New to degus... 3 or 4??

[davidp]

Hi all

My girlfriend and I are planning to get degus in a few weeks. I've spent the last week building a nice big home for them (120 x 56 x 99cm) and was wondering whether people would recommend getting 3 or 4 degus? Does the cage sound big enough? If we get 3, is there a chance 1 will be left out by the other 2? Planning on getting them from our local Pets @ Home.

Thanks
David

[ntg]

Hi David, it depends on how many levels you have on the cage and how big the running area is.

If you have a look at the cage size recommendations for more information deguworld.proboards.com/thread/9396

As far as numbers go, there never seems to be a problem with one getting left out in a group of 3. One may spend more time alone, but that's usually their preference. I have a group of 4 and there is usually one boy who likes to be off on his own more often than not.

[klbishop]

however many goos move in to start will double as you adopt more everu time you go to p@h to buy straw ....

[moletteuk]

It depends how many full levels you have in the cage whether it's big enough for 4, it will probably be a bit tight for four, but if you tell us more about the cage or show us a pic, we could say more definitely.

Groups of 3 or 4 work well socially.

Have you checked out our adoption area and local rescue places (also see adoption area for lists) for degus?

[meganw]

Pets at home usually get 4 in at a time, therefore I would say 4 from them, as I would not want one left on its own.
However, I preferred to get mine from a breeder as I could see the parents and know where they came from.
I have 3 and one is more shy but doesn't get left out.

M x

[saddlers]

I have a group of three and they do just fine, if anything it gives them all a bit of time on their own if they want it, but you still get to see the group hugs!! I agree get an idea of what your cage can cope with and then see how you get on when you are looking for them, because you may come across an already formed group of 3 or 4 anyway.

[davidp]

Thanks for the replies so far. The cage has floor space of 120 x 56cm, a ramp up to 1st floor space of 120 x 46cm and then two small shelves a bit higher which will be connected my a rope bridge (when I get round to making it!). I'll post a few pics in a day or two.

moletteuk, I haven't really looked anywhere other than pets at home but I'll take a look at the sections you suggest. Thanks

[ntg]

Hi, given the information you've provided, you have a CARA of 12240cm^2 which is just over the RSPCA minimum size for 2 degus. If you were to add another level of 120x56cm instead of the two small shelves then it would bring the CARA to just under 19000cm^2 which means 4 would be pushing it, but it's just above the RSPCA minimum for 3 degus (the forums current recommendation for 3 is 20000cm^2 or more and 25000cm^2+ for groups of 4).

In this case, if you did decide on four, you would need a fourth full level which would probably require a cage extension.

[davidp]

Here's the completed cage. After your comments I've made one of the top shelves bigger so final floor dimensions are 120 x 56cm + 120 x 46cm + 56 x 56cm. Please let me know what you think of the design, anything I should change etc. All made from kiln dried pine with MDF floor.
Many thanks

[moletteuk]

That looks awesome Great for 3 degus

Suggestions might be to put edging round the shelves to stop substrate falling and getting kicked out, and you will need to waterproof the bottom or the mdf will lift and warp, vinyl tiles or ceramic tiles should work.

[davidp]

Thanks for your help. I've taken your advice and put vinyl tiles on the floor (packs of 4 available at poundworld if anyone else is looking). Hopefully getting the kids in a couple of weeks

[animalmadchloe]

I would get an extra wheel or flying saucer for 3-4 degus as one might be a squeeze lol I have 3 wheels and 2 saucers for my 4 lol

[davidp]

I am planning on making a flying saucer following the instructions on deguworld.proboards.com/thread/13108