Split tanks are the perfect way to help your existing single adult gerbil find a new friend (or very young friends) without the risk of serious injury.
Yes, I said ‘single adult gerbil’ as it is very unwise (and usually very unsuccessful) to introduce an existing clan of 2 or more adult gerbils to any other gerbils – even young pups. It’s all in the details.
Adult single gerbils (by gerbil definitions) are any gerbils that are over 12 weeks of age and have been on their own for more than 24 hours in a different environment to where any other gerbils are.
Existing gerbil clans (by gerbil definitions) are any group of 2 or more gerbils, where at least one of those gerbils is more than 12 weeks old, and which have been living together for more than 24 hours in a different environment to where any other gerbils are.
There are exceptions of course:
If you want to introduce a single gerbil of yours to a young pup (under 8 weeks) – you would still use a Split Tank – but you usually follow a slightly different procedure for your introduction as pup behaviour is VERY different to an adult gerbil.
Similarly – due to different behaviours – splitting together a receptive female to an adult male gerbil for breeding purposes is done slightly differently, but we won’t worry about either of those two exceptions here.
And finally – some related individuals where young pups and fathers are involved can be introduced slightly differently – again due to the different behaviour of pups – and dads.
Why Do I Need To Use A Split Tank?
Gerbils don’t take kindly to an instant greeting and will most likely start a fight on meeting a new gerbil or gerbils – whether they are related or not or especially where the meeting place is neutral (gerbils don’t like neutral spaces – they like their own spaces).
They may also have a fight on first meeting a new gerbil even though it is very likely that they will be good friends after a proper Split Tank Introduction. You just have to follow the procedure to find out.
Therefore, the tried and tested Split Tank Introduction process is often talked about in gerbil circles as the easiest and safest way for you to introduce your gerbil to a new friend.
It really does work – time and time again – believe me – I have used it enough times…
You may hear of other methods that may appear to work with adult gerbils – but these aren’t necessarily safe for your gerbils and may well not have lasting results. It really isn’t worth the risk to your little friends.
Top Tips for a Split Tank Introduction:
If you only have your existing gerbil to hand – and are looking to start a wonderful friendship – then you wouldn’t go far wrong to read the following tips before you start looking for that second gerbil.
One-To-One is Best. Ideally for a Split Tank Introduction to work you should only use two single adult gerbils. Trying to introduce a single gerbil of any age to an existing clan or adult gerbils is very unwise. There are exceptions if you are introducing 2 very young pups to a single adult – but that is it.
Also, don’t look at splitting a clan to make a clan – find a gerbil who is already single.
Please don’t look at splitting up a duo from a store if that is all that is available. Although Split Tank Introductions work – there is really no reason to force it upon someone. Leaving one gerbil in a store not only means that you are splitting up two friends – but you are also doubling the number of Split Tanks procedures that need doing.
Also, don’t look at taking out a single adult gerbil from an existing larger clan – as you could leave that existing clan in disarray. They are currently living in their balanced clan – and taking one gerbil out of that could destroy that and cause THEM to fight.
Friends or Relatives Don’t Matter. If your gerbils have been apart for more than a few hours (in different environments or with different gerbils) – it is always safest to assume they need to be re-introduced through a split.
Gerbils are very territorial and once the other gerbil or gerbils have gone – they assume the throne very quickly…
Can You Build a Secure Split Tank Yourself? You can’t buy Split Tanks in stores and very rarely are they available online – so you will need to create your own. Most people buy a small tank or tub and build themselves a central divide and wedge it in tight down the middle.
However you choose to construct your divide – just remember: It needs to be removable at some point – but it needs to be SUPER secure up until that point. Gerbils can really hurt each other if they can move between the two sides while you aren’t looking. And they can climb a treat – so make sure your divide reaches all the way up to the lid.
Keep It Small. The smaller the Split Tank the better for making friends. The gerbils need to be seeing each other all the time – whatever they are doing – so by keeping the tank small – you are keeping them in close contact – perfect for a speedy introduction.
If you only have a large tank – then make two divides and split the tank into thirds or quarters until the sections the gerbils are in a small enough. However, don’t have any gerbils in the rest of the tank of course.
Will You Be Home Much? A standard Split Tank Introduction can take several weeks to be successful and it is based on the process of switching sides several times every day.
If you are not going to be around enough to swap the gerbils over from one side to the other 3 times a day for most of the process then it may not work and you will have wasted your time.
However, if you suddenly find yourself busy during a Split – don’t worry. Still carry on with whatever you can – but if you aren’t able to swap them regularly every day – just assume it will take you a little longer. As long as in the 3 or 4 days leading up to you taking out the divide they are swapped vigorously and without fail – you should be alright in the end.
The key to the Split being a success is the amount of their scent that has built up across both sides of the Split Tank on top of the other gerbils scent.
So, if you can increase their time moving back and forth between both sides in the lead up to the divide being removed and the cage becoming 1 tank – you are increasing the chances of them getting on with each other.
Cripes – that was a long sentence.