What to Do If Your Pet Gerbils Start Fighting

Gerbils are sociable pets often kept in pairs or groups, making their companionship rewarding yet sometimes challenging. If your pet gerbils start fighting, it’s important to act swiftly to protect their welfare and keep stress levels low.

Understanding Gerbil Social Structure and Fighting Reasons

In the wild, gerbils live in family groups with a dominant pair overseeing others. Natural hierarchy and territorial behaviour maintain order. However, in captivity, limited space and inability to leave a stressful group can trigger aggressive fights, often due to dominance struggles, especially between females or when older gerbils weaken.

Step 1: Recognising Normal Play Fighting Versus Aggression

Gerbils naturally engage in play fighting which includes jumping and boxing to establish hierarchy. This is normal and harmless. However, true aggression is indicated by biting, especially around tails and heads, puffed-up coats to appear larger, and teeth chattering. Watch carefully for these signs to know when intervention is needed.

Step 2: Observing Subtle Warning Signs

Watch for subtle signs such as one gerbil being deprived of food or water, dramatic weight loss, or sleeping apart from the group. These can precede serious aggression. Regularly checking on your gerbils helps catch conflicts early, especially when daughters mature around six months and may challenge mothers.

Step 3: Separating Aggressive Gerbils Safely

If fighting occurs, separate the aggressor, not the victim, as the aggressor often has no or fewer injuries. Use a divided cage with a mesh or transparent barrier to keep them apart but allow visual and scent exchange, swapping sides daily to maintain familiar smells. This careful separation can reduce tension without causing distress.

Step 4: Ensuring Equal Resources and Monitoring Health

Make sure all gerbils have equal access to food, water, and bedding in their separated spaces. Fighting can sometimes be triggered by health problems changing a gerbil’s scent or behaviour, so consult a vet if aggression is sudden or a gerbil seems unwell.

Step 5: Reintroduction and Monitoring Behaviour

After a few days, typically five to six, remove dividers carefully and observe interactions closely to gauge if the fighting has subsided. Gentle reintroduction might work in some cases, but persistent fighting means permanent separation is safer to prevent injury or death.

Step 6: Managing Group Composition and Environment

Keep male gerbils in groups of about four, as they are less prone to fights, and avoid larger female groups to minimise aggression risks. Provide sufficient space but be aware larger enclosures with distinct zones might stimulate territorial fights. Understanding your gerbils’ social needs is key to a harmonious environment.

Step 7: Veterinary Care and Considerations on Permanent Separation

If injuries occur, seek prompt veterinary treatment. Some gerbils may need supportive care including hand feeding or hydration. When fighting cannot be resolved, permanent separation or rehoming may be necessary. As social animals, isolated gerbils benefit from gradual introductions to new companions using split-cage methods.

Conclusion

Fighting amongst pet gerbils is rare but serious. Recognising signs early, acting to safely separate aggressors, and managing group dynamics helps maintain peace. Always prioritise welfare and consult a vet when injuries or health issues arise. Responsible pet ownership includes understanding gerbil behaviour to ensure your pets live happily.