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Post by Sunshinemeg on Oct 12, 2005 21:56:42 GMT
Today is a really sad day in our degu family.
Marmalade has always been second in the pecking order of our degu family, when our degu we had to rehome decided to move up the pecking order, Marmalade didnt let him, and this resulted in a very large vet fee as those who know me will already be aware of.
Today Dillan decided to go for Marmalade's place in the order of things, and it appears Marmalade learnt from past mistakes, as he is currently laid in the bottom of the cage making crying squeaks. I got him out to check him over, small cut on face that I cleaned up, gave him a cuddle and popped him back in. Dillan isnt being nasty to him now, but little Dougal obviously feels for his friend, as he has cuddled up with him in the bottom of the cage. He tried grooming him but Marmalade wasnt interested, so Dougal is just cuddled up over him looking after him.
Now if this isnt a clear indication of the complex family units degus establish then I dont know what is!
meg
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Post by ra on Oct 13, 2005 18:46:35 GMT
It is a complex situation and so little is written on Degus psychology.
I have been worried about my lead mare. She recently has begun to give into the 4th in line ! I never thought she'd reliquish her throne. I worried she was ill and I couldn't see it. Some of my horse friends said she doesn't actually have to be ill or in a downward slide for the pecking order to change. She may be content in her relationship with me and not care so much if she's queen of the herd anymore. It is a tough job and perhaps she just isn't interested anymore. I'm just not certain of what is happening. The 4th in line moves her out of her stall when she's eating her hay. But strangely enough the 2nd in line still respects the former queen and bosses the 4th in line herself! The only one not really in the mix is my husband's Icelandic. She gets along with everyone, bosses no one and takes nothing from anyone else!
Interesting isn't it?
Watching Mocha and Tanzania can be fascinating. I don't think Tanzania will ever out-rank her mom (Mocha) but she can be brazen - biting Mocha on the tail to move her out of her way. They push and shove when I'm handing out treats but never fight. Another interesting behaviour - Mocha takes her treats and finds a private spot to eat them. Tanzania hardly ever eats her treats right away, instead she runs and buries her treat then returns for more. She's squirrelling away food while her mom is eating!
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Post by ra on Oct 13, 2005 18:49:59 GMT
a continuation of thought (!) when Mocha has had enough of Tanzania she will hold Tanzania down and groom her. Tanzy will squeal a little but submits. Then when Tanzania has calmed herself, she takes turn at grooming Mocha. Tanzania chatters quite a bit. Mocha makes quiet little bird sounds when she wants something like a treat or hay.
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Post by Sunshinemeg on Oct 14, 2005 10:34:23 GMT
Continuing the saga, I got marmalade out of the cage last night as one of his eyes (luckily not the one that was hurt before) was closed! I did the patented wrap him up in a clean tea towel so only his face was showing, and gently rubbed a wet tissue over it. It was luckily just gunked up from fighting, but no wound. So now he can see again! yay
Dillan who is strutting around the cage is now clearly boss, but has a nasty scratch to his nose. He obviously considers it a war wound to be proud of, as he wont let me clean it up or anything!
At least peace is slowly returning. I wonder what the new degu order is, I know Dillan is top, Marmalade is obviously lower, but dont know where Gromit and Dougal come. they are both very laid back though, not even sure if Gromit is aware the heirarchy has changed!!
meg ;D
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Post by Aimeelou on Oct 15, 2005 15:40:55 GMT
I do feel for you Meg! Having my family has resulted in a "pecking order reavaluation" every now and again.
A mum who ruled from day one, a male that dosnt smell "male" any more due to the castration, and 4 girls who want to try being the boss! Not fun! Theyve calmed down a little with it now, but can be amusing watching them doing a conga line of humping!
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