Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an old gerbil, hes about four (how long do they live, 5 or so years?) and i am considering adding another- maybe two- gerbils to his enviroment. Is this possible, i imagine not but i was wondering.

Well you can try but It doesn't stand a big chance or working.
If you really want to do it then its best to try the split cage method.
Give the cage a good wash so it doesn't smell of your older gerbil's scent. Do this to any toys as well. Put the bedding and things back in and put a barrier in the middle of the cage. It could be some sort of wire mesh. Just make sure the gerbils can't get through it or hurt themselves on it. Put the older gerbil in one half and the newer ones in the other so they can see and smell each other through the barrier. After a while change over the sides you have the gerbils on so they get used to each others scent. i.e move the older gerbil from the left hand side of the cage to the right hand side and the newer gerbils from the right hand side ot the left.
When you done this a few times take the barrier away and watch them very carefully. If they start to try and kill each other then, its not worked, and they're going to have to live seperately.

I hope thats helped.

Hi! I suggest trying to do what Pelham posted. I just wanted to answer your question about age. Your gerbil is doing wonderfully if he is 4 years old! Usually they live between 3-5 years. Good luck with the old guy