Should I split them up ??

[wheekster]

Hi everyone.

I am new here and new to being a degu owner!

I adopted two boys a little while ago, father and son. They were kept in the tinest of cages and it was all they knew!

I have since got them a bigger better cage, with lots of wood and toys to chew etc. More stimulation.

Every since I have had them though, the one male is so withdrawn, and seems to be afraid of everything. If I am very quiet and just sit still and watch then he comes out, is more active and will use the wheel. His favourite thing is the wheel. !!

He is eating and will take from my fingers, but is nothing like the other degu.

The other one is so lively, cheeky and inquisitive just like a degu should be!

I have noticed the livelier degu will chase the other one around if he comes off his wheel, and is mounting him etc.

Although they do cuddle up and the livelier one grooms the other, I am not sure if the smaller one is perhaps being 'bullied'!!

I am not sure what to think!!

Would welcome any advice on this please. ! I dont want the little guy to be unhappy, but he is just not behaving as though hes a happy chap!

thanks

Deb x

[divegirl]

Hi, firstly...Welcome to Degu world. I think the problem could be that if they have been housed in an under-sized cage your dominant male is making the most of claiming his new territory!!! They must think they've died and gone to heaven as your set up sounds perfect. The one thing you don't mention is how long they have been in their new cage.... if it's less than a week I really wouldn't worry.... Male Gu's are a law unto themselves and it could take a while for the dominant male to calm down [if ever!!!] Unless you are truely worried for the little ones safety I would leave them be, my boys 'fight' on a daily basis and unless you are seeing blood and true violence they should be OK. Do they pile on top of each other to sleep? If they do then I would say they are bonded and you sholdn't worry too much. Hope this helps.

Lisa x