----- Original Message -----
From: "Jodie Votava" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2001 5:00 PM
Subject: Help--one of pair died
> Hello, I had a pair of female gerbils, one year old, who had been together
their whole lives. One of them passed away a few days ago, but the other
one is healthy. I am wondering whether it would be a good idea to introduce
a new gerbil (i would get a baby female and use a split cage method). I
don't want my gerbil to be lonely, but I also do not want any bloodshed, or
to end up with another gerbil who has to be kept in a separate cage.
Actually, if you're going to do this, getting a female about the same age
would be better. If you put a female in with her that is small enough to be
considered a pup, she could be very aggressive toward it. Females are
aggressive toward pups not their own.
>
> I attempted introducing a baby to an adult female once in the past and it
was unsuccessful. However that was with an adult female who had been alone
all her life--so I thought maybe this time it might work better since this
gerbil is used to having a friend.
Probably it was because of what I mentioned above.
>
> I would really appreciate some advice on this--has anyone actually been
successful introducing a baby to an adult female?
>
> --Sam
>
I'd try one about the same age - see if you can find a breeder who will work
with you, in case the introduction doesn't work. And of course use a
split-cage for 1-2 weeks.
