split screening

[sisco18]

How long do you recommend split screening gerbils before intoducing them and at the end of the time of the split screen how do you let them meet.

[Die Fledermaus]

Two weeks or more.

Switch them daily from side to side.

So not use scent masking as when it wears off they might fight.

Be sure the gauge of the mesh is thick enough so they cannot gnaw through. See the photos I have in this forum on this topic.

When I pull the screen I have a glove on to separate if they fight. I also keep the tank in front of me for at least several hours, and then I keep it near me when I sleep. That is to break up fights.

You never can tell if gerbs will like each other.

[Andrea]

Some intros will happen right away, others will take months.
You will know when they start to like each other, when they start to try and groom one another through the screen, and/or sleeping beside each other on opposite sides of the screen.

[sisco18]

thanks for the advice is it alright to introduce an older gerbil to a much younger one like one I would say is about a year old while the pup is maybe 12 weeks old. theyve been split screened for a few days already.

[Andrea]

Yup, ages usually aren't much of a problem.
Sometimes an older male will take on a pup (under 10 weeks) right away. Males are usually big pup lovers.. they can't resist a cute baby face i suppose

[Die Fledermaus]

Older males generally are more likely to accept younger gerbils.

Andrea's advice on they way they react with the screen still in place is important, because once the screen is pulled and they start fighting you can forget introducing them. I believe failures are forever.

[sisco18]

thank you the male is the much older one and they seem to only be sniffing through the bars and acting slightly interested at this point.

[Die Fledermaus]

They still might fight viciously if given the chance.

When you finally do pull the screen, after two weeks or more, WATCH CLOSELY for hours. If one looks terrified and hides, and the other seems aggressive, that is a bad sign. They might "ball up" and fight at any time. Once they do, separate permanently. But hopefully they will not.

[sisco18]

do you guys have much luck with split caging I mean what are the chances things are going to go good. so after the first day then if they are fine and sharing the same nest or grooming I have nothing to worry about or could there still be trouble later.

[Andrea]

I had three boys together who decided to de-clan after living together since pups, so their is no guarantee.
Watch them, and put them in a pen to let them play, this way they are on neutral territory and you can watch them. I've had some males take on a pup (or two) after a couple hours, while others it took weeks.

[sisco18]

I decided to undo the screen today And had my glove on ready Ive been down there for a couple hours watching now and the just seem to be grooming chasing and going in the same box the pup seems to squeeck alot when cornered by the adult male but nothing has broken out just wanted to let you alll know everything was going well I will keep you updated thanks for your help

[pinky]

Good luck with it all!

[Die Fledermaus]

Yes, good luck.

>> I had three boys together who decided to de-clan after living together since pups, so their is no guarantee. <<

Trios are notoriously unstable.

[sisco18]

its just a pair I plan on keeping it that way.

[Andrea]

That's great news!
I wish you luck, sounds like things are going smoothly.

So what are the names of your two little guys? What colours are they?