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Post by ra on May 15, 2005 18:27:02 GMT
Anyone know? Is it safe to use a product like Bitter Apple to stop Degus from chewing things like the window frame? When I moved the condo to clean it I discovered Mocha had been chewing on our nice wooden window frame! The guys just shook their heads at that. What they haven't seen is she 's chewed along the bottom of the chair rail that runs around all the rooms of our down stairs. OH DEAR!
I put baby gates in both doorways and put her in the gigantic hamster ball so she can get out and run around for a while and NOT chew on anything. I have a regular size hamster ball I could put Tanzania in but I wonder if she's a bit young at five weeks. Any thoughts on that?
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Post by ra on May 17, 2005 0:43:28 GMT
In a moment of desparation, I tried hot chili-pepper sauce painted on my wood work. Mocha sat and licked it!! Didn't chew any more but did go a long and lick the hot sauce coated wood!!!
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Post by Sunshinemeg on May 17, 2005 10:23:45 GMT
I got fed up of replacing the wheel that Dillan and Dougal have in the cage on a weekly basis, so we rub tobasco sauce around the rim. They dont like the taste and leave it alone, but thats similar to chilli-pepper sauce. In the UK there is a product available called "stop n grow" to put on finger nails to stop people biting them, I am thinking of buying some of that now that they are getting used to the tobasco! Its a very bitter taste that is clear and stays in place once dry, so wont rub off. would something like that work for you? Its a small bottle, so if need be I could send one to you.
SUNSHINEMEG ;D
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Post by Aimeelou on May 17, 2005 12:14:51 GMT
I would try putting little one in the ball with close supervision. If shes anything like my brood she will be pretty bigish and ready for anything!
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Post by ra on May 17, 2005 12:24:06 GMT
Sunshinemeg Thank you for your kind offer. I know there is a similar product here in the States and shipping over-seas is expensive. (I sent two rhythm bead necklaces to a fellow horseperson in the UK and shipping was $17.00!) I don't think the bitter apple spray that keeps dogs from chewing on your furniture will hurt Degus. Think I'll try that. I was surprised when Mocha liked the hot sauce. Of course my fence chewing horses liked it too!
Aimeelou I think Tanzania will be ok in the small ball. I just hesitate because I've had to start all over again building my relationship with Mocha since she's given birth. I can't get her to sit in my hands, can't catch her without upsetting her. I don't want to cause Tanzania to avoid me. Hopefully she'll enjoy the freedom and look forward to outings. I'm going to take them both outside in their balls in a shaded area of our yard tonight. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks to both of you for your replies.
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Post by Aimeelou on May 17, 2005 12:33:13 GMT
Tequila has been fine letting me handle her even though i havent handled her properly for weeks.She does get a bit interfering when i try to handle the babys though. I know shes just trying to protect them.
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Post by ra on May 17, 2005 13:26:57 GMT
I have to wonder if Mocha hasn't just been too stressed by her ordeal. She was really too young to be pregnant. She didn't have a mate to help her with her large brood. Now I've taken all but one of her babies away..... This morning I noticed she's chewed the hair off the tops of her front feet! I know that's a sign of stress or depression. I'm just going to give her lots of time and attention. I don't know what else to do.  |
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Post by Aimeelou on May 18, 2005 12:48:53 GMT
Hi Ra Does sound like a bit like depression. I split the babys from the parents last night, and so far she seems ok, but i think shes pre occupied looking after Taco after he was castrated monday! Luckaly the 4 babys are girls, so after 5 weeks Taco will be able to get back to his family. As Taquila wasnt seperated from Taco the first day after giving birth, ive put Taco and Taquila in one cage and the 4 girls in the other cage.So hopfully after 5 weeks they can all be together again  And yes, my hubby and me have decided to keep the girls, now that Taco cant get anyone pregnant. As for poor Mocca feeling a little low, the only thing i can suggest is what do you do when you feel a little low? Personly id stuff myself with chocolate, but she cant! Try some treats or a new toy in the cage to take her mind off her babys? Worth a try! Aimee |
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Post by Sunshinemeg on May 18, 2005 13:51:42 GMT
Mocha is likely stressed after all she has gone through, I think you need to just give her time to get used to things again. be patient and dont rush her.
SUNSHINEMEG ;D
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Post by ra on May 18, 2005 14:16:05 GMT
Thanks Aimmelou/b] I was thinking about new toys. I have a couple of apple tree branches I cut and dried. I'll give her one of those to chew on too.
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Post by ra on May 27, 2005 17:30:30 GMT
Thanks guys for the encouragement. Mocha is coming around and more like her old self. Not so hyper.
A little update, the Bitter Apple, Bitter Lime gel for wood work and the product I recently bought that specifically says for use with all rodent types.........DON'T WORK!! I could NOT believe it. Mocha ingnored the Bitter Apple spray all together. The Bitter Lime gel gave her a moment's pause then she thought it wasn't so bad and began licking it off the wood. She was gnawing at the window sill like a beaver Wed. night! Can't seem to discourage her.
I'm going to try to train Mocha and Tanzania to hop into the big purple "critter ball" when it's time to go out to get exercise rather than allow them to run amouk on my counter top. Mocha has become quite adept at evading me when I want her to go back into their condo.
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