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Post by winic1 on Apr 9, 2016 16:07:16 GMT
So very sorry for Baloo. His life was short, but he was clearly well-loved. He was lucky to have someone like you to give him such good care and love for him to have made it as long as he did with such a weak heart.
Mowgli is going to need companions before too long, hard as it is to think about that right now. He is young enough it should hopefully go well. And if you get younger ones, that should help, too. The advantage of adding two or more is that, if, god forbid, something happens to one again, there are still two together so you don't have to worry about a lone goo again. But take your time. Small creatures take up an amazingly large part of our hearts.
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Post by dops on Apr 9, 2016 16:49:48 GMT
It is the first time I have ever had degus, and I was so afraid I had done something wrong.
Yeah I feel Mowgli could adapt well to a new friend, he is relaxed but very confident and independent and I think he could handle it. And I will think about maybe getting 2, as I do have the space for them.
Thank you for your kind words
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Post by savvy on Apr 9, 2016 18:01:07 GMT
You did everything you could, you are not to blame for anything. You gave him love and affection, and got him the help he needed.
Rest in peace Baloo, you are loved and will be missed.
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Post by dops on Apr 9, 2016 19:39:32 GMT
Thank you, I like to think at least he's at peace now! Am spending all my time with Mowgli to make sure he has company.
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Post by moletteuk on Apr 10, 2016 10:11:01 GMT
I'm so sorry about Baloo, I'm sure he knew how much you cared about him and you did everything you could for him.
I'm sure Mowgli will appreciate the extra attention, he will be quite upset for a couple of weeks, make sure he keeps eating and doesn't lose too much weight.
The best choice for introductions isn't really easy or clear cut with Mowgli the age he is. I think babies are an option or also one or two fully adult (2 yrs plus) boys would be an option. Perhaps have a look who is available in local rescues and get back to us with choices.
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Post by dops on Apr 10, 2016 11:04:27 GMT
I will keep a close eye on him, luckily as I have exams coming up I am permanently home revising so he has free run of my bedroom all day. I was contacted by a woman who rescues degus who had a litter born yesterday, and she said that if the amount of time I would like to wait is 6+ weeks then I am welcome to adopt some of that litter, and get them very young so hopefully they settle with Mowgli easily. Am worried though that 6 weeks at least (if not a bit more) might be too long to leave Mowgli on his own. In a local rescue there are a couple of pairs of fully grown male degus up for adoption. However, and please correct me if I'm wrong, I have a gut feeling that if I get two fully grown ones to add, that Mowgli might get left out? I may be wrong, I feel that if they come young, they're relationship will be easier to incorporate Mowgli! But I guess there is no way to know.
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 12, 2016 14:39:52 GMT
I am so sorry for your loss, Dops. I feared it would be a hard thing to overcome. How very sad for you and Mowgli!
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Post by moletteuk on Apr 13, 2016 9:27:16 GMT
It's swings and roundabouts between getting babies or adults. With babies the initial introduction often goes well, but then you may have difficulties between 6 to 18 months age during puberty. With adults it can take longer to do the initial introduction but the hope is that once they are bonded they are together without the upset of puberty. How helpful do the rescue people sound? Could you foster the adults for a few weeks to see if it looks like they might take to Mowgli? You are unlikely to have a situation where Mowgli lives with them but is left out, he will either become fully part of the group, or they won't accept him at all and they will fight. Have a look at our intro guides for more info on pairing choices (try not to be too put off by the fighting advice!) deguworld.proboards.com/thread/17619/deguconverts-detailed-introductions-fighting-guidedeguworld.proboards.com/thread/17618/introductions-fighting-quick-guide
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Post by dops on Apr 13, 2016 11:32:29 GMT
Thank you your kind words everyone. Mowgli is doing okay, still eating well, but hes becoming more and more affectionate every day which makes me sad as I know he is lonely! But am spending all day every day with him and made him a digging box which is keeping him very entertained. As for finding a friend, someone posted on a thread recently that they are looking for a home for a single male pup who will be old enough to leave in a couple of weeks. They aren't too far from me, and so I think I will give it a go with him! As although I know it would still leave me at risk having only 2 overall, it seemed too perfect to pass up. I feel like a young degu will suit Mowgli better, who is very gentle until he feels a bit threatened and then gets quite difficult. I think I'm going more on gut instinct, but I feel a young one would be best!
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Post by dops on Apr 13, 2016 15:12:59 GMT
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Post by animalmadchloe on Apr 13, 2016 21:47:33 GMT
I'm.so.sorry for your loss you did the very best you could
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Post by bouncy on Apr 13, 2016 23:26:03 GMT
Mowgli looks like he's distracting you from revision! Hope he doesn't wee on your keyboard
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 14, 2016 15:11:01 GMT
That's quite the photogenic pose he is striking there!! Very manly!! LOL!
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