Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello!

I have two little gerbils whom I love dearly. One of them is about 2 1/2 years older than the other one. Her original tankmate died suddenly of a stroke after having them for 2 years and little Penny came to stay. My question is this: Roo (the older one) is really starting to act her age. She is over 4 years old and moves much slower and feels much skinnier than she used to even a few months ago. She still likes to be cuddled by me and eats well, but I can tell she's starting to tire much easier. Is there anything I can do to help Penny (the younger one) prepare for losing Roo whom she loves dearly. Penny is not social at all. The only reason she tolerates me is because Roo loves to be held and cuddled. If Roo didn't stop her, she would bite me any time my hand went into the tank. Is there any way I can make a transition easier on her or make it so she accepts creatures other than Roo into her life? I worry a lot about what she's going to do once Roo goes and I also worry about losing Roo soon because, like I said, she is much MUCH slower as of the last month.

Thank you

Hi, This caught my attention. :0( Kind of sad. I have not had gerbils in years, but was wondering if it is possible to get a female the same age as your little girl.

Keep her in a cage beside hers and Roo's, so she can see her and smell her.

Its just a thought, if you want her to have company, here is a site, that explains, how to safely AQUAINT them at older ages.
The split tank method ! Scroll down and read it. Its very interesting!

I sure hope all works out for you!

http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/adopt.html#split

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