One degus seems to be picking on the other

[ichigohime]

Hi,
I just got 2 male degus a couple of days ago and one was really skittish and didn't come near me when I put my hand in the cage with some treats to try get them both used to me. While the other would come striaght away and sit on my hand. Now the other degu has started coming closer to me and trys to get the treats, the other one won't let it take any and starts making loads of noise and chasing it away. It only wants to keep the treats to itself and as soon as it sees the other trying to get close he will go after the other one. I've never had degus before is this normal behaviour and is there anything I can do to stop them doing this because I want them both to get used to me and used to being handled. I know its normal for them to play fight but has anyone else seen behaviour like this before?
Thanks :3

[jamiee]

To me, this seems pretty normal. One degu is usually mlre confident than the other. They seem to be just defending their food, which is normal, natural behaviour that you are likely to see a lot of. Try to put treats in both of your hands so that they each have a place to get them from.

[saddlers]

Degus will squabble over food and you will find the more dominant one will let the others know. The noise can be a bit unnerving for some people, but it is quite normal. Squabbles can sometimes escalate so it is a case of trying to give them treats at a separate time or occupying one and then shifting focus..

[moletteuk]

Degus are really bad at sharing anything that they value. You can get the same behaviour over the running wheel, even piles of hay, sticks, anything they like, so it's best to double up things like wheels and food bowls.

For taming and training you can put treats in each hand, or put a little pile somewhere and then lure away the second degu to your hand.

[ichigohime]

Thanks for the advice ^_^