Introducing gerbils?

Question

I have owned many hamsters, but this is my first time owning gerbils. Today I bought a male and a female. Neither are full grown, but the female is a little bigger than the male. They were kept in separate cages in the pet store, so I'm not sure they ever met each other, but the cages shared a glass wall. I put them both into the new cage, and at first they seemed to get along well, but now they are having little almost fights, they scuffle for about two seconds, then run apart. I'm not sure if I should be concerned. Will they never be able to live together, or is this a normal behavior to establish dominance? The smaller, male has been squeaking a little when the female is near, I don't think he's in any pain and they both appear healthy. If you have gerbil experience, advice would be awesome.

Yes I want baby gerbils, that would be why I got one of each sex. Thanks for the info lol but not exactly the question.

Answer 1

Its probably because they are in a new place. I had two gerbils once, but they were both females(due to not wanting more!) and they acted like this, and by the next morning, they were sleeping together in a corner. Its most likely a new area, and they are just getting use to each other.

Answer 2

Let me tell you bout the birds and the bees... actually go ask your parents.

Unless you want a bunch more gerbils I would keep them separated.

Answer 3

if they haven't been living together, you can't just throw them in a cage together(i use the word throw not literally). i would use the split-cage method, here is how it's done:

http://www.twinsqueaks.com/split-tank.html
http://homepage.mac.com/kyleekay/tip-of-the-week/tip070403.html
http://homepage.mac.com/kyleekay/tip-of-the-week/tip072003.html
http://homepage.mac.com/kyleekay/tip-of-the-week/tip112703.html

that is a step-by-step process of how it's done. i hope i helped, and good luck with your new gerbils!!