Chewing mesh, not sure why!

[Thea]

tanzanyte - I'm glad it's not only me, but that sounds frustrating for you! I'm not sure on the lemon juice, someone else will have to answer that, but it's a good idea. I used to have those carrots for my boys, but they didn't love them, but maybe it's worth giving them a try for the girls? I'll let you know if anything stops them, and it would be great if you could do the same for me!

Markpd - I do block of parts of the mesh, and it works for a bit, but then they'll go to another area after a bit They only chew for a couple of minutes at most, but a couple of times a day each. They mainly chew while sitting on top of the large bendy bridge divider, but I often block that off and they'll go somewhere else. I haven't gotten them hanging toys, I forgot about that, I'll definitely get some if it carries on for a couple more days! (they stopped doing it for a month or so and then started again a week or two ago, annoyingly)
I would lower the bedding but since I have a detolf it isn't very high and I like the deep area to be around 11 - 12 inches (the cage itself is just over 14, I think?), so if I lowered it enough for them not to be able to reach I'm not sure if there would be as much as I think there should be. 9-10 inches would be fine but they do pile it up at the corners!!

[tanzanyte]

It's funny but neither Vanilla and Bubbles or Pepsi and Max bother with the carrots, whereas Mymble and My absolutely love them. I've just had to buy the last 4 packs from Pets at home today, but I know that will only last me 5-7 days if I'm lucky.
I do wonder if I may have caused overstimulation and now they can't be without anything to do. I find kids are a bit like that these days as they are not used to just sitting and relaxing, or being bored and having to think of things to do themselves. Not that gerbils really relax, but I honestly give them way more enrichment than Vanilla and Bubbles had initially, yet Vanilla didn't bar chew until she was much older and only did it for attention.

I'll keep you posted if I do manage to work out a way to deter them.

[Markpd]

Thea
Yea fair point about the bedding depth.
I've just remembered that Blake occasionally chews the mesh on the back side of the raised roof, and usually just for a few minutes, and very recently I caught Avon doing it for the 1st time!
Anyway, because it's only for a few minutes, and they often don't do it for many days I just ignore it. But that's not much help to you!
Maybe the hanging toys will do it?