introducing + split cage?

[lizzy]

i currently have 4 gerbils, three are sisters and live in a cage together (karly, katy & kiara) who are about 6-7 weeks and juliet whos on her own who's about 9 weeks. (before you ask why she's on her own, juliet was sick so couldn't be sold at the pet shop where i work, and her littermates were all sold before she got better)
when i got them i tried to introduce karly to juliet but karly had a fit =\ so i didn't try that again. i'm going to try and introduce one of them to juliet again, but i have a few problems..
1) i've introduced males before and had no problems (didnt even use the split cage method) but females are harder?
2) i've heard its easier to introduce gerbils (specially females) before they're 10 weeks, and juliet's nearing 9 weeks now so i have to do it soon i guess
3) juliet's currently sick with a breathing/sore nose, and has to go to the vet soon
4) i don't know if i could seperate one of the girls to introduce to juliet cause they all snuggle up together etc, is there any chance of having 4 in a cage? although i know with females thats not reccomended
5) i don't have a split cage and know nowhere that sells one. i also live in the uk.. any help on getting one (preferably cheaply)? i know i could make one, but i'm not very good with DIY, heh.

any solutions possible, do you reckon?
thanks

[darrenb]

I take it you have read this page on Peter's site:

home.studenten.net/~petermaas/gerbils/introducing.htm

Just use some mire mesh and bend it to fit a fish tank and make a piece that fits diagnally accross the tank - the wire costs £23.99 at FOCUS DIY, and you can get a large tank there fr £18.99

Happy now

[Ritzie/Admin]

Normally you would not have any problems with 6-7 week old pups. Even 9 weeks will work most of the times.

But if you cannot introduce them all together, you could introduce 1 female to Juliet! With the split-cage method.

Here some more pictures and info from another website:
www.shindaodynasty.com/SplitCage.htm.

Tip: use hiding places, houses, so that the gerbils can hide when they want to. It reduces stress and they can get to know the other in their own speed.