More split cage questions

[moghedien]

Okay. So, I've had my two gerbils - an adult male and adult female - split-caged for about 5-6 days now. Earlier on the board I mentioned that they'd chewed through like the 2nd day and the female had a cut on her nose and throat.

They weren't fighting when I found them, so I suppose the cuts could have been from the wire, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, my question is, how do you know when to introduce them? Mine don't try to fight through the bars, but when I switch them they do go around scenting things (casually though), and they sleep in opposite corners away from each other. I haven't really done this before, so any input would be welcome! ;D

[paws]

If I were you, I would just leave them as they are. When you are handling them, handle them together. Becouse they open the wire, maybe they were itching to be with each other. Imagine if someone intruded on your house, then turned out to be very nice, and you decided to let them stay.... you would both sleep in different rooms, but later become friends. If you are going to spit cage them again, keep cotton in each of the cages. Every day switch the cotton from female to male cage and Vice Versa.
They will eventually get used to eachother's smell.

[queenofthenile]

I would give it a bit more time. If they still aren't sleeping next to each other in a week, remove the split and see.

[sweetie]

I personally experienced my 2, Honeymunch and Bandit never slept near the divider. I split caged them for 1 week. It is common for them to go around and scent after changing sides. Almost like a dog peeing on the same tree to keep his scent and then peeing on a tree that has another dogs scent.

I was nervous when I actually did introduce them. I put on the gloves and my heart raced. I did not need either. They were not aggressive toward each other so I decided to try the introduction even though they weren't sleeping together. It worked.

You could wait or you could introduce them. It is your call. You can see if they are aggressive or not. Scenting is common but if they are still lunging at the divider to get the other one, I would wait. They do not necessarily have to sleep next to each other. Mine made thier own beds and would consistantly sleep in them which happened to be on opposite sides of the divider.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

[moghedien]

Well everyone, thanks muches for the advice!

Today when I came home, I noticed that they seemed rather desperate to try to get at each other (no lunging, just digging and chewing). Since they haven't been aggressive toward each other, I began to suspect that Kaylee was in heat. Since they were well on their way to destroying the divider (must get heavier-gauge wire next time!!), I decided to go ahead and introduce them, and then repair the wire if they became violent and had to be separated.

So, heart pounding and gloves at the ready, I stood by and watched them interact for about 30 minutes. Wasn't sure how it was going. Then all of a sudden, they curl up together in a corner and go to sleep after a little grooming!! ;D ;D ;D

So I'm very happy now.

[moghedien]

Oh yes, and I forgot to add...

The male really cracked me up. Before they started snuggling he crawls over to Kaylee, stretches his head out towards her, really low, and squeezes his eyes shut like he's saying "See! You can be dominant! Just please don't chew on me!" She then promptly grabbed his head in her paws and groomed him. Then they snuggled and went to sleep. Perhaps that established the terms of their relationship? Hehehe...

[sweetie]

Hey Mag,

I am very happy to hear this!! I love watching all of my gerbils interact! It is so cute!