Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just bought a new baby gerbil. They always say to buy them in pairs but I only bought one. What is the worst harm that this can do to him? Will he still get lonely if I play with him all the time?
Frommm thhe ownner of studdmuffin

Worst that can happen with just one gerbil? They could live 1-2 years less. They'll be timid as they won't have a playmate.
It's not enough that you play with them all day. They also need a pertner to eat with, sleep with. You can't be around to play with them all the time, especially as they have irregular sleeping patterns. They'll be cleaner (as they groom eachother, which is so cute) and more social.
Cost shouldn't be a factor, as it relly costs just about the same to raise one as it does two.
The biggest payoff is you'll be able to watch them play together. If something happens and you need to leave your gerbils alone for a couple days, a pair will be perfectly fine without you as long as they have enough food. A single gerbil will most likelly just spend its time alone, in a corner after it's done exploring its new environment.
It might be okay by itself for a little while, but definantly get a companion as soon as you can before they're both mature so they'll bond easier.

How big is your tank? Can you post a picture of your tank? I really was thinking of making my tank all dirt so they can dig tunnels etc..... for a natural environment =) also where did you get the dirt from? outside?