Hey guys new from MA

[Blarklark]

Hey folks, new to these forums.  Been thinking about getting a pair of Degu.  Decided to do as much reading as I can first.  Before making the choice.  Thank you all for starting this forum

[deguconvert]

Hello, Blarklark, and welcome to the forum! Excellent choice and determination to research and be prepared. They are a complex animal, intelligent, contrary, stubborn, weird, and totally loveable!
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/19754/beginners-guide-degu-keeping
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/13040/nightwishravens-beginners-guide-degu-keeping
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/13070/degus
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/20945/new-degu-advice
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/9396/forums-cage-size-recommendations
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/18717/choosing-improving-metal-cage

There is some reading to get you started. Better have some good strong coffee on hand and some snacks, LOL. Please ask any and all questions that you may have. Don't worry about what your questions are, or how weird you think they are, nothing is too weird when it comes to degus.

[zenaida]

Hello!
You say you are from MA? Massachusetts USA? I just joined recently too and was told the closest active member is in CT. Anyway welcome. I have been getting tons of advice from these lovely folks.

[moletteuk]

Welcome

I would probably recommend getting 3 rather than a pair, especially as degus can be difficult to find in your part of the world, do make sure they are the same sex. You will need a much bigger cage than you might imagine, and also check whether there is a suitable vet in your area.

[Blarklark]

I have had Chinchillas in the past. I have a ferret nation cage. I'm used to making sure the spacing works. And thanks zenaida for the welcome .  Oo good reading

[Blarklark]

Woo hoo got the Okay from the landlords to have them. They want me to sign some paperwork but at least I got the all clear. Time for more research hmm

[winic1]

Critter Nation or Ferret Nation? Make sure the bar spacing isn't too wide for them.

And welcome! I'm the member in CT, down in the southwest corner. What part of Massachusetts are you in?

[Blarklark]

I'm in the central mass area. and updated the cage post I made. I'm going to take the time to make wooden cage or convert some furniture. Need to calculate the floors for each option first though

[zenaida]

Awesome! Another "local". I'm north of Boston. It is great that you got the ok from the landlord! It is also wonderful that you're planning their cage before you get them. (I'm in almost the exact same situation as you, I'm still waiting for a doctor's note for a "comfort animal" though.)

Just a word about where you get the degus from. They can be a little hard to find around here since they aren't common. Also it is hard to differentiate boys from girls. Be very careful where you get them from, especially something like craigslist. There are many stories on the forums about new people being told they were getting a male, when really they had a pregnant female. Learn how to tell them apart for yourself, check them yourself, and don't get them if you aren't sure.

[sophiasmith]

Hi everybody! I am from Upstate New York and Proud parent of three Degus. One trick I was told to help sex shy Degu is to put them in a glass bowl to get a better look at their bits. It will be difficult to tell if they are pregnant tho... they dont really show until the last few weeks. I got three of my girls from craigslist and my boy from an exotic pet store. You can also try PetFinder.com. When you make your cage consider making really big doors, it will really help you bond with your degus and will make cleaning a breeze. If you guys are active on facebook join us in the Degu USA group.