Alternatives to split cage method? Desperate, please help :(

Question

Is there any other alternatives to the split caged method of introducing gerbils, because I can't get the metal, and sealant for the split wall for the aquarium, so is there any way I can introduce a gerbil or two to the ones I have right now, because I really want to, and they are both 10 month old males right now, so I think that wouldn't be to big of an age gap.

So yeah, is there any alternatives?, please help me.

Answer 1

Well, to be blunt.. no. There aren't. You should not get another gerbil until you can introduce them properly. You really can't just put a strange gerbil into your current gerbil's cage and expect them to get along..

Even if you could just introduce them right away, what would you do if they just NEVER got along? That's something you need to prepare for, as well. Never get another gerbil unless you're capable of getting an entirely different living space for it in case they simply won't get along. That does happen.

Basically.. just wait until you can get the supplies you need to do it the right way. It will save you a lot of stress and trouble in the long run.

Answer 2

You can do the cage-in-cage method (Where you put a wire cage into the tank) and that can work out okay.

Or, what my friend has done, is take them to a neutral territory like the bathtub (So neither feels territorial) and introduce them.  After doing that, (Or perhaps before) scrub out the tank really well and use some watered down vinegar to remove the scent.  Make sure all the toys/items inside the tank don't smell like either gerbil, either, and then try introducing them into it.  Just stay close by for quite awhile and wait to see if there's fighting.

Honestly, it's a bit riskier then what I would want to try, but if you can't do the split cage method, it may be an option?

Answer 3

There is an easier way to split-cage them. When I was introducing my gerbil to 2 more baby gerbils, i went to petsmart to look around at what they had. In the fish section, they have this fish tank divider with holes and it's super easy to use! You basically just slide the divider thing into the these 2 blue side things which have these metal grip things that hook to the outside of a tank. If that doesn't make since don't worry, it comes with everything you need. Go to petsmart and ask an employee for a split-cage divider.

It works great and now mine are living happily ever after!

I went through the same thing as you are! Don't worry you don't have to get that wooden or metal stuff and the sealent.

Answer 4

just use cardboard! lol hey its cheap and effective they cant move it and they cant attack each other xD just put some 1 cm or more holes in the cardboard but make sure they cant bite each other xD lol but put many holes in the cardboard so they can see and smell each other http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329... pic of my hammy! xD bella

Answer 5

A simpler version of the split tank is to get a wire cage. Take off the plastic bottom, and put one gerbil in the wire cage. They'll interact though the bars, but one gerbil will be in the cage, and the other out. This, however, is risky because if the bars are big enough, they can reach through and bite the other gerbil. A split is really the best way you can do it. You could try using a wire cage, though.

Answer 6

I just googled that, and I found really the only good method is the split cage.

So, until you can afford to do this, I wouldn't try introducing them. If you try anything else, you may cause unnecessary stress on the gerbils.

Good luck!