Gerbil behaviors, etc.

Question
I have a few questions: we had 2 gerbils, one died.  The other sib seems perfectly content to be alone (she was the aggressive sib and gets plenty of people attention). I've been told that gerbils MUST have a gerbil companion, but since she is aggressive, even to a sib, I think it's best we not venture there.  Am I right?
My other questions are: she has a small bald patch on her tail, no broken skin. Could this be temporary scratching?  Also, we have the wire 2nd story apartment (with her wheel and chew toys and food items) clipped onto a 10 gallon glass tank where her bedding and water bottle are located). However, I noticed that she likes to pee out of the wire in the upper story, soiling everything!  We are changing her bedding more often, every 2 weeks instead of 4; could this be the problem?  Or just behavioral?  Also, we have horses and I give her alfalfa stems (not the leaves which probably have too much protein) a couple of times a week.  Is this OK?  Thanks so much for your help.  LISA

Answer
Hi Lisa,

No it is not true that they must have a companion! I have had gerbils on their own before. It is true they seem to be happier in company, and prefer it. Although, when one dies it is near impossible to introduce another gerbil anyway, it would be highly likely they would fight until death. They can only really be with gerbils they have been with since they were babies! So yes, i would leave her by herself. As long as you give her plenty of attention she should be fine!

The small bald patch on her tail doesn't sound like anything to worry about, although i would keep an eye on it to make sure it stays like that, so it doesn't become sore looking or anything like that. Fur can take ages to grow back, but it should do eventually.

I think it is just behavioral. They tend to pick a place where they will continually use as the toilet, and she seems to have found hers!! There is not really anything you can do to encourage her to go elsewhere...which is a shame.

Alfalfa stems should be fine, in moderation!!!

I hope this helps you, and i hope i have covered everything. If i have missed something or you have another question please feel free to ask!!

Thank you,
Charlie.