gerbil squeal?

Question
I have had two gerbils for about five months. They've always play fought a little when i let them out of the cage, but nothing serious and nothing that ever hurt them. Yesterday i found them fighting inside of the cage. it looked like they were playing like usual (maybe a little rougher?) neither of them were hurt but while they were playing/fighting one of them started squealing. they did the same thing this morning. do i need to separate them? is this their usual fighting for dominance?

Answer
Hi Beth

Once you've separated them it is unlikely you'll ever get them back together - so think carefully before you do this.  However, have a good look at each of them - if you brush their fur backwards you can get a clear view of their skin - look for any signs of bite marks. Also, if there are bite marks, their fur can become wet from the plasma coming out of the wounds. Gerbils do squabble, and most of the time everything calms down, but if they are starting to bite each other, it is getting serious.  I used to keep 4 gerbils together - all brothers, and all got on well.  Suddenly one day I found one of them covered in bites - there was no logical explanation as to why they had suddenly started picking on him.  Fortunately, with a lot of care, he survived, but it was touch and go. he spent the rest of his life living on his own and he was fine.  

It would be worth checking them every day for bite marks, and if their fighting is becoming more violent, then seriously consider splitting them before either gets hurt.

Regards