How do gerbils talk to other gerbils?

Answer 1

First of all, do not just throw two gerbils into a tank and expect them to be best buddies. They need to be familiar with the gerbil first. Split your tank in half with wire mesh with 1/4 of an inch space in between the links so they can't bite or scratch the other gerbil. Next, hang a water bottle, put a food dish w/ food, and put some toys on each side. Put one gerbil on each side of the mesh. Don't be surprised if they try to bite each other, this is normal. Alternate the gerbils a few times a day so the ycan get used to the other gerbil's scent. Signs that the gerbils are ready to have the mesh removed are cuddling through the mesh at night and grooming through the mesh. When you remove the mesh, wear tough gloves in case the gerbils decide that they would like to fight. If they do fight, separate them immediately and replace the mesh. If they are chasing each other or the gerbils look frightened, put the mesh back. If they are grooming each other, sleeping, or nonchalantly doing gerbil behaviors, stay and watch them for at least 2 hours to make sure they aren't being very good actors. If everything goes well, they should be fine. If you had to replace the mesh, repeat everything and try again. If they still won't stop fighting for over a month, return the other gerbil and get a new one. Sometimes, just like people, some gerbils just aren't compatable.

Answer 2

Gerbils have lots of different ways of communicating with each other.

Thumping their feet is where gerbils do a little jump in the air, it is used to tell other gerbils to be aware that some thing dangerous is around. Nearby gerbils may automatically start to thump even if they never saw the source of danger.

Another way they can communicate is grooming, if you see a gerbil grooming another gerbil he is reinforcing their bond with each other.

They may also 'kiss' this is not just between boy and girl gerbils any gerbil may go up to another and touch his mouth to the other gerbils mouth. This means he is just tasting the other gerbils saliva to see if it is definitely his friend.

In addition to this gerbils may also 'box' or wrestle each other, this is usually just play fighting but if they start to squeak or chase each other you may have a fight on your hands.

Squeaking is usually fine, gerbils may be saying to each other 'hey! I'm sleeping here!' It just depends what comes with the squeaking, like if they are fighting then it could mean trouble.

To assert dominance gerbils may fluff up their fur and stand side by side with heads pressed together, this is also a sign a fight may start.