Introducing gerbils - split cage technique

kittieviolet

Hi all
A week ago, I had to have a very much loved gerbil put to sleep, this left the dilemma of the surviving brother. I am aware that gerbils are social little furries so yesterday I brought back another adult male from the animal shelter.
Wondered if any of you had any experience with the split cage technique and the gerbils initial behaviour.My old gerbil Arthur is stomping like a goodun with Cosmic the new comer ignoring him. I have just done the first swap over which appeared to completely stress them both out. They have sniffed each other but Arthur is still cage biting and stomping in Cosmics direction.
Early days I know, but would appreciate any experienced advice on what to expect or look out for.

msmanx

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kittieviolet

Thanks msmanx for the advice much appreciated. Must admit when I was looking at them this morning, Arthur was 'pacing the party line' stomping and chewing the divide and it just seemed to be hugely stressful for them both, so I did pop Cosmic in to a separate cage and had decided to keep them that way.

Jenny_Wren_3

I've done it with a one year old and a much younger gerbil, both males. So has my sister in law under my instructions! It can work but takes a lot of time and patience!

sneezyboots

Despite the fact you are always told gebils are sociable animals I have not myself, or met anyone else who has managed to keep more than one without them eventually fighting.
I tried the split cage for a long time when I first started keeping gerbils as I was under the impression my gerbil would have to live alone after his buddy died. Tried it for a very long time and no luck.
My latest gerbil is alone and very content. She is now 4years old so it can't have traumatised her that much living alone!