Declanning

Behavior-  Declanning


Though relatively rare,  sometimes a pair or group of gerbils will declan.  I've never had it happen,  but it can.
It is more likely to happen in a larger group of gerbils,  which is why pairs are generally suggested.  Here is a list of signs suggesting that gerbils are about to or are declanning:
Not sleeping in the same nest.
Acting scared of each other.
"Scuffling".  This is sort of a mixture between play-fighting and fighting.  They aren't trying to kill each other,  but they aren't playing either.
Fighting.  If you see this,  separate them immediately!  (See "Fighting" under "Behavior")
If your gerbils exhibit more then one of the first three behaviors,  start watching them closely.  They may get over it.  However,  as soon as blood is drawn,  the gerbils should be separated.
If you have a group that has declanned,  and need to separate,  remove the victim. 
Your natural instinct is to take out the gerbil instigating the fights.  However,  it is better to take out the victim.  If there are three gerbils, and one is picking on the other while the third is fine,  leave the bully and the neutral gerbil together,  and take out the picked-on gerbil.