URGENT Deciding between 2 older females or one young pup?

[basil]

I have a 3 year old female, recently lost her mate. I've been trying hard to find 2 young females to provide new mates for her as she's very lonely.

I've exhausted all options for rescue degus, so looking at buying from pet shop (not local) reluctantly as priority is the welfare of my lone degu. My options are:

1. Single pup 6 weeks old, hand tame. Been raised in pet owner's home so not in pet shop.
2. Two 5 month old females from same litter, now in pet shop.
3. Wait several weeks when courier can transport any new rescues which might become available or pups from south of England. I am in central Scotland.

I consider 1. and 2. rescues of a kind as at least these degus will be well cared for. And 1. degu at least not stressed in pet shop environment.

My lone degu is quite shy but very affectionate, she bonded totally with the degu I have lost. She's unhappy, bit off her food, so really need to start introduction ASAP.

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.

Jenny

[bouncy]

For ease, and because your lady is probably young enough to cope, I'd say option 1! That's just my opinion, though. Both will be looking for goo company, whereas the pair means breaking into an established hierarchy.

[basil]

Thank you. Yes, I was tending towards that option. Hopefully at some point in the future I would be able to introduce a third degu to my two as it makes sense to keep three. I do think my 3 year old will take a pup in ok as she seems to have a very motherly nature. I will let you know how it goes.

Just for info for those considering an introduction, here is my previous experience.

Sisters - one of whom died, leaving lone female. About 2 months later I acquired an 11 week old female which I kept in separate cage. My older female could run around the cage and appeared very aggressive towards the new arrival. I hoped this behaviour would change, but there appeared to be no let up. My older female even bit one of the younger ones toes off through the bars. Started to think I would always have to keep them apart as even next stage of intro seemed risky. About 3 weeks later I decided to risk it and let them together in a back room where I could manage any fighting which I was sure was going to occur. Braced for a battle, I let them together. I could not believe what happened next. They were all over each other like a rash, kissing and snuggling, no aggression whatsoever. And they remained best of buddies for life. All that aggression seemed to have been frustration at being kept apart so long. That's degus for you. And perhaps a lesson that humans can not always interpret or anticipate correctly how they behave.

[bouncy]

I had a goo alone for a year, and went with the pup route. I took him to the rescue with me, and Flo and I very carefully introduced him to the pups in a newtral area. There was absolutely no adverse reaction at all and, after about 15 mins, we thought it was worth risking eaving them together. They spent the journey home in the same carrier. The pups were obviously scared (not sure if it was me or my driving), and squished into the tube. On the way up, Squidge sat next to me, enjoying tickles and scratches from me when the traffic stopped. On the way back? He protected and comforted his new charges. almost a year on, and they've not been separated since day one!

[moletteuk]

Is the pup from option 1 the only female in the litter?

[basil]

The pup was the only female left so it was on its own. I have decided to go for two pups from a different home as then I will have three and none will be on its own again. Wish I could take the lone pup too. Love the story of Flo and Squidge's introduction. I'm hoping my adult will take the pups in and I won't have to keep them apart long at all.

[bouncy]

Remember to take it carefully, and be prepared for it to take time. Squidgy and his pups was a very rare thing. Good luck!

[moletteuk]

Let us know how you get on

[basil]

Thanks all for your replies. I am pleased to report I have two young pups now 9 weeks old which I have successfully introduced to my 3 year old girl. There was no aggression at all and I could probably have put them together first night, but I kept the pups in a smaller cage for a week and went through the usual introduction stages. My biggest concern was letting the pups into the 3 storey cage, but they found their way around safely and have made it their own in no time. Typical degus learn very fast and these two pups have proved how smart they are. If they sit still long enough I will add some pics at some stage.

[bouncy]

Lovely news to hear! It's such a heartwarming sight to see a solitary goo who's desperate for company to finally meet some new companions It doesn't mean you won't get the hierarchy squabbling as the pups grow but, hey, that's normal!

[moletteuk]

Great news