When is it time??

[snugglesandcloud]

Hi! I have had the new gerbil since Saturday morning. I have them in two separate cages right next to each other and have been switching them back and forth several times a day. So far, they have sniffed each other through the bars and whenever I switch them, they will sniff around for awhile and usually they will fall asleep in the same place that the other one slept in that cage as well, so they're essentially sleeping in the same place. So I've been doing this with them for 3 days or so. When is it time to try to let them co-exist?

Kim

[queenofthenile]

You could *try* introducing them now, just be equiped with heavy leather gloves. Watch the gerbs and look for any chasing, squeeking or aggressive behaviour. Sniffing is fine and if they wind up sleeping and grooming each other, you are in the clear. If all is not well, split them for some more time. A good indication that they are ready to be introduced is that they sleep next to each other on either side of the divider.

[snugglesandcloud]

What about if either of them does their thumping thing? If they do that, should I reseparate them? Thanks.

Kim

[queenofthenile]

Thumping is pretty normal, it just means they are a bit scared. You just want to reseperate them if they look like they will *physically* harm each other. Biting, lunging, chasing, and gerbil ball fights are all reasons to re-split. If they are just boxing however, this is normal too, as long as they aren't going for the jugular. My experience with gerbils needing to be seperated was one gerbil lunging at the other, and chasing, while hearing wild squeaking noises. The other time involved an immediate ball fight as soon as the divider was removed.

[snugglesandcloud]

Thank you very much for your feedback and advice. I will try to put them together tomorrow when I can keep an eye on them. I will let you all know how it goes.

Kim

[Ritzie/Admin]

And how did it go?