Cabin has become damaged

[benthegerbil]

On the advice of a friend with a gerbil, we got this corner house: www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/accessories/cabins/wooden_houses/228485. Our gerbil absolutely loves it, it's his house for sure. However, on my last check, he had chewed a small entrance through the side, and a piece of metal is exposed (that's how it's held together I assume).

I think at this point, I should probably remove the house because of this right? Would I be able to perhaps remove the metal and then he can continue using this house? Is there a better suggestion for something like this because we know it's loved!

[Thelodar]

Unfortunately some of these houses are put together with nails, not all rodents are as chewy as gerbils so it works for them. But gerbils really do need nail free items, they could easily push their face against the tip and get a nasty injury. Some houses are put together with pet safe glue or wooden pegs instead, so try and find those. It can be difficult to determine just by looking, you can try to see in seams, and read poor reviews online to see if they are about nails. Some will state outright that they do not contain nails, for example: www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/you-and-me-woodland-hide-a-way-small

[betty]

Yes, benthegerbil, when they become exposed, get your pliers and pull them out. Kepp going with that until the thing falls apart!

These corner units are so useful - also suprisingly upside down too - I use one as a ledge with a nest inside it.

The Range (UK) do a great slide-together 'chin hut' (different brands available) and it is cheapest with them (other places can be double the cost!

Ferplast also do the slide-together 'SIN' range for guinea pigs (and rabbits) which is a decent gerbil size.

As with all houses though - be aware of the size of the window holes. If they start chewing them you will need to expand them yourself - as we have had many clips of stuck heads from houses over the years.