[woobum]

I have had my 4 degus for about 1 and a half months now, and they have all been quite playful together until a couple of weeks ago. I think one of my degus is being singled out by the others, as sometimes he gets quite scared of them, as they threaten him. Yesterday one of my other degus cornered him, and he was shaking his tail, feeling threatened. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do to help this?
(BTW, I think it is the same one each time, but they all look the same!)
Thanks.

 

[Sasami]

How big is the cage? Does this happen at a specific time? Like during feeding time, after the cage is cleaned, when they go back after playtime, etc. ?

Has any blood been shed? Is the singled out degu acting differently at all (if he's sick they may single him out for that reason, for example)?

 

[woobum]

The cage is about 1 and 3/4 metres tall and 1 metre wide. It never really happens at a specific time, they never have actual fights, they just threaten him and square up to him. As far as I know he hasn't been sick or anything, and he tends to stay away from them most of he time. He still sleeps with them.

 

[Sasami]

The cage is on the small side for four males. If you get the chance, upgrade and see what happens.

Other than that my only suggestion is to encourage them to take dust baths together and keep an eye on the singled out male's body condition (make sure he gets enough to eat). Good luck! Lack of blood is a good sign.

 

[woobum]

Wow, is it really to small? It's two pets at home chinchilla cages fixed together if that helps.
Anyway, thanks for the advice.

 

[Sasami]

Degus need a TON of space, especially males. That cage would probably be fine if you had just a pair of males or a small group of females.

Is there room to put in extra shelves? You may be able to give them more usable room without getting a new cage. I've added shelves and perches to my cage to give extra playing space .

 

[Degu gal]

If you give them Plenty of ladder and branchest that should help. Also try having one small food bowl for each degu.