I have babies Help!!!!

[jane]

Hi there
I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I bought one male degu from a pet store (it was the last one left). I got some really bad advice and on doing some further research introduced two more males (bought from Pets at home). They fought a bit but after a few days they were getting on like a house on fire.
I was cleaning out the cage on Wednesday night and found 9 babies lying dead on the bottom of the cage!! One was still alive. I knew for definate that my first bought was a male so I tried to place the last living pup in a sepate part of the cage, believing that this would help the pub survive. By last night the pup was dead and I believe that my other "male" degu is also pregnent. I have read that groups with pups should be able to be brought up together. I am really worried that the same thing will happen again so I have separted the pregnent female just in case. Do you have any advice!!!

Your hopefully
Jane

[deguconvert]

Hi Jane! You have had a nasty surprise! I'm so sorry the babies have all died. They are adorable little loves, and the surprise of finding them dead, as well as finding them at all, but have made your mind spin.

Now, what you need to know is that the degu that delivered is most fertile immediately after delivery and for the next 48 hours. She is receptive at any time, but her body seems to go into hyperdrive those first 48 hours, and the male is most willing to ensure that she is impregnated again. I would advise you to separate both of your females from the male. The males are EXCELLENT fathers and very helpful with the pups, but if you don't want a repeat in 90 days, he must be separated from them.

If the second female is indeed pregnant as well, it will be good for her to have the other female with her. Hopefully they will be better able to care for the second litter than they were the first. You need to get a nesting box for them. You can find Chinchilla boxes that are wooden and large, and they make a great nest for the mom and little ones. Have good nutrition on hand for both of the females and lots of hay.

Have a read through the breeding and babies board, it will give you some very helpful information and advice. Also be sure to keep posting your questions. There are many members who have found themselves in the same position you are, and they can be a great help and encouragement.