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My gerbil siblings fight often. Is it play or real fighting?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | unspayed

Ive had my gerbils for about two weeks and they are siblings but I see them fight often and I can't tell if its just play fighting or actual fighting,they dont squeak.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on March 14th, 2018

I would first recommend to check their genders. Make sure they are both females, otherwise you may end up with babies. Sometimes gerbils do play rough. Observe the behavior and check for wounds. Make sure they have space to get away from each other is needed. Please post again with any further questions!

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 20th, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about your gerbils and including a photo. Siblings will often play fight but also try an establish dominance. You need to determine absolutely if both are males, as breeding behavior might start soon. Providing more hiding area or huts might give each his/her own area. Offer multiple feeding/watering area to decrease competition over these resources. Good luck.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 1st, 2017

    I would split the females for good. Sometimes as they get older and mature they will become aggressive and fight for dominance. Also adding a male into the mix can make them more aggressive. If in the future you decide to try to put them back together I would make sure you monitor them closely as they can injure one another fighting. I hope this helps!

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