If you've read the last tip, you know how to set up a split tank and start a split-cage introduction. If you've swapped your gerbils from side to side several times a day for at least two weeks (a male pair may require less time than this, but give a female pair at least two weeks), you are ready to try an introduction. Make sure you have an entire day free, because you should watch your gerbils for at least 12 hours after an introduction. It is best if you are at home for at least 24 hours after the introduction.

As we discussed in Split-Cage Introductions, pt.1, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

• a small Critter Keeper
• a pair of heavy gloves, either winter gloves or leather gloves
• a plastic cup (optional, for picking up a nervous gerbil)
• plenty of cardboard tubes

Preparing for the Introduction

If you have seen your gerbils sleeping next to the divider or trying to groom each other through the divider, there is a good chance they are ready to meet. If you have not seen these signs, you might want to wait an extra week before trying an introduction, although not all gerbils will sleep next to the divider, even though they are ready to meet.

Put some of the bedding from your gerbils' tank into the Critter Keeper and make sure the lid is open in case you need to place a gerbil in it. Keep the Critter Keeper close by.

Introducing Your Gerbils

Put on your gloves and slowly lift the divider of your split tank a couple inches. (You can also remove the divider entirely. Do what feels right to you.) You will probably see one gerbil venture to the other side. Your gerbils will probably sniff at each other intently. This is normal. They are trying to confirm that this gerbil's scent matches the scent of the bedding in their home.

During the introduction, you will likely see some "boxing" (standing on hind legs, jumping, and batting at each other with their front paws). It is also likely that you will see some chasing, hear some squeaking, and see some squabbling. This is normal, and is necessary for two gerbils to work out who's the boss. Read on to learn when you need to separate your gerbils.

Although you will see squabbles and bickering during an introduction, you should be prepared to split your gerbils if it gets out of hand. If you see any of the following, while wearing your gloves, take one gerbil out, put him or her in the Critter Keeper, replace the divider, and continue the split-cage method for another two weeks before trying another introduction.

Split if:

• Your gerbils roll into a ball. "Gerbilballs" mean that they want to kill each other.
• There is any biting.
• One gerbil is persistently chasing the other (without taking a break to do other things).
• One gerbil is continuously leaping in the air and squeaking in fear.

Keep an eye open for good signs, such as your gerbils grooming each other and sleeping together. You may see these behaviors almost immediately, or it may take most of a day before your gerbils settle down and accept each other.

Once you see your gerbils grooming each other and sleeping together, you can relax. Keep your gloves nearby and continue to watch your gerbils for several hours to make sure that no fighting breaks out.

Do not clean the tank or give your gerbils a nesting box, toys, or any other items for at least a week. Instead, give them plenty of toilet-paper tubes and/or file-folder tubes (see The Best Gerbil Toy tip). In next week's tip, we will discuss how to handle the first tank-cleaning after a successful introduction.