Male or female and more

[northernstar40]

Ok now don’t laugh I have recently got two Degus after the first two males fought to the death These two are much friendlier. But how do I know what sex they are? I think I have one of each now. Yesterday the larger of the 2 penis was out for hours they mated all evening long. Cleaning each other and washing each others faces. I was told at the pet store they were brothers but who actually knows... ok now another thing .. they dont mind me in there but bite hard when getting picked up. I have had them now sence Christmas. How do i make them trust me more? I keep my hands in the cage and talk to them several times a day the come running now when I call there names to see what treat might lie in my hands. I think I'm as afarid of there painfull bites as they are of me. Any suggestions? ANY ONE thanks so much! Peg

[Sunshinemeg]

Hi northerstar40

Welcome to the board. If you are trying to sex the degus, head to the main website, and under the questions section there is a photo that should help you to distinguish between the two!

If they are mating, they could be trying to protect their cage from intruders, or else they are sensing your fear when you try and get them out, and thats why they are so quick to bite. Try a tough garden glove,something I had to do for a while, as once out, they will likely calm down. once they realise that being taken out of the cage is fun, they will hopefully stop biting you.

good luck

SUNSHINEMEG ;D