Hopeful future degu owner with some questions!

[0_ailuridae_0]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum, and this is my first post here.

I'm hoping to get a same-gender pair of degus some point this year, and I need a little help gathering information. I've done some research, but there are a few things I need help with.

Cages. Oh, cages. I have a cage I used to keep a chinchilla in when I was younger, but I'm concerned it isn't big enough for a degu pair, and I don't want them to be too cramped. It's wire, with a plastic bottom, two and a half feet long, two feet tall, and a foot and a half deep, roughly. I've been looking around online at cages, but it seems like most of the multi-level cages I've looked at (if I get a new one, I wanna aim big!) have wire ramps and landings. I read somewhere that this is bad for their feet? I'm not sure what type of cage is right for them...

I was also wondering, how loud are they? I read that they're really vocal animals, which is fine, but I'm going to have an apartment-mate next year, and, even though she's said she's more than excited for a new animal or two, they're my responsibility. I'm worried they might be too loud, and bother her at night, or neighboring apartment families.

Also, I have a small harness I used to use on my chinchilla (I liked to take him for little walks on my front yard ), and I was wondering if it would fit on a degu? It's not really a big deal if it does or doesn't, but I would like to know in advance, to know if I should hold on to it to see if I can use it, or give it away, because someone I know wants it... The cord is about 1/4" in diameter, and goes around the legs.


Last question, I promise! Is there a big difference between owning a pair of boys and a pair of girls in terms of how they treat each other, or me?

Thank you!

[Redanhill]

Hello - I too am a fairly new parent to two degus. We aimed large and ended up with a multi-level, rat cage. The wire spacing was important as our girls were 10 weeks old and might have escaped through the standard 3/4 or 1" openings. Now they're full grown, it's not a problem. Depends how old your pair will be. The biggest bit of advice I can give is make sure everything is chew proof! This includes the tray base. Degus are notorious chewers! Mine are even making serious headway on the metal bars..... Ours has mesh ramps and hasn't been a problem so far, but the bottom is solid and that's where they spend most of their time. They will definitely need a wheel - the larger the better and get one that is side mounted, with nothing they can get their feet or tail caught. They like to run in tandem, but one won't stop for the other to get on/off. Again, metal is best, but harder to find. So far the expensive, "quieter", hard acrylic style has worked for us. I've never heard of a harness for a degu. Almost like a harness for a gerbil... Aside from the chewing - and we just fill the cage with lots of fun chewy things, theey are a riot to have - have fun!!

[Sasami]

As long as the cage has a solid base, having mesh floors isn't as big of a deal as it is with some other animals. Degus barely even use ramps--they're more likely to jump, haha. That being said, if you CAN find a cage with solid floors, go for it. Just avoid cages with plastic bases as some degus will chew right through the plastic. My first pair of degus lived in a cage with a plastic base and were fine--but then I got a third degu and she chewed a big hole. You just never know. Cages with metal bases and floors are the best but seem harder to find.

They're vocal but usually not to point of being annoying. My degus have kept me up before but it's not a common occurence and they make more noise digging than by squeaking or something. New degus are prone to night frights, though (where they'll keep making alarm squeaks at night). Honestly, my rabbits are more likely to keep me awake. The degus aren't usually too bad.

Harnesses don't usually work out with degus. They're smart little critters and tend to get out of those kinds of things easily. Plus, it doesn't take long for a degu to chew their way out if all else fails. Not to mention the possible damage that might occur if a degu suddenly bolts while on the leash. Your best bet for exercise is to let them run around in a degu-proofed area (for brand new degus, the bath tub is a good place).

Welcome to Paw-Talk, by the way, and good luck!

[0_ailuridae_0]

Thank you both very much!

I found a rescue facility near when I attend college that seems to get degu litters fairly often. I e-mailed the owner, so we'll see what happens!

I'm still not sure whether to get males or females... Do males fight a lot more?

[kokuhaku14]

Males and females can both get along great, but as with all pets, certain degus will get along, other won't. There is no real way of telling, but I have seen that degus that were from the same litter tend to get along better in the long run because they have known each other since birth. Either way, you should be fine, it is really up to you.

As with all pets, there are so many questions you could ask trying to be the most prepared that you can for them, but honestly, with degus, it really comes down to having the right kind of cage, the right nutrition, and enough toys/love to keep them occupied for their lives. Try not to worry too much, they really aren't as high maintenance as many people make them out to be, so long as you meet the minimum care requirements.


Hope things go well,
Nate