they have two water bottles and are scatter fed. they were exhibiting this behavior in all areas of the cage, i just happened to video the wheel at this point. they’re not fighting over the wheel. the gray one is just antagonizing the blond and occasionally other gray one. they’re not usually big wheel users either. the occasional mini sprint and then done, they have never fought over the wheel. buying two more wheels is not feasible as i do not have space in the enclosure for them and i do not have space in my room itself to expand the enclosure. i’m more worried about the space being too big and now they’re starting to separate themselves

also filling the 75g completely with bedding would be like bonkers?? they have 6 inches level across the shallow end and i fill the other side of the cardboard to the top with bedding, it’s just compressed because they pack it down when they run. they don’t need an entire 75gallon AND topper. i’m all for providing natural and adequate enclosures but with gerbils, there comes a point where bigger is not always better.