To introduce or not?

[Mygerbiliscute]

As I posted here last week, my gerbil, SnowFlake, died recently and I'm still in the process of deciding whether or not to look for a new companion for my other gerbil, RainDrop.
On one hand: RainDrop is clearly unhappy and lonely on his own. I work full-time and spend many hours out of the house; I'm also a busy person when not at work. Even with the best of intentions, there is no way I can provide RainDrop with all the company he needs.
On the other hand:
My d-i-y skills are pretty much nonexistent. Any split-cage insert that I might create will likely be demolished by the gerbils before long! And introducing a new gerbil without a split cage is hardly a better alternative.
Also, RainDrop and SnowFlake were both purchased from the same pet shop on the same day. Being that SnowFlake died so suddenly, I'm wondering how much longer RainDrop has to live. If SnowFlake's death was caused by genetic issues, RainDrop may well have these issues as well, which means it won't be long before my new gerbil becomes a lone gerbil.
I'm hoping to get some useful opinions and suggestions here - anything that might be helpful is welcomed!

[Markpd]

It maybe true that the odds of Raindrop living much longer aren't great, but you don't know that with any certainty. Raindrop could end up living much longer (I see from your previous thread he's at least a year old, but could be older. Btw you never answered me as to whether they were pups or not when you got them), and seeing as Raindrop is unhappy I think you should try splitting him with another gerbil. And yes, possibly it wouldn't be too far off for you having to split the new gerbil with another, or it could be in 1-2 yrs.

Re DIY skills, is there no one who can help you? But if not, it really isn't that hard to make a wooden frame and staple mesh to it (1 method). Have you seen our DIYs here for dividers? Although I think having the right tools might be more of a problem than skills if you don't normally DIY.

[Mygerbiliscute]

I mentioned in my other thread that the pet shop I got them from didn't know how old they were; their supplier doesn't provide that information.
I really don't have the tools or skills needed to work with wood, so I would need to figure out some other method of making a divider.

[LilyandDaisy]

You can make a good divider with just a hand saw and staple gun (both cheap to buy). You cut four lengths of timber to make a frame, then staple twice at each join, on each side. It doesn't sound like it would be very sturdy but it really is. You will also need wire cutters to cut the mesh, although some scissors can actually work if you don't mind blunting them.

Alternatively you can use the wire part of a hamster inside a larger tank. I recommend covering the roof so a gerbil climbing on top doesn't get its feet or tail bitten.

[Markpd]

Sept 28, 2022 16:10:02 GMT -8 Mygerbiliscute said:

I mentioned in my other thread that the pet shop I got them from didn't know how old they were; their supplier doesn't provide that information.
I really don't have the tools or skills needed to work with wood, so I would need to figure out some other method of making a divider.

Yes I saw that, but you can visually see if they are(were) pups or not, that's what I was asking. If you saw them grow bigger from when you 1st got them, then we'll know they weren't adults when you got them and we can at least have a rough idea of how old they were/are. If they didn't grow bigger, then we're back to square one .

If you can use (and have them) a saw, a ruler, a stapler and wire cutters, then you can do it .

[Mygerbiliscute]

They did get somewhat bigger since I got them, but not that much bigger. I'm not as good as I should be about weighing them regularly, either.
I don't have access to a saw and wouldn't want to use one even if I did. I'm not at all handy, unfortunately, and my fingers are precious to me.

[Markpd]

Lol, ok, but the idea is to saw the wood, not your fingers

[tanzanyte]

I agree with Mark. You ideally would need to intro as Snowflake isn’t happy.
That said I had a similar dilemma to you in terms of time and other issues and wasn’t sure I’d be able to dedicate time, however I am split caging atm and have managed it for the last 5+ weeks.

I swap them in the morning, then again once home and then again before bed but the time can vary. I did go to my dad to get him to build me a divider so it’s worth asking around if there’s anyone you know who might be remotely handy at this sort of thing. It was only a piece of kiln dried pine and some wire mesh from Wickes so cost very little.

Also it’s worth asking some rescue centres if they will intro for you as a couple of them said they would do intros for me. Unfortunately neither had any older gerbils and the RSPCA where I got my rescue from don’t do intro’s. Some breeders might be willing to intro as well so it’s definitely worth asking.

[Mygerbiliscute]

Just to give you an update:
I did end up getting a new gerbil a little over two weeks ago. I managed to rig up a split cage insert - not up to Markpd's professional standards, just a simple but serviceable insert.
I removed the insert on Sunday and they seem to be getting along really well.
I'm American, but since I got my gerbil soon after England's King Charles assumed office, I've named my new gerbil Regent.
Here is my attempt at posting a photo.
ibb.co/2Kmcfvt

[tanzanyte]

I'm so pleased you managed to find another gerbil friend and it's going well, especially in such a short time scale (I'm still going with my 2 girls in the split cage).

The insert doesn't need to be amazing, it just needs to work so I'm pleased you were able to achieve something yourself.
Plus the one that my dad did for me looked very swish until the girls got in there. They've had a right chew at the wood due to boredom, so it doesn't look quite so swish now.
Regent looks very regal!