Split Tank Question - What to put in?

[t1gg3er]

Can anyone tell me what I should put in a split tank whilst trying to introduce a pair of gerbils?

I made 2 small 'houses' to put either side of the divider.  These are open along the side where the divider is so they can lie next to each other & they are using them including when I switch them over.  They also have a glass jar & a wooden log tunnel in each side.  Bedding is about 3 inches deep & they have toilet paper to nest with (I've been giving extra each day for them to shred).

There's a fair amount of scent marking going on though & they're also chewing frantically at the mesh & trying to climb it.  One has had a little nip at the other but neither seemed too upset about it & there was no physical damage - just surprise.  We're only 3 days in & I've only switched them once a day so far - I'll be moving to 3 times per day tomorrow.

I've read on another site that all they should have is toilet paper for their nests - no houses or toys & this should reduce scent marking.  Now I'm not sure what to do - take everything out or see how they go?  Won't they go stir crazy with boredom if I take everything out?

[crittercrazy]

They're kind of supposed to be bored- makes them focus on each other.
Whenever I do a split, they have nothing but a bit of bedding maybe a piece of cardboard now and again. And all of my splits have taken a week or less, so it seems to work. (though I've also had a good dose of luck, I think)

[theia]

Also having less in there means that there is less for them to become territiorial over.

[t1gg3er]

Thanks for the replies. I'll take everything out tomorrow when I do the 1st swap & give them even more toilet paper to nest with (altho Ernie has to be the worst nest builder ever!)

[theia]

I wouldn't be so sure about that, my Crystal could give your Ernie a run for his money lol. She doesn't even know how to start building a nest, if it weren't for cagemates with the knowhow she'd literally just curl up on top of the bedding XD

[t1gg3er]

Yep, that's Ernie too. He only got to sleep in a decent bed after swapping sides with Comet & sleeping in the nest he'd made