pbbdegu
Foraging Degu
Dedenne will be my profile pic until I can get some actual degus. I guess it looks a bit like a goo?
Posts: 52
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Post by pbbdegu on Feb 7, 2021 1:45:51 GMT
Uhh hi
I will get a “chew proof” chinchilla cage (heavy duty plastic and wire) that measures 39 by 24 by 24 inches. How many degus can I fit in it?
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 7, 2021 9:19:51 GMT
Hey, Pbbdegu! Welcome to the forum!
This is not going to be good news for you, and I am really sorry to say it. Even turning those dimensions to the best possible layout . . . that sounds like a cage we would consider too small for even a single degu. Unless, in the best possible layout, it has a base of 39 inches wide and 24 inches deep and you were able to DIY a complete second level above the base . . . which would then give you the bare minimum for two degus. You would need to have two full span and full depth levels (base level and another above it) in order to begin to give them the surface area they need to optimum health and happiness.
Here is our forums cage size recommendations for housing from 2 - 6 degus. They are very busy and athletic animals that live naturally on the ground. If you have questions, or maybe want ideas for cages, please ask! The majority of us started with cages that were way too small, and all that have made the change to larger cages have been so happy we did. We understand the huge learning curve that comes with keeping degus, and we are here because we love to help other degu owners. I hope we can be of help to you!
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Post by savvy on Feb 7, 2021 10:36:35 GMT
As well as the cage size, which is too small, there is no such thing as chew proof plastic when it comes to degus. They will chew through it, especially in a tiny cage.
To give you an idea of how sharp and tough their teeth are, when I have to block off part of my cages for cleaning, I use a heavy duty industrial plastic post tray, it now has the corners chewed off. I weigh the tray down with a concrete garden ornament of a hedgehog, it now has no nose because it's been chewed off.
A degus favourite hobby is chewing, their teeth grow 1mm a day do so chewing helps keep them the right length.
You will need to consider this in your cage.
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Post by bouncy on Feb 7, 2021 11:27:03 GMT
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 9, 2021 1:18:18 GMT
Thank you, Bouncy! I think I must have been half asleep.
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