Gerbils fighting after 3 years together?

[BananaFronkle]

I've just come home to see our 2 gerbils covered in blood and at opposite ends of their cage.

I have immediately separated them and phoned the vet for an appointment as soon as possible.

The only thing which could have happened is that they've fought each other...after 3 years together living happily. They are both male and we bought them together. Can this happen? Is anything likely to have set it off? Nothing has changed in their environment, though obviously for gerbils, I suppose they are both now quite old. I think one of them is quite poorly.

My friend had 3 and we came home one day to all dead and in pieces. Sorry op I would separate them ASAP.
Poor gerbils.

#vicious little buggars!!

Thanks, Aprilshowers. Yes they are separate. I think one of them is going to die . The children will be devastated. I don't want him to suffer, I hope the vets ring back soon.

I think they go a bit gaga at three years old which could have caused the fight. Ours were friends till the end and died within days of each other. Son was very upset.

Thanks madmum - that's interesting. Poor little things. Makes you realise nature is quite cruel. I've just reread your post, April. In pieces. That is really grim - how awful for your friend.

Can you just take them to the vets if the gerbil looks like it's dying? They might be able to squeeze you in faster, ours would if it was urgent.

They had a glass tank. It was carnage. Our dd's were distraught. At first we thought her dcat had gotten them but the tank was still securely closed.
We had a funeral.
Still shudder when I see a gerbil.
Give me a rat any day.