I really want to pick them up!

[sarah]

We've had them for a month now and put our hands in the cage all of the time, with and without treats. They will stand on our hands and explore our arms, but if we make a move to pet them or try to scoop one up, they bolt.

Do they need more time, or do we need to be more bold with them?

They are so sweet and cute -- I'd love to be able to hold one, just for a few seconds....

[ra]

I still have difficulty picking either of my Degu Girls up and I've had them for a year. They aren't frightened they just scoot away like oh no your not picking ME up. Once in awhile I get my timing right and scoop one up. You'll want to scoop not reach in over them. Reaching in over them castes a shadow much like a bird of prey swooping down to eat them. Natural reaction is to bolt.

I usually get one or both to come out onto the door then feed them treats in my hand held down in front of my chest so they have to crawl out onto my shoulder & down my shirt to get to the treats. Once they're out onto my body they're easy to get a hold of for a moment or two.

[sarah]

Thanks for your response, ra -- we will keep trying. I like the idea of making them crawl down your shirt to get the treat. They do love their treats!