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Post by googoodolphins on Aug 1, 2018 15:54:01 GMT
I have very recently adopted 2 adult male degus. I know they have not had human contact in around 4 months (previous owner said) and they have been outside in a cage for that length of time.
I have never had a degu, but I have done some research on them. Seeing how they are very skittish and can only eat limited items, I need help with advice on how to get these degus to bond with me. A lot of sites say treats, but then they all say different things in regards to treats. Is there something I can get locally, that is relatively inexpensive, that they can eat on a regular basis while I am trying to bond with them? For example, Some sites say I can give romaine lettuce and some sites say I can't/shouldn't.
I would appreciate any advice on this or even on degu care. Please note: I am looking for something locally and inexpensive. No judgment, I love animals and have 17 critters of my own (not including the fosters I get from time to time), so please be realistic in advice/money expectations.
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Post by bouncy on Aug 1, 2018 16:42:56 GMT
Hi, and welcome!
The biggest factor for bonding is patience. Make sure the cage isn't on the floor. Even better is if you can give them a spot where they can be quite high up at the highest point. As prey animals, they will find this a lot less intimidating. Simply spend time sat next to the cage, talking to them, letting them get used to your voice, then try doing the same at the door with it open. Reward their coming to you/each achievement with so etching like a jumbo oat or sunflower seed. Mine go mad for sunflower seeds in shells, but it can make a mess. Theyβre also very partial to dandelion leaves. You can also try and teach them to come into a tube, which will give you a great way of moving them.
By far the best way to bond is to have a safe room or pen where they can run around outside the cage, with you sat or lying on the floor with them. They'll come to you, clamber over you, and accept you more readily. My big boys are at the stage where they'll actually take themselves back in the cage if I leave the room.
Have a look on our safe food lists for things to temp them with (Diet and Nutrition). As with all new foodstuffs, especially fresh, only give them little bits.
*EDIT* Each section on here has sticky threads (threads with red drawing pins through them). These contain the key information and guidance on degu care, and are an excellent place to start. Have a good read through, then feel free to ask any questions. Degus are unique freaks, so there's no such thing as a silly question !
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Post by savvy on Aug 1, 2018 16:51:52 GMT
Welcome to the forum!
As has been said, time is the most important factor, they need to know that they can trust you. Degus will have their own preference in relation to treats so you need to find one they like. Oats are good, as are sunflower seeds, try sitting by the cage holding a treat through the bars, they will feel safer than if the cage is open with a hand inside as they will work out that you can't grab them through the bars. It will take time, but they should eventually come over to see what smells so good. You could also try this with the odd pumpkin seed, or a very small piece of nut, this these would have to be occasional treats. You need to get them used to your presence so they don't see you as a threat.
If there is anything you need to ask then please fell free, there are no stupid questions when it comes to degus.
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Post by deguconvert on Aug 1, 2018 18:45:05 GMT
Hello Googoodolphins, and welcome to the forum!!
Hand training your new degus is very important, especially since they have gone so long without human interaction AND you are, to them, a new human to get to know. While hand training, you don't have to be as restrictive as you will be once they know you, so you can give a little more freely for a while. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, porridge oats, millet seed, walnut, almond, macadamia nut, pecan, cashew, brazil nuts, peanuts, dried dandelion roots, rose petals, raspberry leaves, are just a few of the things that degus find especially tasty, and are willing to overcome their fears to come and get once they have discovered them. You are almost guaranteed that one of those listed will become a favorite of your boys, though they may not share the same favorite, and once discovered your hand training will move along at a good pace. You need to reinforce the bond for a good week or two, once it is made, to ensure that they remember. Then occasional treats are sufficient, IE. 2-4 sunflower seeds daily, tiny bit of nut biweekly.
There is a LOT to teach you about your degus, and I strongly encourage you to read through all the stickies in each different board. Every sticky on every board is helpful and contains excellent information.
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Post by googoodolphins on Aug 2, 2018 16:32:05 GMT
Thank you for your advice and welcomes. I tried talking to them calmly through the cage last night and this morning. They came over to me and I put my finger on the bar, not through it, so they could smell me. Both of them came over at different times and sniffed. They were probably hoping for treats. I will see if I can get some this weekend. I have ordered degu food, but it will not be in for another week so they are currently eating Timothy grass and the garden select oxbow guinea pig food. I'm sure I will have more questions. Thanks
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Post by deguconvert on Aug 2, 2018 16:37:27 GMT
Ask away!! We're glad to help!
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Post by googoodolphins on Aug 3, 2018 2:37:24 GMT
Ok. I have a question regarding the sounds they make. I was opening a bag tonight that has the Apple branch's for them to chew and they woke up and came running. I assume they have been fed treats that way previously. I went ahead a put a few flakes of whole grain quick oats on the lid and upended the cage door. They both came out. One was making a small sort a piggy squel. I was worried that I was upsetting him so I tried to close the door but he didn't want to go back in. Finally I got door closed and now they are making a meep /cheep sound. Are they telling me something? Did I rush them by opening cage and they are mad?
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Post by googoodolphins on Aug 3, 2018 2:38:15 GMT
Side note, noises were cute. If I hadn't been so concerned I was upsetting them .
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Post by deguconvert on Aug 3, 2018 4:51:32 GMT
I think it sounds like they were really excited and enthusiastic about the sound of the treat bag and what they anticipated it would be. The piggy like squeal that you heard was likely the one being greedy and warning the other one off from the oats. Porridge oats are often a huge favorite among degus. In fact, it wouldn't hurt to try and give them their own bits instead of one pile to share from. And . . . if you think you can do it, offer some on your palm with your hand open flat. Don't move, just lay it down and let them come and get some. This will help them and you to form a trust bond with each other.
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Post by bouncy on Aug 3, 2018 7:33:45 GMT
Yep, squabbling! That's why I get jumbo oats - one each, one at a time I've watched my big guy use his front paw to shove one of the others away for oats. If I scatter sunflower seeds, across the kitchen floor, it's funny to watch him try and guard 1m 2. Once they get used to the sound of their treat container, you'll only have to touch it before their ears have pricked, they've run over, and are jumping all over you trying to be first. When I shake them, mine even know the difference between the squash bottle, the milk carton, and the metacam!
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Post by claire on Aug 4, 2018 4:23:40 GMT
Sane with my boys where oats are concerned my shy timid small degu sits with his bum to the dominant boy piggy squealing and refuses to move he loves his oats! I think this was a good thing now you know what they like and they know you gave it to them they will start to associate you with treats. Like others said best thing if you have a play pen for free time or a degu safe area with no wires they can chew. Just sit on the floor read a book play on your phone ignore them and they will come to you when they feel safe.
Tube training is a must aswell. I slacked with my training and I pay for it now. Any escapees and they aren't daft lol kinda need to sort that lol
No question is too weird or stupid. Never be afraid to ask. We have conversations about poop and everthing so nothing is too weird lol.
Best source of information is these forums read through the stickies and ask if your unsure. Questions mean you care. But above all else....... PICS ππππ
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Post by bouncy on Aug 4, 2018 11:35:02 GMT
Oh yes, we LOVE degu pictures!!
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Post by googoodolphins on Aug 4, 2018 13:26:57 GMT
Hey guys! Lots to ask and share. First off, I found a garden salad at the store yesterday. It was dried out flowers, leaves, etc. I checked and no sugar, molasses. I dunno if y'all have seen it? It's very different from treats I see in pet stores. anyways , I got home yesterday, and put a very small amount on my palm, and the boys were already ready to come see what I had. I had no idea they were so greedy and so vocal. They both grabbed something, then came back, with it still in their mouth, to get more, while pushing the other one away. Yes, I heard the piggy squeal again that time. Louder too. I have a question, has anyone had success with a treadmill wheel for their degus? They are currently on sale at exotic nutrition so just asking. I ordered a clear ball for the degus in hopes that I could put treats in it and they would crawl in, so I could move them to they bathroom and let them hop around. Does anyone know if they like using the rolling ball? If not, I can just use it to move them until they will let me pick them up. I was looking at the wire playpen online. Anyone recommend one? How high would it need to be? How small wire spacing? Thanks for all your help. I hope to get pics someday soon when I can get them out of their cage to run around. I am also still adding fun stuff to their cage as I learn about them.
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Post by bouncy on Aug 4, 2018 15:04:02 GMT
Dried forage is excellent, and I'm not surprised they jumped at it! Mine have something similar as their primary food ! A wheel is fine, provided the running surface is smooth, and there's no crossbars. Wire ones tend to result in caught limbs and degloving. Have a look at tictacwheels.co.uk and aim for at least 12" diameter so you don't hyperextend their spines. You can make them from a cake tin too. Best avoid plastic running balls. There isn't one on the market big enough, there isn enough air, and they get toes caught, even though it's a nice idea to get them running. Have a look through the cages section for ideas on wheels and playpens, including DIY versions
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Post by ntg on Aug 4, 2018 17:08:28 GMT
Some degus love the flying saucer type wheels wheras others prefer the standard upright ones. Either the 14" treadmill on exotic nutrition or the 15" chin sprint would work for them, and with both being metal they should hopefully last a long time!
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Post by bouncy on Aug 4, 2018 17:33:06 GMT
Ah! Yes, I've just looked at the treadmill you mean! One of my groups had one and loved it! That's a flying saucer. One word of caution - the one the goos had lasted for about a year, when one of the washers split. From that time it still worked, but rattled a lot, and I couldn't get it undone to put a replacement. The gerbils are still fine with theirs.
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Post by googoodolphins on Aug 5, 2018 17:17:24 GMT
Need help! While I was hand feeding them treats this morning,they were extremely pushy to each other. Chong butt bumped cheech off the cage door , he got on floor and is running free! I just got a butterfly type net from store, which is what previous owner recommended yo catch him. Any other ideas? Please! Side note, chong climbed on my hand without treats today so I am excited about that.
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Post by bouncy on Aug 5, 2018 17:41:03 GMT
Don't panic!
When you know which room they're in, shut the door. Try and block off or remove hazards like electrical cables.
Get a box with a small opening that you can cover with your hand, or a good-sized tube. Sit quietly on the floor, box on the floor next to you, talk and rustle that treat bag just like you were sat next to the cage, and Chong should get nosey enough to come over. He should get nosey enough about the box and jump in. When he does, just cover the escape route and pop him back in.
It may take a little while, but be patient.
Oh, and NO sudden movements !
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Post by googoodolphins on Aug 5, 2018 18:15:36 GMT
Thank you. I have caught cheech and he is back in cage. They are squabbling. Very greedy critters, I had no idea.
I got a few pics this am of chong eating out of my hand. I will try to figure out how to post them.
I can't believe the personality on these degus. They are really unique animals. Cheech was getting all my other small animals riled up this morning running free, especially my two bunnies. Lol
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Post by bouncy on Aug 5, 2018 19:08:59 GMT
Lol when one of mine was still a pup, he had a houdini moment. I caught him because he couldn't resist chatting with the gerbils!
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