Degu no longer talking to me after a fight with his brother

[lace97]

Hi all, 

I'm new to this forum and need some help.

I have two male Degus and after a fight about a week ago between them I can't handle them.

Before their fight Gizmo would talk to me and let me handle him to an extent and Rolo used to run off and hide. Since the fight they had Gizmo won't even let me give him a treat out of my hand and Rolo still runs off.

I'm starting to worry a little bit about Gizmo as he now has fur missing from the end of his tail and as stated above he will no longer let me handle him at all. I used to be able to stroke Gizmo on the head and on his side, feed him out of my hand and talk to him with the cage door open. Now I can't even put my hand near him without him running off squeaking and hiding.

I don't know what to do to try and help Gizmo get back to how he was as I've started the 'taming' process with him again, but he just keeps hiding and running as soon as Rolo goes near him.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

I've had them both for just over a month now if that is any help

[bouncy]

Hi there!

First of all, don't worry. Degus are fickle and unpredictable, and you can only expect the unexpected!

Let's get some basic information, which may explain why they fought, and how you can help them settle again.

First of all, how old are your goos, where did you find them, and what are they being kept in? Where are they being kept? They're very sensitive little critters, and anything could set them off, from size of cage to where they are, background noise, smells, drafts.......

[lace97]

Hi,

They are just over 6 months old. I bought them from Pets at Home and they are being kept in a cage the same size as the one they were in when I bought them, so the £95 cage from Pets at Home. They fought just after a dust bath (I give them it at the same time so they both smell the same and don't freak out or anything like that) I kept everything the same as what they used to in the shop and they have loads of toys/things to hide in/a wheel each as they were fighting over that before and it was about 9:30pm when the fighting happened, no cars were going past, they were just running in the wheels, I gave them the dust bath and straight after the dust bath they started to fight, and I have noticed Gizmo has more fur missing from his tail tip than he had after the fight happened

Here's a link to a picture of the cage: www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1436301286424509&set=pb.100001339538459.-2207520000.1500647465.&type=3&theater

[bouncy]

OK, first things first.

Unfortunately, the p@h cage is too small, and doesn't even meet the RSPCA minimum guidelines for one goo. We have taken issue with them on numerous occasions, but they still won't withdraw its sale. Degus in the wild have such a huge territory of a couple of kms, and will fight vehemently over territory, which is probably what you're witnessing. Creating a suitable habitat is easy enough to do, whether a home build, joining other cages to the one you have, or another cage. Have a look in our cages and housing section for ideas and the recommended floor space for two goos.

The other thing is the age of your goos. They're going through a hormonal stage (imagine stroppy teenagers), and will continue to do so until 18 months. However, not all fighting is bad. Squeaky, noisy fighting, kickboxing, mounting, etc are all normal behaviour. You might see knicks in ears appear, but don't worry. The thing to keep an eye on is the silent fights, generally referred to as FBOD or furball of death. There is no squeaking, just two goos locked together in a fight to the death.

As mentioned, they are fickle, and will behave like stroppy teenagers. As a general rule, goos don't like being handled, and will only really come your way for treats or other demands. Don't take it personally, especially during this hormonal time, but continue with their training. If your cage is currently on the floor, think about putting it on a table. You towering above them before opening the cage will have them thinking of you as a predator!

I hope this helps. Please have a good read through the stickies in each section, and ask questions. Degus are a law unto themselves, and are very different to keeping any other animal

[lace97]

Ok then, I had been looking at everything before buying them and was planning on getting things bit by bit but when I saw them I fell in love and got everything there and then. Would this cage be better for them. www.cagesworld.co.uk/p/Liberta_2nd_Edition_Explorer_Rat%2C_Ferret_and_Chinchilla_Cage.htm?product_id=546848

If I get this cage I'd be removing the metal ladders and getting more jumping platforms for them.

I was looking at this one before.
I tried to intervien with their fighting as it was silent and when ever I put them back together they started again, eventually giving up. Everything since has had squeaks and chitters.

Do you think there could have been a change in who's 'alpha' as Gizmo now doesn't do anything with me to handle him unless Rolo is ok with it.

[bouncy]

The liberta in your link is one of the ones we recommend. It has deep metal trays, excellent hooman slave access, and so much potential!

If you took your two from a litter, then you may well be seeing some dominance disagreement. If they were the last two, then it's not so likely.

You could try to get some money back from p@h,even after this time. Taking the RSPCA guidelines with you, telling them it has been mis-sold under the Sale of Goods Act and not fit for purpose should get you at least a partial refund. They often don't want the cage back, which will make a good carry case, or refuge for ill or injured goos.

Unfortunately, there's a lot on old and incorrect information on degus on the Internet, and p@h knowledge is very poor, but you're well on the way to giving your goos a happy life

[degulover21]

Jul 21, 2017 15:18:52 GMT lace97 said:

Ok then, I had been looking at everything before buying them and was planning on getting things bit by bit but when I saw them I fell in love and got everything there and then. Would this cage be better for them. www.cagesworld.co.uk/p/Liberta_2nd_Edition_Explorer_Rat%2C_Ferret_and_Chinchilla_Cage.htm?product_id=546848

If I get this cage I'd be removing the metal ladders and getting more jumping platforms for them.

I was looking at this one before.
I tried to intervien with their fighting as it was silent and when ever I put them back together they started again, eventually giving up. Everything since has had squeaks and chitters.

Do you think there could have been a change in who's 'alpha' as Gizmo now doesn't do anything with me to handle him unless Rolo is ok with it.

I have two of these for my goos they love it wel I hopec🙂