I use to breed gerbils when I was younger. But for pets. I always had luck. But I had mine in large tanks with wheels which they need to have. They aren't good under stress or with out being able to run. Not sure what your set up is.

But also I was looking through my book on them. I remember they social rodents that live in family groups. Here is something my book says.....

Only 1 female in the group will normally have babies. The older youngsters will not normally breed with each other but instead help the parents rear the new siblings. Gerbils are mostly monogmous but sometimes will mate with gerbils outside there territories. It helps with inbreeding.The young gerbils don't normally breed when with the parents. Seeing they can suppress there sexual development. Many believe the adults suppress it. They are territorial even though they are social. Gerbils have scent glands on the belly and will mark each other sometimes it may look like mating even but it is to also to show who is higher up and know who is from the group. They aren't known to breed like rats at all.

They only have small litters from 4-6 and do not breed at all the way rats do. The females fertility is for 18 moths they are known to have only 6-7 litters. If they are not happy with there temps or set up they can breed slower. Male are known to fight when together sometimes more with space issues and females can become ornerier with each other.

Hope this helps......

Monique

I only have one gerbil for now but he has alot to do and keep busy. Even 2 wheels, Tubes to run through and things to chew everyday.