New to forum :)

[lilacamy931]

Hello all

new to the forum and based UK, looking to get some opinions and answers to consider one of these terrific pets.

Unsure where to post these and any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

A little on my background, we have had and have got pets from all walks of life and looking for a new bundle of joy to add to our lives. Currently have 2 indoor cats and a siamese fighter and should note we only are able to keep indoor pets as top floor flat. Our cats are lucky though to have their own bedroom ;D ;D

So... the burning question is, having researched Degus and Chinchillas..which one to go for?

We would plan to keep a pair for their own well-being and most likely females if can get them. I will say I am leaning to Chinchillas more currently just because they are amazingly cute and appeal due to their size.

What we want out of the pet, a little affection if we can get it though not demanded and perhaps entertaining?

I have read the Degus are more active but Chinchillas more trainable?

Our work schedules mean morning and afternoon to late evening availability so can work with both animals.

For the cages for either, are the ones listed on the Pets at Home website suitable? The one for Degus seems ok but the Chinchilla perhaps too small? If a pre-prepared cage can be recommended with easy or minimal modification that would be great, I will be honest no building for us!

Sorry for all the Qs, hope to explore this site more but any opinions greatly appreciated.

[deguconvert]

Hello Lilacamy931, and welcome to the forum! It wise to be researching before hand, and I commend you for it . . . but as you likely already know, the real thing always involves more that what we learn through our research.

If you follow this link you will find the recommendations of this forum for cage size and number of degus that it can accommodate. deguworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Cage&action=display&thread=9396 One thing that it is important to realize is that both degus and chins require more space that what is offer as "sufficient" by P@H. The Thickets cage is too small for degus, and the chinchilla cages are as well. The best cages that we have been able to recommend is the Critter Nation / XTrail / Explorer, which is listed under all three of these names. The best place to look for them in on EBay. Here (link to follow) is an example of one that a member on here has kitted out to the nines, and is stunning!! This gives you an idea of what it can be, and perhaps it will give you ideas that you can adopt or adapt for your own future cage. deguworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Cage&action=display&thread=15977

Chins are very much nocturnal and will only be receptive to play time later in the evenings, where as Degus are diurnal, as in daytime activity. However, they are quite often seen having power naps at any time of the day and choosing to have active moments on and off throughout the 24 hour period. Chins are definitely sweet, and they have massive cute factor, but I have no idea as to whether or not they are more trainable than degus. What I can tell you about degus is that they can learn to recognise their own names, can be trained to perform tricks such as leaping through hoops, standing on hind legs and turning in circles etc., to come when called, to return to their cage when told, and there are other things that have been shared on the forum here. They are very smart, and when they have bonded with their people can be quite affectionate. They are active, amusing, entertaining, mischievious, and just plain fun. Degus can be a lot of work, more than you have to put out for hamsters, mice, rats, and other small furries . . . but we find that they are well worth it!

I'm sure you will have more questions, so please don't be afraid to ask them. That is why we are here, to answer questions and to help. Besides most of us, if not all, found this forum because we ourselves had questions we needed help with, so we know where you are coming from! I hope you enjoy it here!

[lilacamy931]

thank you so much for the guidance Deguconvert, we have much to consider (though I will be honest further developments today have me swaying towards Chins on viewing both, though it would not surprise me down the line if we end up with both!) Thank you for giving me a really good insight into Degus, this is a very hard decision and need much more research of both!

[Deleted]

Welcome to the forum.
Hope you will like it here, everyone is super friendly and easy to talk to with any questions, no mater how embarrassing or stupid!
I agree that Chins are cuter than Degus, they are just so fluffy and lovable - however because they are so fluffy it is really uncomfortable for them to be cuddled, held or stroked since they overheat. They can be stroked for short periods of time but they generally don't like it. On the other hand, degus are much more fun and playful. Great to be around and always happy to see you. They remind me of dogs since they run to the cage when you get home and always want to play! They both require long term commitment, especially chins so bear that in mind. I would go for a degu if I were you.

Hope I have helped