Gerbil Bonding
                                        Setting up Pairs or Introducing a Cagemate
Being social animals, gerbils have a hierarchy within their groups and are truly
happiest when with others of their own species. It is highly recommended that ALL
gerbils (unless an oddity) are kept with a cagemate. If you do not wish to breed, keep
two of the same gender.    Depending on gender, pairings will go differently.  Here is
a general guideline table for pairing or bonding gerbils.

Note: it is not recommended to bond more than one gerbil to another at a time, with
few exceptions. One exception would be a father kept with two very young male sons
or a mother kept with two of her own daughters.
Gerbil A
Gender
 Gerbil A
Age
 Gerbil B
Gender
 Gerbil B
Age
 Ease of
Bonding
Male or Female
 Pup
 Male or Female
 Pup
 Very Easy
(10/10)
Male
 Pup
 Male
 Adult
 Easy
(9/10)
Male
 Pup
 Female
 Adult
 Could have
difficulties
(7/10)
Male
Adult
 Female
 Pup
 Easy
(9/10)
Male
 Adult
 Female
 Adult
 Could have
difficulties,
depends on
individuals
(5/10 to 9/10)
Male
 Adult
 Male
 Adult
 Generally Easy
(8/10)
Female
 Adult
 Female
Adult
 Tricky to
Moderate
(4/10 to 8/10)
Remember:

As with any pairing or bonding, supervision and safety of the animals is necessary!

Please use proper methods (such as split screening) and introduce them gradually.

Some individuals may never bond!

The table above is a general outcome based on my experiences with bonding.

Any incorrect bonding could result in injury or death to the gerbils involved.


For more information on split screening, see the AGS website, here.
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Female
 Pup
 Female
 Adult
 Could be tricky
(4/10 to 6/10)