Introducing a new degu

[vetster]

Hi Everybody,

I had a degu pass away yesterday due to complications resulting from a dental maloocclusion. He's had dental issues the past two years (he broke / lost his maxillary incisors) and he was a trooper through the whole thing and fought to the very end.

He lived with his son (Spike), so now Spike is alone. I would really like to introduce another male degu, but I know it can be pretty tricky and takes a lot of time and patience. Does anybody have any helpful hints on how to do it, or has anybody been in a similar situation?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

RIP Spaz

[Sasami]

I'm sorry for your loss .

If you can get a baby degu, that'll make things a lot easier. You should always introduce them in a neutral territory (like a bath tub or a room they've never been in before). It helps to have some distractions like toys or boxes around. Put a dust bath in the introduction area too, they'll end up with similar scents that way. You can actually add a drop or two of vanilla to the dust...that way they both smell like it.

Before the actual introduction, keep their cages near each other and mix up their bedding.

Good luck!

[ifiwasahamster]

hi there

im so sorry for your loss.

i agree a younger goo would be easier to introduce

i had 2 boys and got 2 more cus they are gorgeous and they get on great when i first had them i split 1 level of the cage so they lived on top of each other i would swap the bedding over aswell

i introduced them in the hall as i found i could keep a good eye on them and i introduced them each day only about 10 mins to start and if the day went well i would leave them a bit longer i would seperate the squabbles but only if i felt i had to as they need to arrange the pecking order

i was lucky after 1 and a half weeks i moved them all in together and they all cuddled up in bed together and i couldnt have been happier i do know it can take longer and be difficult but it is defo worth it just take your time and dont be worried if you get pushed back to the start im sure that spike will be happy to have a friend esp because of his loss and degus love living in groups

just make sure that once they are together you have 2 food dishes etc so they have nothing to argue about

good luck and keep us informed

[kokuhaku14]

You should also know that they will probably fight a little. Nothing serious but the older degu will probably boss around the little one a bit, showing that he is more in charge at the time. Thats normal. After awhile Spike will get more and more used to the little degu and will accept him more. Good luck with everything and sorry for your loss.

[MañasMom]

Good advice on the introductions, so I just wanted to add my deepest sympathies for your loss. I am sure that your excellent care is what allowed your little guy to fight so hard the past 2 years. I am very, very sorry for your loss. Though they are little, they leave a giant sized hole in your heart when they go!

[purplegerbil96]

Quote: Originally Posted by MañasMom Good advice on the introductions, so I just wanted to add my deepest sympathies for your loss. I am sure that your excellent care is what allowed your little guy to fight so hard the past 2 years. I am very, very sorry for your loss. Though they are little, they leave a giant sized hole in your heart when they go!

I agree with this. =[
By the way, your avatar is soooooo cute!!!