Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've just paired two young male gerbils and I'm worried about them. I used the split cage method to introduce them. After three days of seeming to ignore each other, I put them together. They tussled some, but there were no squeeks and no bites (that I could tell). When they settled down to nap together, I thought I was home free. Now they're back in the permanent (now undivided) tank and things are mostly okay, but sometimes they tussle and I hear one of them squeek. I'm pretty sure it's the one that is more vocal anyway and it never seems very serious. I'd let it go, but I also sometimes see them sleeping separately. Right now, Felix (the squeekier, smaller, and younger) is in the nest box and Basil is in another corner of the tank. They're both sleeping. Should I be worried? They also sleep together in the nest box and they don't chase each other around. Any input appreciated.

Thanks,
Megan

I'm no expert, but from the description given, it seems to me that your gerbils are probably fine with each other, at least for now.

It's common for gerbils to get into short "boxing" bouts, after which the "winner" gets to groom the losing gerbil. The "loser" will lay on its back and expose its body for grooming. Sometimes, during such encounters, a gerbils may give soft squeaks. If this is what's happening with your gerbils, that's probably fine.

My gerbils sometimes sleep togther, sometimes apart. So I do not see any problem with yours.

However, I've read that some gerbils may turn on each other, even after having spent a long time living together. Keep watching out for signs of real aggressiveness, eg biting/blood.

Your description of "boxing" is exactly what they do. Sounds like Felix and Basil are getting along fine. I will of course be watchful as one should always be with any animal under one's care. Thank you, I feel much reassured. )

ciao,
Megan

My smiley came out wrong. This is what I meant:

They're just getting to know each other and deciding who's boss. If the fights lead to both rolling up in a ball or any blood then seperate them. Another indication your gerbils may have problems is if one is always running away and sits in a corner or somewhere with just it's nose sticking out to bite at the more agressive one. Often they'll sit in a tube or nest box and block the other from coming in so he can't attack.