Proud new mama!

[dudette1]

My female, Fudge, has just given birth to a litter of 5!
I came home from University today and wondered why they were being so quiet and staying at the bottom of the cage instead of rushing up to greet me, had a little peek and saw tiny ones in the nest!!

Here's a pic of them, I sneaked in when mum was having some lunch:

[jackdaniels]

Awww very cute.

give them a lots of tissue/ napkins as nesting material to stay warm

Have you seperated them or heard male making a really high pitched squeak on his only felling very proud of himself. Also expect it in the next few days aswell. If so you may have more in 90 days.

5 babies seems like the average amount of pups

[dudette1]

They've got tons of tissue, timothy hay and other bedding, which I always put in the cage, into their little hay ball, but it seems my degus haven't quite mastered the art of builing a nest and keep dragging it out! I know the babies look exposed but they have enough material to keep them snug and mother isn't using it! I've given them a bit more just in case they suddenly realise they need it there.

Mum is snuggling up to them to keep them warm though which is good.

My male degu isn't very dominant so he's keeping out of the mother's way. He's been to see the babies and sat with them for a little while but I think the mum wants him out of her way for a little while lol

[deguconvert]

In case you were unaware, the first 24 hours following birth is when the female is the most fertile again. If it is possible to separate Dad and Mom for a day or two, you will help prevent a new and immediate pregnancy taking place again.

[deguconvert]

Your babies are adorable, by the way! Congratulations!! You will have a lot of fun with them!

You might want to put some thought towards how you will keep them inside the cage once they become mobile and curiousity driven. They can get out of very small spaces!

[jackdaniels]

;D

[kerry]

aah babies. they are so lovely .

[Lala]

Awwwww ;D
DEGU BABIES ^.^
Congratulations to you and Fudge!!!

Deguconvert and jackdaniels007 raise a good point, submissive or not, it might be worth popping daddy in another cage for a day or two so he doesn't impregnate momma again!

[dudette1]

Thanks for the advice guys, I've kept daddy seperate since a little while after I discovered the babies, I don't have a spare cage but I do have a divider that separates them from each other and still gives each of them enough room to run around still.

I have homes for the babies to go to also, just need to keep them safe and fed until they're old enough to go. The cage I have has pretty small mesh wire so I can't imagine they'll be getting out - their heads are too big!

[deguconvert]

I think you may be safe to put Daddy back in with Momma in a day or two. He will be helpful with the babies, giving Mom a break to eat or what have you.

[Lala]

Aww that's ace you've found homes for them already!
Congratualtions again ^.^

I'm getting broody for degu babies "/

[kimberley]

I know the feeling lala - they are gorgeous!!!!!

[jackdaniels]

dudette1 said:

Thanks for the advice guys, I've kept daddy seperate since a little while after I discovered the babies, I don't have a spare cage but I do have a divider that separates them from each other and still gives each of them enough room to run around still.

I have homes for the babies to go to also, just need to keep them safe and fed until they're old enough to go. The cage I have has pretty small mesh wire so I can't imagine they'll be getting out - their heads are too big!

yeah thats what i thought my cage bars are 2X2cm

[akosmyna]

yeah! jackdaniels, my squares are also 2x2cm and mine can get out, they are 3 weeks old and 3 of the 6 can still fit.....but luckly we put window screen alll around the cage and sewed it with wire. So Far they havent escaped!