Split-caging a Gerbil - The Pet Wiki

If you have a lonely gerbil and want to find them a friend – you cannot do this without split-caging them first.

This is because gerbils are extremely territorial, and to get them to accept a friend you first have to get them accustomed to the scent and markings of the other gerbil.

Please see the table below for a list of the ease of introductions:

Gerbil 1	Gerbil 2	Difficulty
Adult Male	Adult Male	Moderate – split cage for at least a fortnight and watch carefully.
Adult Male	Male Pup	Easy – observe carefully through a barrier first, direct introduction may be possible.
Adult Male	2 male Pups	Easy – observe carefully through a barrier first, direct introduction may be possible.
Adult Female	Adult Female	Very Difficult – if you can, ensure females are a similar size. May take a long time.
Adult Female	Female Pup	Not recommended – female gerbils are not keen on other pups. Try an adult female instead.
1 just-weaned pup	1 just-weaned pup	Simple – unlikely to need any split-caging at all.
Adult Male	Adult Female	Moderate – Split cage for at least at fortnight. Expect many, many pups. Ensure you have prospective homes before attempting this.