gerbils and guinea pigs

Question
i have two male guinea pigs and my roomate has a female gerbil. i was wondering if the two could be introducted to each other? or would that be a problem...

Answer
My apologies for the delay in answering :0)

First off you must know that they will not be able to breed, which may be a good thing on your end. Also you must introduce them slowly on neutral territory. Dont stick the gerbil in the guinea pigs cage of visa versa because both are territorial and it will cause a fight and make it harder to get them to live together. It is best to do either a new cage all together, on a bed, or something of that sort. It also help to create a barrier in the cage when you feel they are ready to be together. Just take a small amount of small-holed chicken wire and place it in the cage between their spaces and make sure it cant be knocked down. This gives them time to talk, smell, and get use to each others noises and habits before they must live completely together.

I have heard it said that it isnt good for the reason of differnt dietary reasons. However gerbils and guinea pigs can eat the same food and will often pick through the combined food and get solely what they like leaving the other behind.

I suggest that you make sure the food and water is hanging on the side of the cage because both species will use the bathroom in food and water.

I hope that this helps and here are some links that may also assist you :)

http://www.keyetv.com/guides/petcare/care/story.aspx?content_id=7e0bbeec-fd25-41...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerbils

http://www.cavyrescue.co.uk/guinea_pigs_guide.shtml