>I imagine this is a sensitive issue and I really mean no offense in
>asking.
No offense taken.
First off, let's get our definitions in line. Culling refers to both
killing an animal OR removing an animal from breeding (i.e. neutering or
placing the gerbil in a single sex tank). We needed to get that straight
because most people only think of culling as killing. My puppy was culled
from his breeder by being sold on a spay/neuter contract. He most certainly
was not killed. *grin*
Unfortunately, some gerbils are born with characteristics that make them
unsuitable for breeding. For those, I would recommend placing in single-sex
pairs (or groups, if male) and selling to someone with the agreement that
this animal should not be bred.
I think few gerbils are born with such horrid temperments (vicious biting)
to make them unsuitable for pets. Most poor temperments are due to poor
handling. However, there are some gerbils who are none too happy about
being handled but can still be a fine pet, especially for someone who does
not mind a shy gerbil.
Now, about those unadoptable gerbils. I wouldn't kill them. Nope. Part of
the responsibility of breeding is the willingness to keep any gerbil you
breed. If you find that you have more gerbils than you can adopt, stop
breeding. But, do remember, there are very few truly unadoptable gerbils.
In fact, if I were planning on starting a rodentry, I would start slowly.
Try one breeding pair of gerbils. Wait several months to a year before
adding a second breeding pair. This way you can determine whether you can
actually find homes for all the gerbil pups one pair produce before you
overwhelm yourself with too many gerbils. I don't know how easy it is to
sell gerbils where you live, but when I lived in Fairbanks and bred gerbils,
I could barely find enough homes for the pups of one breeding pair. I
certainly could not have dealt with many breeding pairs.
Good Luck and have fun!
Deb Adams
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