|
Post by saraw on Dec 11, 2022 13:32:36 GMT -8
Hi All, So if you read my previous post, I’m about to do my first introduction of my 1 year old female gerbil to a new friend (her previous friend died suddenly a week ago). I’ve spent all weekend getting a split tank ready (I can’t post a picture as I can’t use Imgur for some reason) it’s a 60cm by 40cm tank. I have a few initial questions before I start as I haven’t got a new gerbil yet. 1) the space seems really small - will cookie be ok in a such a small space after being used to having more? 2) cookie loves coming out for a cuddle and a fuss, will I still be able to do this or do I have leave them alone ? Or can I at least have a sneaky cuddle when swapping them over? 3) I have put anything in the split cage apart from a cardboard tube each - is this ok ? 4) realistically I’ll only have time to swap them morning and night is this ok? 5) if they are asleep when it’s time to swap do I leave them or wake them up!? Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully answer my questions!
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 11, 2022 22:39:49 GMT -8
ibb.co/bzbg7mMI’ve managed to upload a photo of my split tank - does this seem ok ?
|
|
|
Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 12, 2022 4:57:16 GMT -8
That's a great split tank.
The bedding may be too deep. Do you know yet what age of gerbil you will be introducing? If it's a pup or very young female I would say, definitely reduce the bedding for a hopefully quick introduction. If it's a gerbil of a similar age to Cookie, you could leave it as it is since the split may take longer anyway (and you can reduce the bedding towards the end).
Since this is just temporary, she should be fine with the small space though gerbils sometimes get a bit frustrated. It's all worth it in the end. Ideally you shouldn't offer too much attention during the split tank as you want the gerbils to be focusing on each other.
The cardboard tubes are probably okay for now. I would remove them for the last few days of the split. I also add some small wooden chews so the gerbils can gnaw.
If you can't do 3 swaps a day, 1 is actually better than 2 so that they spend the night on a different side each night. Wake them up for the swap. If things are going very well, they'll go straight back to sleep on the other side.
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 12, 2022 5:08:26 GMT -8
Brilliant, thank you again for your help and advice! I thought the bedding may be a bit too deep, I’ll remove some ! Yes I’m going for a pup, hopefully getting her this week. Yes I thought it may be best to just leave them to it, although I’ll feel mean not giving cookie her fuss I know it’s for the best in the long run !
|
|
|
Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 12, 2022 8:54:35 GMT -8
Hopefully since it's a pup, it'll be a quick and easy introduction. Pup introductions can be over in just a day or two (but it takes as long as it takes, so don't try to rush it).
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 12, 2022 10:01:57 GMT -8
So - ended up getting a pup tonight ! First signs I have no idea how to read - cookie originally was frantically digging at the mesh, then she calmed down, there were a few kisses threw the mesh, they’ve gone about their business eating, the pup is hiding a lot but coming out as soon as cookie comes near the mesh and is squeaking loads. Cookie is trying to get out of the tank but I haven’t seen any obvious signs of aggression? Am I mad for trying this when I’m so inexperienced? I’m really starting to doubt myself now and thinking I shouldn’t have done this ? 😩
|
|
|
Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 12, 2022 10:06:20 GMT -8
That all sounds totally normal. Do you know how old the pup is?
You're not mad at all! You're doing this to help Cookie which is a great thing.
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 12, 2022 10:09:22 GMT -8
Thank you ☺️ Not exactly, she is a rescue- she was dumped with her mum and sisters at a rehoming centre 😢 she’s only tiny though I’d say about 6/8 weeks maybe ?
|
|
|
Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 12, 2022 10:17:13 GMT -8
She's young enough then that she's probably craving adult company. The process is all about making sure Cookie is going to be friendly.
I would probably actually remove the cardboard tubes so they don't hide away from each other too much (since you'll probably be introducing them in the next few days).
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 12, 2022 10:20:40 GMT -8
Ah ok, should I do that tonight ? I don’t want her to be scared with nowhere to feel safe ? Will she be ok ?
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 12, 2022 10:21:16 GMT -8
Cookie was enjoying chewing hers !! Should I just give cardboard instead ?
|
|
|
Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 12, 2022 10:23:21 GMT -8
I think I would. I'd give her a big pile of nesting material next to the divider to hide in instead.
You could try scattering their food next to the divider as well.
|
|
|
Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 12, 2022 10:24:17 GMT -8
Maybe give them some cardboard they can't hide in, or thinner cardboard that will be destroyed quickly, like toilet paper tubes.
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 12, 2022 10:24:25 GMT -8
Ok, I’m on it ! Thank you 👍🏻
|
|
|
Post by saraw on Dec 12, 2022 10:32:04 GMT -8
I’ve removed the tube. Every time the pup goes to the divider cookie scratches at it - is this a good or bad sign ? I’ve also learned that this is going to hard - as soon as I removed the lid to the tank, cookie jumped over the divider 😱 I caught her thankfully and put her back in her side - this is going to be a fun journey!!!
|
|