Fighting Degus - Paw Talk

prophage · #1 04-05-2009, 11:03 PM

We've had our degus for about 2 months. We play with them outside of their cage everyday and when we put them back everything is fine.

However, once a week when we put them back in their cage they fight seriously enough to draw blood. We separate them until they calm down. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions on how to prevent this?

Trine · #2 04-10-2009, 08:08 AM

Hi there

I have had the same problem. Only they fought til there was blood once a month, not once a week. Is there lots of squeeking and clashes? I got the biggest bully of my pack neutered this week, now he is a new degu. For me that was the last opportunity to create harmony at home

Amethystbelle · #3 04-15-2009, 05:51 PM

Does it only occur when you let them out the cage? If so its probably a territorial issue, maybe try putting them back in at exactly the same time and giving them something as soon as they are back in like a treat to take their minds of the fighting.

**Sasami** · #4 04-16-2009, 06:46 PM

You mentioned that this happens once a week. Does that happen to be cage-cleaning day?

prophage · #5 04-17-2009, 01:07 AM

Well actually, its been happening every couple of days.

We try to take them out once a day. And every time we put them back we try to put them in at the exact same time. When they get back in the cage, they immediately start to chatter and then they fight to hurt.

Amethystbelle · #6 04-17-2009, 09:37 AM

I would do something to take their minds off it to see if it helps like giving each of them a treat or a cardboard tube or something to generally distract them and see if that helps.