Hi
Ashley,
It
sounds like they are doing it correctly to me. The thumping is a sign of
sexual excitement and is typical for gerbils. With gerbils the 'act' only
takes a couple of seconds, and the male will quite often 'check' himself after
each encounter.
So
there will be some pursuing, thumping, and then a few second mount. The
male will check himself, and it will start all over again.
Janet
