That sounds pretty normal for a new pair. There is always a weird time of adjustment. I think you got a handle on watching for any fighting behavoir. I hope things go well.
>From: Evans <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Reply-To: Evans <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: Another Update/Question
>Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 13:31:30 -0400
>
>Trinity and Einstein seem to be getting along. There are no signs of
>actual fighting. No nips on noses or feet, no hairless patches on
>tails. But as I've never kept gerbils before, I'm wondering if their
>behavior is normal. Here's what goes on:
>
>Trinity more or less seems indifferent about Einstein. She goes
>about
>her own business, sleeps where she wants to, and if he happens to
>come up and sleep next to her she doesn't make a big deal out of it.
>Einstein still does that little arched back thing every now and
>then,
>but not as often. I'm thinking it's his way of saying "You WILL
>tolerate me, woman!"
>
>Now here's what I find really odd. Every time Trinity goes to get a
>drink of water, Einstein goes up to the bottle too and tries to
>drink
>at the same time. Any time I put some cardboard boxes in there for
>them to chew, even though Einstein has NEVER been a big chewer,
>suddenly he's GOT to be chewing the same spot she is. Honestly I'm
>amazed Trinity doesn't give him what for. She used to be the
>dominant
>one, and now things seem to have turned slightly. She's definitely
>more mellow, and I've never seen her more passive since I've had
>her.
>Of course, she's not terribly affectionate with him either. Every
>now
>and then they come nose to nose, like they're sniffing under each
>other's chins. I'm not sure if this is grooming, or a different kind
>of communication going on. Trinity seems content to let Einstein dig
>holes in corners and generally make a mess of the cage, while she
>just sits there watching him. Perhaps she's wondering how she got
>stuck with this silly fool? :P
>
>I just wanted to make sure this was somewhat normal behavior going
>on. OR should I be looking more closely for signs of fighting in the
>near future? Or should I separate them now? Again, there's no
>physical signs of fighting, and they nearly always sleep together.
>I've only caught Einstein in the "dog house" once since they've been
>together. So is there any need to worry? Or am I just being an
>overly
>worrisome mom? :)
>
>Thanks for your help!
>
>-Jackie & The Copper Dragon Clan
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