Tips for settling in my new Degus?

[anoldphilosopher]

The poor things look pretty scared after the journey to their new home, which I expected.

They're in the same cage they've grown up in so that should help them from getting too upset.

Any tips on the best way to let them settle in? I've given them a bit of their old type of food (those pellets you get at pets at home) and a small amount of the food I want to get them used to (forage stuff, specifically the Rosewood Naturals Chinchilla Special.) Also given them a dust bath if they want it, I'll take it out before I go to sleep.

Other than that I don't know if there's anything else I can do to make them any more comfortable!

I'll give them a few days before I start trying to get them more used to me.

Thanks guys!

[bouncy]

For now, I'd say just to not make loud noises, and leave them peace. Once they realise they're not travelling again and are home, they will start to look at their new surroundings. I guess you could try giving them something like a rolled oat each, making a positive affirmation of their change? Through the bars, though. Wouldn't go sticking my hand in if they're scared, because they might think you're hunting them.

[anoldphilosopher]

Thanks for the tips! Best thing to do is leave them be for a bit then. I guess I'll be able to see once they're settled in!

[bouncy]

Yeah, give them a day or two. See how they are in the morning, and use that as a guide

[moletteuk]

Make sure they have plenty of hiding places, even if it's just cardboard boxes, so they can hide easily, it will help them feel safe in their new environment.

[skardsen]

Just try to avoid making sudden movements and loud noises. It won't take long for them realise that you're providing for them, and they'll start coming to greet you when you approach the cage. They'll still be a little jumpy over the next couple of weeks while getting used to all the noises in your home.

[dops]

one thing that seemed to make a big difference with mine was I started out with having the cage on the floor, but I found I was constantly looming over them. So I moved it to a height, and now whatever they're doing they can always peer out and lord it over the room and that made them happier i think :-)

[moletteuk]

Quite right, Dops, and I never remember to mention this, degus rarely like being at floor level.