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Post by emmalb on Jan 23, 2017 7:54:26 GMT
I've recently started working full time which means I'm leaving my little one alone a lot more. I only have one degu (long story) I have definitely seen a behaviour change as she had badly bitten me and my mum and that's unusual for her. I've tried to ask my mum to get her out and play with her in the evenings when I'm not there and she's to scared to get her out since the bite. I feel awful that she's by herself and am wondering if there is anything I can do? Her cage is very tall with four levels and she has a tone of toys. I was just wondering if there's anything I can do?
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Post by ntg on Jan 23, 2017 10:01:19 GMT
Hi and welcome to the forum Aggression can be a sign of depression in some lone degus. How long has she been on her own for? Would you be able to get another lone/pair of females to introduce her to? As that's the only real way most degus will stop feeling lonely. More time spent with her might help a little but human interaction isn't as good as the real deal for most degus as we don't speak or act degu. It would be like us losing our family/friends and being made to live with another species of animal with no human contact whatsoever and only limited understanding of what is going on. Most humans wouldn't cope well in that situation. Now add to it that (for the average full time job) you'll be gone 40ish hours a week, so that's 40 hours at least of solitary confinement which, for social animals, is going to affect their mental state quite a lot.
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Post by emmalb on Jan 23, 2017 13:11:45 GMT
I've only been working full time for two weeks now. I'm concerned if I get another degu she will fight with them and I'm scared I will have two separate degus. If there any way I could test her with another degu
She did bully her cage mates in the pet shop which is why they separated her and the fact she was ill
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 23, 2017 14:41:22 GMT
Quite often petshops will separate them at the first sign of squabbling and they also don't have big enough cages in petshops, both of those things can mean that degus get separated and left alone when it isn't right for them. If your cage is tall, then you might need to make changes to the housing because degus actually need length more than height, they are ground dwellers. You will also need plenty of space to do an introduction so that nobody feels like their territory is being invaded and there isn't enough to go around.
Introductions can be difficult and lengthy and nerve wracking but it is absolutely the right thing to do. We will help you as much as we can. The best place to start is to find a rescue place near you, if possbile, that might be able to let you take your degu to meet some other degus, or be able to offer you a swap if things didn't work out with the new ones.
For right now, perhaps you could get a safe cuddly toy, or heatpad or heater that might help her settle during the day without you.
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Post by bouncy on Jan 23, 2017 15:57:22 GMT
Emma, whereabouts are you?
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 23, 2017 17:03:41 GMT
Is this the girl with the womb infection? What happened with that?
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Post by emmalb on Jan 23, 2017 17:08:52 GMT
I'm in Bromley. Yeah she is the one with the womb infection. She was spayed and have been fine ever since. I'm so happy. I can definitely see that she feels better too I'm so happy I did it
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Post by deguconvert on Jan 23, 2017 18:01:14 GMT
Having that infection cleared up, with the successful surgery, is a huge thing! What is even better is that you could get a male degu to be a companion to her!! You don't have to worry about same sex issues. This actually really opens things up for you, it is my hope that it also will mean greater success. Like Moletteuk has already said, look at the rescues near you, and see if they will let you bring her with you and see if there is any instant bonding with a degu(s) there.
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Post by emmalb on Jan 23, 2017 18:06:21 GMT
I'm thinking if I get her a buddy it would be a boy but she is quite bossy and he would have to be very placid. I have just sent an email to a lady looking for rehome her boy so hopefully she'll get back to me.
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 23, 2017 18:07:23 GMT
I'm so pleased it went well Perhaps you could tell us a little about it in the original thread, I think it would be useful for future reference? deguworld.proboards.com/thread/20604/female-neutering?page=2I would look for a single male for her and you may find the introduction process is much simpler, you would have the best chance of that anyway. If you could find a lone male in rescue you would be really helping two degus. (don't get more than one male for her, the natural grouping is one male to one or more females)
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Post by bouncy on Jan 23, 2017 21:13:52 GMT
Excellent update! Glad to hear she's well again!
If you don't mind a little trip one weekend and you have no luck with the other lady, perhaps get in touch with little Bites in Luton. They are able to help with introductions, and always have some degus looking for homes!
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Post by emmalb on Jan 23, 2017 21:18:10 GMT
Thanks that's really helpful. Lucky I bought her a new metal carrier.
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Post by klbishop on Jan 25, 2017 23:52:15 GMT
I'm in Bromley. Yeah she is the one with the womb infection. She was spayed and have been fine ever since. I'm so happy. I can definitely see that she feels better too I'm so happy I did it Im a bromley lass to!!
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Post by goolover on Jan 26, 2017 0:50:23 GMT
Hi emmalb, as she is spayed I would recommend getting her a male. I know you say she is very bossy but my girl was like this and it is surprising how much they change when a boy comes along. My boy is hyper and aggressive but she adores him and she is no longer the aggressive and hyper one, he has taken over! My girl hated the females she was with and after so many failed introductions she finally accepted a male. Definitely give it a go, I would be very surprised if you say the pairing doesn't work.
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Post by emmalb on Jan 26, 2017 7:50:43 GMT
I'm still currently looking around for a male. Would it be better for him to be around the same age as her?
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 26, 2017 11:31:57 GMT
In terms of life expectancy it would be helpful for them to be similar ages, but not essential for the introduction or for them to get along at all, for those aspects it would be helpful if he is over 18 months and fully adult and over the first flush of hormones. How old is she?
Have you tried the facebook degu rehoming group?
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Post by emmalb on Jan 26, 2017 13:17:43 GMT
She's probably coming up to two. I haven't tried the Facebook group. I'll have a look at it thanks for the help
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