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Post by tiphareth on Feb 21, 2010 1:56:40 GMT
I think we're going to need some help and guidance here.
Five weeks ago we bought two little girls (Alice and Rose) from a family who no longer wanted them, they were in a cage with a boy, which I thought would possibly lead to trouble.
Since then, I've been looking at them, wondering if Alice was greedy or pregnant.
I went out at tea time, and just returned to find the answer to my question.
How soon can we handle them, to make sure how many there are, and that they are all alive?
Do we need to change the bedding immediately as there is some blood on it, or are we best leaving it for a day or two until they start to explore?
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 21, 2010 4:30:59 GMT
This is when the fun starts! Take a look at the spaces between the bars, and if you think a baby might fit through them, you need to find something strong to cover the bars. I found that CDs and cases worked best on my cage secured with ties, but depending on your cage this might not be the best option.
Within days, the babies will be exploring a little.if the nest is high up, make sure there is something soft to land on,if they fall out.
Baby degus cannot thermo-regulate (keep there own heat to stay warm)so the babies need to stay in the nest quite alot.The mother and father will take it in turns to keep the babies warm, and yes, the father will do his share of the work!
If you do notice a baby is away from the nest, don't panic, a parent will come and pick them up and put them back where they should be. But if you feel that the baby hasn't been seen, intervene a little and pop them back. If the baby doesn't stay warm at least for the first few days, they could develop pneumonia, which is virtually incurable in degus.
All the other degus will help with the brood, and play and groom them as the get a little older.
Be sure there is enough food and hay for the new brood, as they grow, they can sure put some food away!
The babies need to be sexed and split from the parents after around 6 weeks, when she would of stopped nursing them, and ready for the big wide world. The female pups are able to conceive at this young age if they have had exellent nutrion, which they will have with regular degu food. So if there is an adult male in the cage with them, make sure they are separated from him by this age to prevent pregnancies.
The pups will start to eat solid foods around 4-6 days of age. You can also start to handle them around this age, which will help to make them very friendly.
As to the bedding, just leave it for a week before changing it. Any sooner may cause distress to mum and the pups.
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Post by tiphareth on Mar 5, 2010 19:47:59 GMT
Think I may be a dab hand at this soon. Our other Degu has just given birth.  |
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