to hear about a loss - but glad to hear that you said she had a good life...
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Post by zarose on Jul 8, 2023 12:39:17 GMT -8
Thank you Betty, we were saddened but happy she made it to just over 2 years old, especially when she lived most of it on her own x
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Post by TJ's Rodent Ranch on Jul 8, 2023 14:20:05 GMT -8
Hello,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Frosty, I'm very glad she was so happy, especially living alone. Bless her <3
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Post by zarose on Jul 25, 2023 6:12:21 GMT -8
Hello, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Frosty, I'm very glad she was so happy, especially living alone. Bless her <3 Thank you Jamie x
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