Is it possible to introduce gerbils bye sticking a critter keeper in the tank with the gerbils in it?

Question

Me and my brother both have gerbils and we both want to let them play together with us but i was wondering if it was possible to just stick a critter keeper with all of the things a gerbil needs in it inside the tank?

Answer 1

How many gerbils do you each have?

If either of you have more than one, don't do it. They will hurt each other, it's just what they do when there  is an established pair.

If you each have just one, use TwinSqueaks.com 's guide to the split cage method and follow it TO THE LETTER, otherwise you will end up with some baaaad times.

Also, are they both the same s*x, or a boy and a girl?

If they are the same s*x, good. If they are a male and a female, don't do it either, since you will end up with babies.

Answer 2

Copy and Pasted from about.com:

  

1. Get divided cage (see below), or use a cage within a cage, to allow the gerbils to see and smell each other with no contact.

   2. Place one gerbil in each side of the divider.

   3. Several times a day, swap the gerbils from side to side, so that the gerbils get used to each others' scent.

   4. Continue swapping from side to side for a minimum of 7 days (it may take longer). Once the gerbils appear curious and not aggressive to each other, the divider can be removed. Often, the gerbils will start sleeping near one another on opposite sides of the divider, a good sign that they are accepting one another.

   5. Once they are together, watch carefully for a while. For the first 20 minutes be close by and wearing leather gloves, so that the gerbils can be separated if serious fighting occurs. Gerbils will often play fight, boxing and chasing each other and squeaking; this is fine. Serious fighting usually involves the gerbils forming a tight ball and rolling around, squeaking shrilly, and biting at each others necks. Blood is often drawn.

   6. After this time has passed, keep an eye on them fairly closely for another 3-4 hours.

   7. If the gerbils fight, go back to the divided cage stage and repeat, keeping them divided for a longer period of time. If two or three tries with the divided cage trick doesn't stop the fighting, they will likely never get along.

   8. If there is no fighting after a few hours, the gerbils can be left together. If they cuddle up to sleep and groom each other, they will likely be okay.

   9. Watch for any signs of bite wounds and fighting over the first several days. Go back to the divided cage if they seem to be injuring each other.

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