Sqeaking baby after introduction

[finch]

I introduced two baby gerbils to a slightly older one (about three months older) by dipping them in warm water and putting them in a new cage. This method has been successful for me in the past. There is no fighting but one of the little ones sqeaks every time the older one sniffs it or comes near it. The older one will sleep with the other baby but not the squeaking one and the sqeaking one will sleep with the other baby but not the older one. They don't bite or bump each other, just run the other way. Sometimes they hang out together for a few seconds before they notice the other one and then run in separate directions. The sqeaking is a whiny one, not a hissy or frightened one. I introduced them last night and it is still going on. Is this normal? Can I do anything about it? How long will it last?

[doomgerbiluk]

you dip your gerbils in water?
Why?
poor babies

Anyway some gerbils are cry babys (and after that treatment I can't blame him)
Give it time but watch them till they settle as a colony.
and please don't dip your gerbs, they really don't like it

[finch]

Thanks for replying. I don't regularly dip my gerbils in water, but was told by a couple of breeders that this was an alternate method of introducing new gerbils and it has worked in the past when I tried it. I don't immerse them in water just dip them where their scent gland is and put them in a new cage so that they have a neutral scent and don't fight. Anyway, the squeaking started several hours after they were in the cage, when they were all dry and had sniffed each several times. And he only squeaks when the other gerbils sniffs him or comes near him. There is no biting, I have been observing them closely. I brought them to work with me and again, no biting or violence, only squeaking. I guess my question is if this relationship is not gonna work out.

I have read of the water method on several credible gerbil websites and on at least one thread in this forum. I don't know tons about gerbils but don't try anything without asking experts. So while I greatly appreciate that you took the time to respond, being judgemental in not helpful or encouraging for people asking for advice.

[AndreaS15]

I have never read/heard of this meathod, and being that most small rodent can catch a chill and die from being wet I wouldn't suggest it, I'm actually surprised to hear of this meathod. One I read on the internet and have used for my introductions is Vanilla, I dap vanilla on the head, rear and tummy scent glands of the gerbils to meet, and then place them in a neutral area. For my last introduction i was taught by a breeder on this site to take my thumb and pet/rub the scent glad of the older gerbil and then rub my thumb over the younger one it's to meet. It worked great

As for your little squeeker, sounds like a 'big baby' lol I don't think you should have a problem. Sounds to me like he's nervous of the new older gerbil, and the squeeking is saying "I'm a little baby, don't hurt me" Horses do this buy opening there mouths and smacking there lips together to an older horse, it's cute.
This kind of behaviour is something most animals do to strange older animals. I'm sure as time passes by the older one will gain the trust of his new cagemate.

[doomgerbiluk]

It was not meant to be judgemental
I was just shocked at the idea of dipping an aniaml as hydrophobic as a gerbil in water
mine certainly hate even partial immersion

[gerbil]

Lol! I just learned quite a few ways to introduce gerbils!

[finch]

Hi. Thanks for the advice and tips. It's been a week now and the speaking continues. It seems that my gerbil (Tweedledum) is being submissive to the main squeaker who keeps squeaking until Tweedledum leaves whatever area he's in. The squeaker and the other baby get along as well as Tweedledum and the other baby. There is no biting or fighting but the two babies seems to have a strong bond i.e. they will sleep cuddled up together and if Tweedledum comes near the squeaker starts his monologue till he leaves. The other baby (not the one who squeaks) will occasionally sleep with Tweedledum but mostly hangs out with the squeaker; sometimes he squeaks at Tweedledum too until he leaves, but sometimes he allows Tweedledum to groom him.
Sorry if this is confusing, but here's my question: Are the two babies too closely bonded to allow my gerbil to join the clan? I don't want to separate the two babies as they seem very close, so I was thinking of returning them and getting a different gerbil for Tweedledum. Am I not giving the process enough time? Please advise.

Thanks