One degu died...advice on other!

[pip7410]

Hi
I had 2 degus (brothers) since they were babies. One passed away yesterday, and I'm looking for advice on what to do with his brother.
He's around 5 and a half. He seems to be coping fine, he's running on his wheel, eating, demanding nuts and basically seems quite happy.
I'm really conscious of the need for companionship degus have, however it feels that if I get him a companion I'm basically committing myself to being a degu owner for the rest of time.
I want what's best for him. If he seems happy, and he gets a lot of contact and love, can he live alone? Or do I need to find a home for him with others and have him cope with the stress of moving home and adapting to a new family?
Any advice appreciated!
Thanks
Pippa

[Maravilla]

Hi Pippa,

I am so sorry for your loss! Do you know why the degu died? 5,5 years is not really much.

If you don't want to adopt new degus and continue keeping these lovely animals, the only degu-friendly possibility you have is looking for a new home for your now lonely degu. You don't know how long this animal will still be alive. It can be a couple of weeks or a couple of years. 2,5 years ago I adopted a 5,5-6 years old degu lady, the last member of her family. She now is really old, but still enjoying her degu company at my home. And 2,5 years is a long, long time!

[moletteuk]

I think if he seems OK for now, then this buys you a little time to find a companion for him of a similar age. There are so many degus out there needing homes that I'm sure you could find an older boy to be his friend. If you are in GB, then if you have a look at the list of rescues sticky thread in the adoption area there are lots of links to various rehoming sites.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[deguconvert]

I am so sorry for your loss, Pippa! Do let yourself and your lone degu grieve, and as Moletteuk said, have a look on here in the adoption area and see if you can find a male that is of similar age. I hope that at the right time, you find exactly who you want.