Gerbils...

NiennaC

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I'm not entirely sure I put this in the right place - (maybe it belongs in the Office Party thread or something?) But I thought it might get a better answer here.

Anyway, my mother has two gerbils and one of them is pregnant. They've just met, and we want to put them together - we've already learned that they'll get along, so that's okay. BUT, my mother was wondering if they'll still get along after the mother gerbil has the babies? Will she become territorial and not want the other gerbil in the cage with her?

Thanks a mil if you can help!

- Nienna
 

oarsman

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Nienna,
I don't know. Gerbils are very social animals and usually enjoy being with other gerbils. Check out this link. It contains some frequently asked questions about gerbils. If the father is in the cage with the mother, they usually coparent the pups (see question 7.13). If it's two females, they might fight. The female is the dominant sex of the species and might not get along with another female over time.
 
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the bunny hugger

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I'd be inclined to be cautious and keep them apart until the pups are weaned. you can avoid them being totally lonely by using a wire mesh divider to give them each part of the cage and continue to be somewhat familiar to each other.
 

NiennaC

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Thanks oarsman and rattitude! We decided not to put the two gerbils together and wait until the mother had her pups - which she did, about a week ago. So cute.
 

Sunkissed27f

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Good Idea.

Males gerbils have been know to eat their offspring.

Ummm....now you have to get accommodation's as soon as the babies are weened or you will be doing this all over again. Probably many times.