Hi Cindi, The reason I said to keep them in separate rooms is to avoid problems that might occur from the female coming into heat thereby attracting the males. The males may also drum their feet trying to attract the females. Its also possible sounds can be transmitted back and forth that we can not hear. We may not always know the reasons why gerbils fight and have disputes, so we try to avoid problems, by trying different tactics. I originally heard about using separate rooms from David Hinsley. Through this list and experience, I've also learned that cage set-ups with multiple levels and attachments can trigger territory disputes (Fighting) among groups housed this way. Being placed into an environment where other gerbils have been before also can trigger fighting among gerbils that know each other. (Play boxes, Tub, etc...) The scents of the other gerbils seem to confuse them. Among females the onset of menopause (24months + ) is a factor for aggression due to changes in hierarchal status. Julian has a page on fighting gerbils here-- http://www.rodent.demon.co.uk/gerbils/fighting.htm -- Gary's web pages - http://home.talkcity.com/StudioDr/go5
