All Split Tank Introductions need to end with the divide between the gerbils being removed – ideally permanently – so that the Split Tank becomes one whole tank and the gerbils live together as a new clan.
However, you can’t just lift out the divide any time you want – you need to plan the big day in advance so that you will increase your chances of them getting on when you remove it
And this planning can take a few days to prepare for – eliminating the chances of failure on the big day.
Not all first meetings work out a dream so you need to be prepared for this in a variety of ways – and you can say this process has four steps.
Step 1 – Leading Up to the Introduction
Pick a day you are going to be home all day for your Introduction and crank up the activity leading up to that day to increase scents and the interaction between your gerbils.
Step 2 – The Day of the Introduction
To make sure your Introduction goes well it is worth planning ahead for all eventualities and have them all to hand before you start. It can be a nervous and stressful experience the first few times you do it – so best make sure you have everything covered.
Step 3 – Removing the Divide
The Introduction itself can be tinkered with or improved as it progresses allowing for an ‘easing’ of any tensions that you might think are apparent.
Step 4 – Are They Friends Yet?
Making sure you take it slow after the Introduction can increase the chances of them settling in together more easily – by reducing sudden changes or new scents encroaching on them you could lull them into calmness.
So, when Can I Start Planning the Big Day?
Well, as soon as you have seen some ‘good signs’ going on in the Split – but you don’t have to see all of them – or sometimes ANY of them for your Split Introduction to work – it is about time, dedication and gerbil character.
Good signs would include any of the following:
- Calmness when meeting or walking near the divide
- Grooming or other interactions through the divide
- Sleeping or spending a lot of time at the divide itself
- Sleeping in the other gerbils nest
- Reduced or absent scent-marking after the side swap
If your gerbils have been in the Split Tank for at least 3 days – and you have seen any or all of these ‘good signs’ then it might be worth planning the big day!
When are you next home for a good 4-6 hours with nothing else urgent to do? It would be even better if you had someone with you and you were home all night too?
Step 1 – Leading Up to The Introduction:
The reason it is important that you have plenty of time to hand to spend totally focused on the gerbils is that gerbils won’t tell you if they are instant friends – or enemies – you have to watch them for yourself.
Most gerbils will tolerate being with a gerbil (even if they totally hate them) for up to half an hour or more before they make it known to you. You take out the divide and they have a good old look around at everything – checking it is all theirs. Once they have decided it IS theirs – they then set about ridding it of any other gerbils…
Anyway, once you know the day you are free and can take out the divide – you can plan backwards from there and try everything possible to get them to like each other before then.
This means keeping up the action.
Basically, in the few days leading up to the big day – you need to make sure that your gerbils are totally focused on each other only.
Take out all distractions, stop putting in toys and treats, don’t add any new bedding or nest material – just leave it as just the bare bones.
You need them at the point of boredom – so don’t play with them outside of the tank at this point – they must stay inside the Split Tank the whole time.
You also need to make sure you are keeping up with the three swaps a day – you must try to make sure that both scents are on both sides and this is the best way to do it. One or two swaps is alright in the early days or when the pressure isn’t on – but now it is quite important. Don’t do more than 3 though otherwise they don’t have time to settle down between each.
With all these things considered – you are one step closer to finally having your gerbils as friends and you can get on with having fun with them.
Split Tank Introductions can take an average of 2-3 weeks from first starting as strangers to having them as Besties and ready to move back into a decent-sized tank.
Everything is best done slowly, but some people are more cautious than others and are prepared to go slower just to be on the safe side.
Well, that is certainly enough to get you started on planning your Big Day.
I know I have only covered Step 1 so far – but the whole process takes a long time to explain – and you want to get it right first time if you can. This longer description can highlight all sorts of examples, actions and Top Tips that have been tried and tested rather than just the simple summary that was first mentioned.
So, when you think you are ready – move on to “Split Tank Intro – Part 2 – The Day of the Divide” for advice on the big day itself.
Gather all the advice you can beforehand for your Split – as most people find it quite a daunting experience the first few times.
It is best to have all the answers before you dive in – as once your gerbils are face to face and they start doing things – you will be glad that you already know what to look out for; what’s a good sign and what’s a bad sign.
Good Luck!