New To List...: )

[Melisa Lamphere]

HI, I just joined the list, and after reading today, I am very glad that I did. I have so many questions, and it looks like I have found the place to get the answers. My female had a litter of 7 on March 8, we are not wanting to part with any of them. My question, how many gerbils can live happily together? The father died before the pups were born, and we don't want her to be alone any more. Will she allow one of the female pups to stay with her? How many females can stay with her? How many males can live in one cage happily, and does it need to be an even number? We aren't sure how many of each sex we have yet, but we are wanting to be prepared when the time comes to seperate them. Also, the pups are starting to chew and sniff the solid food in the cage. Do I need to put softer food in the cage? Or will the gerbil food be enough?  We are feeding the mother the gerbil food from the store, as well as sunflower seeds, and oatmeal.   TIA for you help.   Melisa