What to do to help my now solo old boy :(

[kris]

Hi all, my first post but I used the forum when researching getting my boys about 7 years ago so I know there's lots of experts.

i came home to find one of my boys had died today, we've been at a wedding but I don't think it could have been that long ago because he was still floppy and slightly warm.  His brother was just stood on a shelf like he normally does when he hears us come home.  

What do I do now?  I've had them since babies and I don't want to introduce a new goo....I've got a 9 month old human baby now so the boys haven't always had the attention they deserve in the last few months so introducing a newbie wouldn't be right.  

How do I keep my boy occupied and happy in his retirement or should I look to re home?  

[deguconvert]

I am so sorry for your loss! It must have been such a nasty shock to come home and find he has passed.

I know your heart is broken and the panic you are feeling for the boy you have remaining is flooding you. I would counsel you to give yourself and your remaining boy some time to grieve. Watch him and see how he is reacting. His reactions can help you decide what you need to do for him. If he becomes despondent, lethargic, you see a reduction in his eating or drinking, weight loss, or he begins to look ragged, then you will know that he is grieving very deeply and you may need to rehome him with someone that can introduce another male to him that is closer to his age. If one can be found. If you can spend some time with him daily, that may help you both. Hard to do with a baby on hand I know, so don't stress yourself OK?

[ilikedegus]

Hi Kris

I agree with deguconvert...keep an eye him, ask again here if you notice a change in his condition.

We have had a couple of lone elderly boys in the last few years, because my boyfriend works at home and gives them a lot of time they seem to have adapted well to living without a degu for company. However this is not how all degus will cope.

If you need to re-home him, again come here, it's possible someone will be able to rehome him (for example we'd consider it ourselves, possibly, though our last boy is fairly blind so it'd have to be a good match!)

[moletteuk]

Sorry for your loss. I just wanted to add that some degus find some comfort in a heat pad or (safe) cuddly toy when they are left alone.

[animalmadchloe]

I use fleece toys for my two lone degus which they degu pile at night it's not ideal but atm they don't want to be together sorry for.the loss of your boy xxx