Gerbil Care: Finding Your Gerbil A Friend!

Gerbils are best kept in pairs. A lonely gerbil will get depressed and may not be as healthy or live as long compared to a pair of gerbils. There are 2 places you could find your gerbil a friend if you already have one, a pet store, or adoption shelter. I got all 3 of my gerbils at a pet store because there is no adoption shelters near me that has gerbils up for adoption, however I suggest adopting one if you can. Make sure the gerbil you pick out is lively, bright eyed, healthy, and seems a little plump, not too fat or thin, though. Okay, here is how I TRIED introducing my gerbil to another one, the best pairing is 2 males, an adult and a baby. If you try putting 3 together 1 may be bullied by the other 2.
First, you will need a 10-20 gallon tank for the split tank method.
Second, you will need this, trust me:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3742975
Third, you will need 1/4-1/2 inch hardware cloth.You can find it at most hardware and supply stores.
Fourth, a tape measure. 
Fifth, you will need foam tape. This is what I used, I got it at Lowe's:

 Now, here is what you do. You use the Top Fin Tank Divider in your tank for a few days, switching gerbils about 2-5 times per day to mix their scents.  Then, you will cut a piece of hardware cloth to fit in the frame of the Top Fin Tank Divider (I will put a picture). You will want to use the foam tape on the bottom of the divider so it will stick to the bottom of the tank. The divider should be nice and snug. Now, your gerbils will be able to touch each other, and you need to continue to switch them still every day. DO NOT try putting them together until they show positive signs like grooming through the divider or sleeping against it. When you think they are ready, which it could be awhile, then place them in NEUTRAL territory. That means somewhere where neither the gerbils have been, a bath tub would be a good place (NO WATER!), and do NOT give them anything to fight over for right now, like food, or toys. Watch them for about 30-60 minutes and have THICK work/garden gloves in case they fight. You could also have a dish towel handy to toss on them if they start fighting.  Fighting would be them rolling into a ball, this is a fight to the death. You can tell a fight MIGHT be brewing if they chase each other around or won't leave the other one alone. If everything goes well, try putting them in a CLEAN tank! Only put food, water, bedding, and some cardboard. They should sleep in the same nest. You. Can. Not. Leave. Them. Alone. You MUST watch them constantly for a day or two. At night, you may want to put your divider in and take it down in the morning, or pull an all nighter and keep an eye on them. If all goes well, you have gerbil buddies.  ( :

Above Picture: My split tank divider using the Top Fin frame! At the top is the foam tape, technically that should be on the bottom. Hope this helped!







* I do suggest getting 2 gerbils from the same litter, it does go better. I did not have success with getting 2 from different litters. *

- Maddie, The Life Of A Gerbil.

* NOTE: I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL IN CARING FOR ANIMALS. I AM NOT TRAINED IN ANY WAY. THESE ARE MY PERSONAL OPINIONS AND HOW I CARE FOR MY GERBILS. *