Degu’s mounting each other?

[grim]

Hi! I’m a super new Degu owner and I got two (presumably) male Degus! Recently I’ve noticed one of them keep mounting the other and laying on top of him. I’ve gotten one picture of this and, I would sex them but they aren’t yet at the trust level for me to be able to hold them.

Is this a regular behaviour? I’m assuming this is just how they cuddle but I’ve only seen them do this on top of their wooden hut

[savvy]

Its perfectly normal and both sexes do it. Its part of sorting out their hierarchy within the group or pair, and they will often chase each other around while either mounting or trying to mount.

There are a couple of good ways of sexing them without having to hold them;

1. Put some of their favourite treats in a clear glass bowl, while the degu is eating the treats, gently lift the bowl just high enough to slip your phone underneath and take a quick picture.

2. Encourage them to climb the bars of their cage, this will allow you to see and photograph so you can sex them.

We encourage taking photographs because its easier to enlarge them for more accuracy. If you need to, post the pictures and we'll take a look and tell you what sex they are.

They will also pile, one degus laying across the others back, to go to sleep.

[grim]

Ahhh, they must be piling then! It’s definitely one of the cutest things I’ve seen.

Thank you! Hopefully I’ll be able to confirm their sexes soon, but they’re both incredibly skittish at the moment.

[bouncy]

You'll also see them doing this whilst grooming.

Deffo worth checking the sexes, though. Stores aren't too good at it.

[deguconvert]

DITTO, Bouncy!