Introducing degus

[nugget]

Hi there

I'm new to degus but have just adopted 3 degus from my local animal sanctuary:

• 1 pair that were in the sanctuary since before Xmas, 8 months old, sex unknown.
  
• 1 single female degu, was in the sanctuary since last May. She's 18 months old. Think she had a companion at one point who died.
  

I know degus are not supposed to be on their own so I was just wondering if the pair turned out to be the same sex whether I should try introducing them to the single degu, and if so, how would I go about it? I'm able to spend a lot of time with her as I'm at home a lot.

Thank you for any advice

[blossombrooks]

Hi Nugget, welcome to the forum!
You're quite right, degus are social animals and do much better with other degus. If you can post a picture of your degus 'down there' I'm sure the forum will help you with the sexing. There is actually a really great guide to introducing degus on the forum in the 'fighting and introductions' section. It takes time and patience but it's often easier if a degu has been alone for a while which it sounds like she has. If they aren't very tame I've found a good way of checking them over underneath is to coax them to climb up the cage a little way for treat but hold onto it while they nibble. :-)

[nugget]

Thank you blossom

Got them to climb up and we think they are girls. Have had a look at the introductions board so will try introducing them in a few months, depending on how things go

[listracian]

Triple check they are all girls (including the one you were told was) before introducing them. Mistakes are easily made so its better to be safe then sorry and end up with a whole hoard of them

[nugget]

Thanks yeah I was defo going to triple check! ;D As cute as they are I don't think I could handle a litter lol