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Post by deguconvert on Aug 15, 2017 2:54:51 GMT
Jack said something previously about having to let it completely dry out before putting it into the cage. So . . . it probably won't be slightly damp? Or did your reading have information that said it should be slightly damp?
I'll be honest, that kind of unnerves me . . . I think because I just can't imagine a damp degu being very happy about it . . . but it raises a question for me. Is the dampness OK for them? Another question that rose in my mind tonight . . . will this coco stuff be "dusty" and can it potentially irritate the respiratory system of degus?
They are hardy little loves, so they don't need to be treated like glass, but they do seem to have rather sensitive respiratory systems and often we are looking for substrate that has less dust in it. So, be careful, and listen to their breathing, to hear if there is any snuffling or sneezing beginning, because if it does prove to be an irritant, you want to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
Twould be lovely if it is not an issue in any way, and such is my hope!
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Post by Emziedee on Aug 15, 2017 9:16:06 GMT
That's what she said in the link about trying it with the goos; that when it's dry it's quite dusty, but ever so slightly moist and it eliminates the dust. I just have to imagine that in the wild their underground burrows must have been slightly humid as earth generally is as rain soaks into it. I imagine especially in nighttime when it's cooler. I'd just try it in one area in the playtime and see what they think! This guy looks like he loves it 😂
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 12:34:49 GMT
When my hamsters used the coco bedding it was ever ever so slightly damp (it was pretty much nothing) but it was enough to stop any potential dust. To be honest, even when bone dry it wasn't really dusty.
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Post by bouncy on Aug 15, 2017 15:22:10 GMT
That goo looks VERY happy on his hanging basket!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 17:44:47 GMT
I've bought Poppy a hanging basket... I might try that idea.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 18:53:19 GMT
UPDATEFinal planning session with my grandad tomorrow and then the building begins on Thursday!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 18:58:50 GMT
Emziedee, you've tempted me with that hanging basket .
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Post by Emziedee on Aug 15, 2017 19:12:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2017 20:11:54 GMT
UPDATE
I've been to my grandparents and gathered some apple wood and cherry wood for my goos. I'll be going to my local timber yard to get the wood for the big build tomorrow!
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Post by bouncy on Aug 16, 2017 20:13:16 GMT
Exciting times!!!!
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Post by deguconvert on Aug 16, 2017 21:52:58 GMT
OOOOO!! Apple and Cherry wood! You're goos will be in heaven!!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2017 22:32:17 GMT
deguconvert, yup they are!!! They have already had a little "disagreement" on who should be chewing them.
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Post by bouncy on Aug 17, 2017 11:13:39 GMT
Make sure we're getting progress photos! Oh, and if there's goos wandering into shot, even better!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2017 14:21:53 GMT
Don't worry bouncy! Photos will be took (hopefully with the goos too).
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2017 14:24:04 GMT
UPDATEI have been to the wood yard and have put my order in. They pieces should be done within an hour or so!!! I need to nip out to buy some screws etc. The half length levels may be getting there extensions later at the weekend since I only ordered the wingnuts and dowels etc today at 1am . (Also, my next post is my 100th! yay!)
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Post by bouncy on Aug 17, 2017 14:41:25 GMT
I found washers, bolts and nuts were exceptionally cheap from Toolstation, if that helps. 10 penny washers from a DIY store, £5. 100 penny washers from Toolstation, half that price (from memory)!
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Post by misscatafer on Aug 17, 2017 18:49:21 GMT
I have been using coco soil in my dig box, it is completely dry and I have never had any issues. They love to dig and kick it about, I hide treats and tubes in there etc. We have been using the same 'brick' for around 6 months, it just needs the occasional sieve through. Brilliant value for money and I would recommend it Update: sorry I am a bit behind everyone with this post! I also have a hanging basket in the cage, I sprinkle forage in it every day hidden with hay. I have a second hanging basket in the playpen turned upside down, it has loads of little entrance holes (from aldi - there may be some left!), which they like to play and hide in.
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Post by deguconvert on Aug 17, 2017 21:01:30 GMT
LOVE the feedback, Missacatafer! Thank you for telling us how you've been using the coco soil!
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Post by misscatafer on Aug 17, 2017 21:27:22 GMT
No problem, happy to help, when we first made the soil we let it sit for around 2 days to make sure it was nice and dry for them. It doesn't smell at all and I haven't noticed any dust. The one downside is like I said, they do kick it about and the playpen floor is usually covered in it, so it is messy - it is totally inappropriate for bedding if you are looking for something with less fallout. The good thing is it doesn't stain and can be hoovered /swept up easily. It may be good for those with wooden cages though or those without bars... As it would be absorbant, none smelly and last a good while.
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Post by deguconvert on Aug 17, 2017 23:35:12 GMT
I like that report! It gives great information to base any decision on, for or against depending on what you are looking for. Well said!!
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