HELP NEEDED WITH BUDGET CAGE

[pbbdegu]

I am currently saving up for a degu. My current budget is $630, and I can’t find any cage that is cheap, roomy, and all-metal. Should I change my budget?

P.S. I live in the United States.

*UPDATE* My budget is now $750.

[hpdegus]

Hi Pbbdegu!

I'm also in the US, so hopefully some of my suggestions will be helpful.

I highly recommend the Critter Nation cage (not the ferret version if you get young degus). Its very easy to clean, easy to modify and stack as well. If you're planning on getting more than 2 degus, you could get an additional level (double critter nation).

www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY

You can try looking in Facebook marketplace or Craigslist for a cage. I was able to find a used DCN for about $100!

I know the pans are plastic, but Bass Equipment makes excellent stainless steel replacement pans. They're a bit expensive, but absolutely worth it.

www.bassequipment.com/SCResult/Critter-Nation-Replacement-Pans-245

There are several Facebook groups for rehoming degus, if you'd consider rescuing. A lot of degus are currently looking for new homes.

[savvy]

I'm in the uk, so I'm having difficulty accessing usa prices, but from what I have seen, the critter nation double unit may be suitable and within your budget. It would need a bit of adapting (extra floor space, better ramps etc) but may be workable.

winic1 is good on cages in the states.

[winic1]

This is your best bet for the cage, The Critter Nation Deluxe (double/two story) by Midwest Pets, $259 plus tax: www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=critter+nation+cage&qid=1612714099&sr=8-3

Yes, it has plastic trays. You can get metal replacements, or you can live with the plastic until it they destroy it, IF they destroy it. I had mine in with the plastic trays for over 9 years. We put wood edge strips around the plastic trays, they chewed on the wood but never the trays.

Here's what and how we did with our Critter Nation. Ignore the wheel, it was the best available at the time, we got away with it but there are much better choices available now.
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/15977/paradise-critter-nation

What else have you budgeted for? It would help if we could see what your plans are, maybe point out things you can do better on price or choice, maybe point out things you may have forgotten so you won't get caught by surprise.

[pbbdegu]

Here's my full list:
docs.google.com/document/d/1Rnzkm8TERv0hHQAC2IWkWz823YD8mX9bBMQpY2N1ApE/edit

[savvy]

I may be able to save you some money straight away, I use toilet tissue as bedding for my degus, they can drag it around the cage (great fun!) to their hearts content, shred it themselves, etc.

A whole toilet roll is wonderful for degus to play with and much cheaper than buying animal bedding.

Your wheel choice could do with being a bit bigger, as they grow, degus need a 14 inch wheel, I'd also look for one which fits on the side of the cage and is silent running.

I also wouldn't bother with the food bin, degus aren't fond of hay racks so will probably destroy it. Food can be sprinkled in various places around the cage to encourage foraging. Don't forget they will need forage too!

You don't need a specific cage cleaner either, just warm water with a drop of vinegar will suffice, their cages shouldn't too well cleaned too often as it will remove their scent markers and encourage fighting to reset their hierarchy, you only really need to clean wee spots. Degus are very clean and don't smell.

[hpdegus]

May I ask what state you're located in? There may be a breeder or a rescue closer by so you wouldn't need to pay a huge shipping fee, unless you really want degus from that specific breeder.

You could also buy/make fleece coverings for the ramps and floor coverings. Then just have toilet paper for them to dig in like Savvy suggested.

You may be able to find certain things for much cheaper on Amazon (like the apple wood branches, I buy in large packs from non-Kaytee brand).

Also, I had the Kaytee wheels originally and while they are ok for a bit, they go squeaky quickly. My degus also destroyed them, haha. I buy stainless steel wheel from Pandemonium Pets on etsy, but I know its possible to make wheels yourself from cake tins. There should be a thread on here somewhere with that info.

[winic1]

The Ferret nation cage is cheaper, but the bars are wider apart, and also they go vertical, which means the degus can't climb. If your degus are young when you get them, or have babies, they will be out of those bars in no time. Also, for even just 2 degus, you really need the double cage to have enough floor and running space for them, plus room for wheel and dustbath and hut and fun features.

Where are you located? Even just state and nearest big city (that will be on a map). You shouldn't have to pay $350 for shipping in some degus. They are around, you just need to find them. Often, rescues will transfer degus from one to another if it means getting them close enough for you to pick them up.

Agree that the Kaytee wheel is not a good choice. 14" is better (or even bigger). And you want one without the pole sticking out in the middle, when they run fast, full out, they can end up hitting their backs on it. Plus, a plastic wheel can end up being a chew toy that doesn't last more than a day after discovery.

[winic1]

This is the ideal wheel, I believe they do ship from the UK, and at times you can find someone in the US who is supplying them. Expensive, but well worth it. www.facebook.com/TicTacWheels/

[bouncy]

There's also a company in the us that makes metal flying saucer....... I'll see if I can find it.

[savvy]

Feb 7, 2021 19:22:42 GMT winic1 said:

Agree that the Kaytee wheel is not a good choice. 14" is better (or even bigger). And you want one without the pole sticking out in the middle, when they run fast, full out, they can end up hitting their backs on it. Plus, a plastic wheel can end up being a chew toy that doesn't last more than a day after discovery.

Make sure it doesn't have a bar across the front as well, degus tend to stick their tails and heads out of the wheel when running and a cross bar can be lethal.

[bouncy]

Flyingsaucerwheels.com

It's surprisingly easy to make one, or even a wheel using a rollerblade wheel and cake tin. We've got tutorials on here

[pbbdegu]

I live in Portland, Oregon.

[deguconvert]

Way to go, guys!! You are such an AWESOME TEAM!!

They are so good here . . . and I can't think of anything to add . . . they've said it so well!

[pbbdegu]

The $750 budget is for all supplies combined, not just the cage.

[deguconvert]

Cost of the degus is STEEP!

[yasmin]

Set up costs are just one thing. Cost of vet care is even steeper - and many of them need it, including dental work. As well, I have to import a lot of their food from the UK and Germany. Might be more sources for food in the US.

All of my degus (except for those born in my house as a consequence of faulty sexing by the animal shelter) have been adopted from our local Humane Society. The Oregon Humane Society has had degus up for adoption in the past.

(BTW: Portland, Oregon, is one of my most favourite cities in the world. I often wish that I could live two lives simultaneously so that one of me could live in Portland.)

[pbbdegu]

Well in that case...
How much extra should I have on hand for vet costs? (in U.S. dollars)

[yasmin]

It's not really a cost to be budgeted right away - just one that you are ready for in case it happens. A vet visit around where I am ranges from $75-$150. I'd just make sure that I have access to that amount if an emergency arises. Find a vet in area that has degu experience and see what they charge for an appointment.

If the degu is unlucky enough to have been born with misaligned teeth or if they do not have the correct diet, dental issues like having spurs (little spikes growing from their molars that eventually cut into either their tongues or sides of their mouths) require inspection, sedation and dental work. Here where I am that would cost at least $250 to $600 each time depending on how much sedation is required and the skill of the vet, and whether medications are required after the procedure. Usually these issues don't show up until the degu is over 3 years old.

[cookiedegus]

For us degu cages cost max 200euros, but the degus cost only 25eur, why is it so expensive in uk?