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Gerbils should always be kept in pairs, so if you have one gerbil, you’ll want to get another of the same gender so that you’re not overrun with babies!
Whether you adopt a pair of female gerbils or a pair of male gerbils is up to you, and although there are trends in behaviour between the genders, they are just that - trends. There are no guarantees that your gerbils will follow them, and so by and large the decision is down to personal preference. Gerbils that have all their needs satisfied and are handled from a good age are likely to be friendly.
Some owners suggest that pairs of males may get on a little better than pairs of females
Some, but not all, owners have said that males are more docile and friendly towards each other than females are. It’s generally considered to be a good idea to choose male gerbils if you want to keep more than two together at any one time - they seem slightly more accepting of one another than groups of females.
In terms of looks, there is very little size difference between the genders. Unlike some other rodents, male gerbils’ genitals aren’t very obtrusive, so males and females look very alike.
Comments
An Omleteer, 22 May 2023
I strongly recommend getting gerbils in pairs, otherwise they get lonely and depressed, so it's pretty unfair on the little creatures. I have two males and they absolutely adore each other (and feel very insecure when one is, say, sleeping and the other one is out on his own). Also good to make sure they are let out to play in the room, as any cage, no matter how bit is still a small enclosure.
Amanda, 23 December 2021
Agreed, Natalie. Everything I read said get a pair of Gerbils as a singleton can get lonely and depressed. I bought two females for my daughter for Christmas and have the 2 story Omlet cage. After 1 and a half days, our smaller gerbil killed the other. Super bloody and disturbing. I'm so thankful my daughter was at her dad's when it happened, so she never knew we had two.
Jayda, 13 April 2020
Hey Natalie. I'm sorry about your gerbil problem, but I have found that not very many others have experienced your problem. In fact, gerbils thrive in same-sex pairs, and they can often grow depressed when kept alone. Here are possible things that made your gerbil act out: 1. Too small of a cage. If you have too small of a cage, gerbils may become territorial and fight. 2. Too big of a cage. Though bigger is often better, if you have too big of a cage, gerbils may lose the connection with other gerbils. 3. Stress. Are loud sounds or scary animals existing around your cage? Do you have enough food? Bedding? Toys? 4. When they were introduced. Were they litter-mates? Or were they introduced at an older age?
Natalie, 19 March 2020
I do not recommend getting more than one gerbil if they are the same gender because they get territorial and they will seek thre other as an enemy even if they are from the same litter. Mine bit the others neck because of this.