Cage lining

[adam]

Hi,

I purchased two lovely little degus at the weekend from pets at home, got the standard cage they give you etc, the bottom is mesh, obviously i want to avoid bumble foot.

I put some cardboard down and then sawdust over the top but heard that ceramic tiles is also a good liner, can anyone confirm or deny and also give tips and advice on lining the cages.

[Deleted]

I am purely basing this answer on other stuff I have read, I'm no expert

Cardboard can be chewed through overnight or even in a few hours so, even as a temporary solution, you should layer it at least to keep it from being eaten quickly! It probably wont be very comfortable too since they may be able to feel the mesh through it as it's not that thick. Thick wood is probably your best bet as it is increasingly used and a good cage material. Ceramic tiles are quite good but can get quite slippy as I'm sure you can image. I would recommend adding wood around the sides of the bottom of the box as degus can get very messy and tend to fling things out the cage.
Hope I have helped xx

[dusty]

The Pets at Home basic cage that they do as the package is also known as a Thickets House - the base tray should pull out and slot in again above the mesh, hence giving a solid metal base. If you want to post some pics I can confirm if it's the same cage we have.... maybe I could find some pics here and link it in!!!!!

deguworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=userrecentposts&user=solado

There should be a pic of the cage I'm thinking of here ^

[Deleted]

Hmm....I was pretty sure that they're basic £90 cage wasn't mesh at the bottom. I thought it was a metal base, surely they wouldn't sell a cage specifically designed for degus not suitable for degus. Are you sure you have the basic pets at home cage?

[Whizz]

Well, this is Pets at Home we are talking about.
The Thickets cage doesn't provide enough running space for Degus, so isn't really suitable as a permanent home.

However, I am pretty sure as Dusty said - the mesh bottom can be pulled out and slot in above the mesh. I would, though look into other cages to purchase for your Degus. It simply isn't big enough without alteration. The X-Trail/Critter Nation is more suitable; but full shelves should be fitted to allow more running space for the Degus; they are not climbers. Lots of people have also made their own cages from wood, which you can read more about by checking out the "Shows your Cages" thread.

[Deleted]

I agree. The thickets cage is way too small, it could fit one but degus don't like living alone which I'm sure you know. I once saw 6 adults stuffed in there at one pets at home. I was told by a member of staff that its suitable for 3 degus! I'm getting the xtrail for my 4, but I'm going to be definitely expanding the shelves as it's not really big enough without the expansion. Mine will mostly be out anyway.

[moletteuk]

I think it will almost certainly be the Thickets cage which you can definitely rearrange so the metal tray fits on top of the mesh. Have a little look and just ask if you can't see how it works

[Deleted]

Do what molette says. She knows her stuff

[jenowuk]

I'm a little wary of tiles, as degus are hot country animals and tiles can get cold, especially in the UK. Thick cardboard (at least 0.5cm) which is renewed as soon as gets chewed is OK, but is really only short term solution. Sheets of wood are better long term - just make sure it's not a wood that is poisonous to goos, or which is treated with varnish etc.

[Deleted]

I'm wary of tiles too, not just because they get cold but because they get slippy, degus like to pee everywhere to mark their territory so its helpful to have something a bit absorbent (like wood) instead if tiles where it will just make them fall over in their own pee which won't be the nicest thing to happen. If I were you, I'd put the wood on as soon as possible.

[adam]

thanks for the help i've got the tiles down plus sawdust, they seem to be njoying it fine, but am going to put sawdust plus wood next time.

also one of my girls is very very timid compared to the other, she sits under the wooden bridge a lot of the time, when i took them out of the cage she was very hard to get back in (running away etc) and generally doesn't come to me like the other. Could i be right in thinking that this is general getting use to her surroundings? She has come along quite a bit since the first day.

[Kins]

Sept 5, 2012 20:28:43 GMT adam said:

also one of my girls is very very timid compared to the other, she sits under the wooden bridge a lot of the time, when i took them out of the cage she was very hard to get back in (running away etc) and generally doesn't come to me like the other. Could i be right in thinking that this is general getting use to her surroundings? She has come along quite a bit since the first day.

Yup, just sounds like she's taking her time to settle in. Some people find that just sitting by their cage talking to them softly can help them get used to you and their surroundings and general everyday noise. She'll come around in her own time, some just take longer than others.

Oh and welcome to forum! Any questions don't hestitate to ask

[Deleted]

To add to what Kins said.
I read that if you put something that you have worn in the cage, the degus will get used to the smell. They may even sleep, hide or eat in/on it. As soon as they start getting used to that, they will associate you with your piece of clothing and work out your no danger, I'd recommend you try that on the timid goo.

[moletteuk]

Did you have a look to see if you can move the tray above the mesh? I'm pretty sure it's possible to do this, the tiles are fine, but the metal tray would be easier for you.

Yes, taming is just a matter of patience. Try to avoid sudden movements, moving your arms about and so on, they are really easily spooked, especially in the beginning. Bear in mind that you can't force anything with a degu, they are really clever and stubborn, try a tube for getting them back in the cage, oh and lots of treats, their stomach is their weak spot !

[Deleted]

Adding to Moletteuk:
Don't move your arms above them, its instinct for them to be scared since they get hunted by birds above them. I agree that they are stubborn - I have the bite marks to prove it! (Don't worry, I wasn't mean to the degu - it was the current owner - I'm nice, I promise!)