Bit of a panicky new degu owner

[samf]

Hi guys,

Following advice and examples from online resources I decided to build my own multi tier cage.

I bought three degus, due to difficulty getting them from their travel boxes into their cage, we let one into the bottom, the other two near the top, just to stop them trying to escape while getting them into their home.

The one at the bottom, is just staying at the bottom, isolated.

Where as the other two (were in the same carrier) are at the top

I've only had them a day, but they haven't found each other, naturally as its a new environment and they're very young - I'd expect this to be normal.

I moved the isolated one to the top with its brothers and it panicked, running back down to the bottom.

Is this normal behaviour? Will they find each other and be ok in time? Or could this be the start of a lengthy isolation process?

[saddlers]

Welcome to the forum, it is quite normal for degus to be very wary when in a new environment, I am sure with time they will start to explore. Each sound and smell will be new to them so they will just be overwhelmed at the moment. It is an ideal time to just talk to them just so they get familiar with you, and the odd treat is also an excellent way to bond with your degus. I wouldn't worry about the fact they haven't found each other yet, I am sure they soon will and if they were previously together as a group then it should be fine. It is often the time when you get to see who the more confident/nervous degus are.

In the meantime what are their names, and don't forget to get a photo of the cage up on the "show us your cage" thread to inspire others.

Let us know how you get on any please ask away if you have any other questions

[moletteuk]

This reminds of getting my first russian hamsters, I put the cardboard carry box into their cage, and after a while one dashed out and grabbed something and took it back into the cardboard box, and then neither of them would could come out for ages.

Can you persuade the two to join the single one on the bottom? Can you lure them with food? Maybe you could put them all on one level and block the level off for a few hours? The best way to make them relax is to provide lots of cover and hiding places, so cardboard boxes and piles of hay, tubes, anything bulky they can hide behind and provide cover so they can make their way around the cage without having to spend too long in the open. You have to remember they are in a strange place and expect a vulture and a fox to grab them at any moment, I know it's frustrating when this makes them do something a bit silly!

[gsm11]

Hi Samf

Well done on building your own cage would be great to see pics.

We have had our 2 boys for nearly a month now and they did exactly the same, Ernie who is now the more dominant and brave one was at the top of the cage when we first put them in and wouldn't move at all he just sat there.  Bert who turned out to be a bit more skittish was exploring the bottom section of the cage and seemed OK.

I was worried they would stress out not being with each other but within 24 hours they were exploring and didn't run and hid every time we went in the room.

As a lots of people on here say it takes time and patience with them.

Ours now can't wait to get out of the cage when we open the door.

[Maravilla]

Hello

How old are the 3 guys? Or how old were you told they are? It is all new for them: new home, new people, new noises. It is really shocking for a degu. Were they alone where you bought them or have they been separated from a group? Have you seen anything that indicates movement: used sand bath, food where you haven't put it? Just give them time to get used to their new home. You can take your time, sit in front of the cage, talk to them or read a book out aloud.
There are degus who are very, very shy and others who are brave explorers. Maybe yours belong to the first group. Just have a look at them to see if anything is wrong.