At 11:07 PM 11/21/01 -0500, Jean M Johnson wrote: >From the responses I received, I figure I'll move my two 4-wk.-old boys >to the Dad's tank at approx. 6 weeks (to be on the safe side so I'll be >sure they're not still nursing). Will I need to use a split-cage method >when I do so? They will be joining the Dad and their older brother >Scratchy, then 11 weeks old (both of whom they don't know).
You shouldn't need to. Males will normally accept pups no problem. I would take Dad and Scratchy out temporarily. Put the pups in and give them 10 mins to explore the cage. (It's best if this is a cage Dad and Scratchy have been in all week - so there scent is all over it) Then move Dad in and let him accept the babies. - Note: There should be no problems HOWEVER, just in case have a pair of gloves on and watch like a hawk. Once Dad has accepted them - probably 10 minutes - bring Scratchy in. He should also be watched like a hawk. If Scratchy tries anything and Dad's accepted them - Dad will probably bring Scratchy in line. >Dad (Sue) >and Scratchy get along wonderfully well. I don't want to disturb that. >Also, it'll mean I will eventually have four adult gerbils in a 20-gallon >tank. Is that too crowded? No a 20 gallon tank can house 4-5 gerbils comfortably especially males who aren't territorial. >Mom (Nippy) >older pups (Persian and Tiny), 11 wks. old at that point >younger pup (Tiger), 6 wks. old at that point > >Again, too crowded? We might end up giving two girls to my son's friend >and his brother which would then bring the # of residents in the girl's >tank down to two. Would that be a better situation for them? IMO probably - it's not really too crowded - However, females are much more territorial than males so it might be better if they # is 2. Personally, I'd try to do this if I could with females. Problems with females fighting can start a year later even if they initially accept one another. Good luck Jean, keep us posted on how it's going. Jenn
