New to deguworld....advice please

[pixie89]

Hey
Firstly I'd just like to say this site is fabulous! I have had various pets all my life but after my 2.5yr old hamster died last month my partner and I decided to look into getting degus as friends have them and everytime we went into p@h they look like they need good homes. Extensive research of yours and other sites convinced us the best way was to make a cage. A carpenter friend is currently constructing a 3 tier 100x50x110 wooden cage. My question is whether to get 3 or 4 degus? Various websites say our dimensions are good for up to 5 and initially we were aiming for 3 but cannot decide what would be best. We want the best environment possible for our new babies, any members with have advice on cats and degus? We have one very lazy 3 year old cat. Also any general tips for first time owners? Thanks in advance 

[ntg]

Hi and welcome to the forum! First of all I'd just like to say bravo on doing research into them before buying. I'm sure by now you've realised they are strange little animals, with very different needs to a lot of rodents.

The cage you are proposing sounds great, but I would only put a max of 3 degus in it as the CARA will be either 15000cm^2 or 16500cm^2 depending on whether the length is 100 or 110cm.

Feel free to ask any other questions you might have, and don't be afraid to join in on any threads.

[Maravilla]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Your cage might look big, huge or massive to you but actually it is smaller than the minimum size I am used to recommend. So, the maximum number of degus you should put in is 3.
I am only wondering how you put 2 additional full levels in it with a height of 100 or 110 cm. This is pretty narrow as you have to think where to put a running wheel of at least 30 cm diameter.

If you have a chance try to find a group older than 1,5 years. Babies are small, cute, wonderful. Yes, normally they are. But young degus can cause lots of problems and you might find yourself one day in the situation that you need another cage as the little monsters decided not to get along any further. Of course this can happen in any degu group but youngsters are more prone to this.

I have 2 cats at home and would suggest putting the cage on a table, sideboard or any higher furniture.

[blossombrooks]

Welcome to the forum

We keep the degus well away from the cat, he has seen them a few times and wasn't overly bothered but the predator instinct can easily kick in so it's best all around to keep them out of each other's path. Also Degus can bite and I'm sure you won't want your cat getting a nasty nip.

I've got a group of three and it works pretty well, it's not too many to handle and they still have the benefits of a group dynamic.