nubbin
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 237
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Post by nubbin on May 9, 2011 10:25:54 GMT
Would this be an ok cage size? Height - 75cms Width - 70 cms Length - 115 cms according to the degutopia's cage calculator that size would be appropriate for 2 - 6 degus, as long as they get some time out of the cage every day
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Post by kovu07 on May 9, 2011 10:26:58 GMT
Thank you, and yes they'll have plenty of time out of the cage.
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Post by deguconvert on May 9, 2011 14:44:58 GMT
I put your measurements into a degu cage calculator . . . www.octodons.ch/rechner/?l=115&b=70&h=75&lang=en . . . and it says those measurements are too small. This is a German site, and they tend to recommend and urge owners to larger cages than you will find in other countries. I'm told though, that Germans tend to have the most over all exposure and experience in handling degus. In my personal experience with degus and cages, bigger is definitely better.
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Post by kovu07 on May 9, 2011 15:21:30 GMT
I've seen that cage calculator mentioned before, any most people were disregarding the results, so i'm not sure whether or not to believe it. Also if my cage is too small for a Degu, then P@H's cage should be removed from sale lol.
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Post by fred on May 9, 2011 15:53:05 GMT
In Germany and Switzerland there are official recommendations regarding the minimum size of degu cages. For example the Veterinary Association for Animal Protection suggests 100 x 50 x 100 as the minimum size for 2 degus. As far as I am aware, keeping them in the P@H cage could actually be regarded as an offence under animal protection laws there.
For me a lot depends how much time they can spend outside of their cage and how much enrichment they have, but the P&H cage should be a definite NONO.
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Post by fred on May 9, 2011 16:16:23 GMT
PS. The www.octodons.ch calculator puts a particular weight on height and I don't think the running versus climbing controversy is decided. If one switches length and height (which I have also done for my cage), the cage suggested by kovu07 would be suitable for 2-4 degus.
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Post by kovu07 on May 9, 2011 16:29:14 GMT
For me a lot depends how much time they can spend outside of their cage and how much enrichment they have, but the P&H cage should be a definite NONO. I agree, th cage doesn't seem very stinulating with just one long ledge and a shorter one, I have a friend with 3 Degus in there are I don't feel it is tall enough to be a suitable home to any Degus, let alone 3 If one switches length and height (which I have also done for my cage), the cage suggested by kovu07 would be suitable for 2-4 degus. I will look into a higher cage, but it is good to know that the cage I have suggested would be suitable.
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Post by malteser60 on May 10, 2011 11:15:38 GMT
I think the P&H cage is good for a temporary measure and transportation (like leaving your degus with a friend if you are away on holiday). Also it seems to work very well if you stack them on top of each other. I think I saw a pic once of 2 x 2 P&H cages, all linked to each other.
As for the length vs height debate, I think that shall never be resolved. I have a long narrow cage (not so narrow, it's just a bit smaller width-wise than the P&H cage) that fits perfectly for where I live. But it is tall, taller than me, and I'm 5' 4". My degus love it, they love climbing. Then I complement with lots of outside cage time. Even then they still want to try and climb stuff!
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Post by kovu07 on May 10, 2011 11:35:18 GMT
I agree with you on the P@H cage as a tempory measure, i'm not sure it's fair to let Degus live in it permanently, especially as there are so many better cages out there which cost a lot less. I will look at getting a taller cage, as I know how much Degus love to climb. I'm also laughing at the thought of your Degus having a cage taller than yourself and still want more space.
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