Luckily, introducing gerbils is not a very hard process. It can be put into a 4 steps.
First, note that there are two methods of introducing gerbils. Only one, however, is suggested.
The first method is the "Neutral territory" method. I would not suggest using this method. I've tried it, and it doesn't always work and often results in injury to one or both gerbils. The only time this method is "okay" is when it is two young (under three months) gerbils being introduced that are the same gender.
How this method works is that you simply put the gerbils into neutral territory, eliminating any territorial disputes. Generally the neutral territory is just a cardboard box that neither gerbil has been in.
As I said, I would not suggest this method, so this page is going to be focused on the method I do suggest, that of the split cage! As I already said, this is an easy step-by-step process, so lets go ahead and look at the steps.
Step 1
Fill a ten gallon aquarium with about two inches of bedding. Split it in half with a secure divider. (For instructions on how to make a divider, click here. This is the general way to do it- you can alter some of the materials or steps in order to make it more manageable for you. For instance, I use wood instead of aluminum channel for the frame. Simply make sure it is secure and reaches to the lid of the cage so they cannot climb over. There should be no way for the gerbils to get past the divider!) Put a water bottle in each half, and sprinkle some food on the bedding. You can also put in a little hay and nesting material. It should look something like this:
Step 2
Put a gerbil on either side.
Step 3
Three times a day everyday, swap sides. Gerbil-A should be moved to side-B, and gerbil-B should be moved to side-A. The gerbils should not have any contact with each other during swaps. I would suggest swapping them at meals- breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Step 4
When you start seeing positive signs, wait for a day when you have at least a few hours to spare, then remove the divider. Keep it handy and perhaps also wear gloves in case fighting breaks out.
Watch the gerbils for as long as necessary to ensure they are going to get along. If they fight, replace the divider and wait a little longer.
Its generally considered safe to assume they're bonded when they snuggle up in a nest to sleep together. Make sure you supervise them up till this point and perhaps beyond!
The split cage method usually takes about two weeks, though it depends on what genders you are introducing/etc. I've had two intros now that have only taken a week. Do not remove the divider at two weeks simply because that is the average length necessary- wait until you see positive signs from both gerbils.
For information on which gerbils should be introduced, click here.
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