[xDeEdZzYx]

Hey
I was wondering how you introduce 3 new degus to 1 i'v had for a while? we got 3 more because the 1's sister died a few weeks ago.
and now we are wondering if we can put all 4 of them in the same cage?
please answer.:wavey:

 

[Bandit997]

Do NOT just throw the one in the cage they will team up on it, theres lots of threads on here about introducing degus but throwing him in is just asking for a serious injury or exclusion from the group

 

[Sasami]

I e-mailed the following to the OP but am also posting this here for anyone browsing:

You want to start them in separate cages next to each other. Mix up the bedding between both cages and let them share a dust bath. The whole idea is to get them used to each other's scent. Do that for at least a week and then try short introductions in neutral territory (a bath tub works well). Introductions should only be a few minutes long at first, gradually increase the amount of time they spend together as long as there's no aggression. Continue introductions for a couple of weeks until you're confident that they seem to be getting along. When that happens, put them all together in a large, freshly cleaned cage (you can also let them take a dust bath right beforehand and then place that in the cage).

Small arguments and mounting can be normal-- don't separate them immediately but take that as a sign to do shorter meetings and go slowly. Full-out fights, though, where blood is being drawn/fur is being pulled out, will require you to intervene. Try to watch carefully and separate them before a fight actually breaks out. If they do fight, give them a break for a week before starting meetings again.

One trick is to add a drop or two of vanilla extract to the dust bath they use (you can also buy scented dust bath) so that they all smell the same.