mim
Newborn Degu
Posts: 3 
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Post by mim on Nov 29, 2015 11:53:19 GMT
I would like to share my story of how I adopted my little Degu called Dollie. My daughter and I were in a garden centre that had a pet shop. We came across this little Degu who looked so depressed and sad, I couldn't bear for her to have to stay there on her own. She had an old wooden house, and some logs to sit on. We were told that she fought with her partner so they had been separated. I know that they should not live on their own but I had to bring her home and look after her. I spent a fortune on buying a cage, large wheel, nesting box, a hammock, a cargo net, a hanging large tube, and plenty of wooden toys for her to chew. I think she has everything that she needs. For the first few days she was so depressed but she has come around now and is so adorable. My daughter and I have spent a lot of time talking to her, and she now knows her name, she squeaks and chats to me, and she will come out on our hands. She still has a little way to go but I have only had her 3 weeks today. I hope to pick her up when she is ready. When I turn the television off to either go out or go to bed then she usually goes to bed, she is so smart. As for having another Degu for a friend then I am not sure what do do. I am retired and live on my own so I spend many hours a day with her. We have had house rabbits, rats, mice and gerbils and its nice to have a little friend to look after again. Does anyone else have a single Degu?
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mim
Newborn Degu
Posts: 3
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Post by mim on Nov 29, 2015 11:54:34 GMT
I wrote my rescued Degu, she is not a newborn
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Post by yasmin on Nov 29, 2015 15:11:49 GMT
Welcome to the forum, mim.  It is heartwarming how Dollie has bonded with you, and great for her that you have time to spend with her. She needs lots and lots of your love and attention. |
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mim
Newborn Degu
Posts: 3
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Post by mim on Nov 29, 2015 17:33:10 GMT
Thank you Yasmin for writing to me. I will give her as much love as I can. My daughter just picked her up for the first time it was really sweet.
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Post by moletteuk on Nov 29, 2015 18:42:45 GMT
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Post by deguconvert on Nov 29, 2015 20:31:16 GMT
Hello, Mim! Welcome to the forum!! I have enjoyed reading how you came to have Dollie, and how she has been responding to you! Degus typically do not like to be picked up, but they are often glad to walk onto our hands, climb up our arms and rest on our shoulders. They also enjoy hiding in sleeves or in shirts . . . they love the warmth and the closeness. If a degu must be picked up, it is better to bring your hands to either side at floor level, and then scoop her up gently. To come from above and pick them up with your hand wrapped around the back, can cause a fear and defense reaction like they would have to a predator, and they will often bite in their desperation to escape. This is not an impression you want to leave with your degu. It sounds like you have been forming and excellent bond with Dollie and have been very careful in how you handle and approach her. You have probably already naturally done all these things!
Moletteuk has given you excellent threads to learn from so that you can know what will be ahead of you when you feel ready to find Dollie a companion. Do ask any and all questions you may have. We are here to help.
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