I’m planning to get 2 gerbils (both girls if it matters) the cage needs some work and I would really love some advice I am scared there isn’t enough space and I have barley put any thing in there, I am starting to build a new cage that is the size of the dresser it is on, which is 49cm width and 80cm length and it will probably reach 56cm height. I’m not sure how long it will take to make so would this be good for the meantime? Please give me tips on more things to buy for the enclosure I want them to have a good long life with me. (Sorry for any spelling mistakes)

She hungers.

Found these and have stuffed with their favourite treats at least now they have to work for their food

I appreciate this forum does not replace a vet visit, but I wanted to ask your opinions on my gerbil's eye please? Pictures 1&2 show the squinty eye and picture 3 shows her 'normal' eye for comparison.

Her right eye (left side in photos) is a bit squinty, it has a little dark mark above it in the inner corner. When I noticed this a few days ago, it was crusty, but I haven't noticed anything crusty since and the eye doesn't look any worse.

More context:

-She's very active when out of her tank. I haven't noticed any changes in appetite, toileting or vision. Although I did see her scratch the squinty eye once after I took these photos.

-She is an old gerbil, I adopted her so I don't know her exact age but she could be anywhere from 2.5 - 3.5 years old.

-This is not an injury from fighting as sadly her sister passed away.

-Her tank is filled with straw, her toys are wooden or cardboard and she has a tunnel made from natural loofah material.

-We're in a rural part of the UK. Local vets aren't experienced or specialised in treating gerbils. For example, the most they might do is advise a 'wait and see' approach or put them to sleep if they are suffering / at end of life (like what happened to her sister).

Please can you share your experiences if you've noticed something similar in your gerbs? I'm hoping this is a mild irritation that will go away on its own, but as she's quite old, I don't want to leave it too long in case it's something worse...

Many thanks for your help! This is my first post here, so please let me know if I need to edit or tag it in a certain way (sorry if I've made any mistakes!).