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Post by catherine on Nov 3, 2006 17:40:11 GMT
Hi I got my two boys, Billy and Jack, just over 2 months ago. They've settled in really well and happily nibble my hand etc. but they hate if I try to pick them up. I haven't pushed them too much, but sometimes when I'm trying to get them back into their cage it's impossible to get hold of them. If I do manage to scoop them up they seem really aggitated and wriggle out of my hands. Is this to be expected? I know they're not especially tactile creatures but I hoped they'd be a little calmer by now. Any suggestions? Thanks a million!
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Post by Erica on Nov 4, 2006 1:21:42 GMT
That's quite normal. I have 9 degus and all but two don't like to be held. Keep at it though because with your persistence and daily handling they'll relax a little. To get them in and out of their cages, I use two containers, one to take my degus out of the cage and a different one to put them back in. (That's because they always seem wise to my traps.)
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Post by andrea on Nov 7, 2006 3:34:08 GMT
I have found scooping them up works best too. Reaching down on them may scare them, as it would be the same way a preditor catches them.
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Post by ra on Nov 7, 2006 16:59:59 GMT
Very normal. I've had my Degus going on two years now. They tolerate me trying to pick them up but usually manage to wiggle away. My best bet is to bribe them to come and sit in my hand for a treat!
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Post by Aimeelou on Nov 12, 2006 15:30:13 GMT
I have 6 and two of mine will not tolerate being held even though i have handled them from being young, i think with degus its a mater of prefrence! lol
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kioshiandtomeo
Foraging Degu
RIP Kioshi! we miss you!!! *hugglez*
Posts: 51
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Post by kioshiandtomeo on Nov 29, 2006 6:48:27 GMT
I just tamed my pair. it happened within 2 weeks, believe it or not. the surprise is, we're the 3RD OWNERS! and up till now, the previous owners have had a hard time catching them. If their already used to your hand, then do this: Get a small spare aquarium, (small), transport via can or jar (through a favorite treat in to lure them in. . .works everytime, for me) and plunk them both into the aquarium. At first they'll be a bit nervous, as they can't hide, but if you appraoch right, that should be over come. give a few hours each week. I simply scoop them up from the aquarium, hold them high enough they won't jump, and get them used to it. then i stroke them, put them back in the aquarium, and give them a treat. after 3 treats, they don't have any for a few days, just in case. mine now inspect my hands whenever they hop on, and get the odd treat now and again, but they aren't as expect. they just sit in my hands, grooming me, etc. i ca transport them easily. Can't believe how well it worked! good luck (hopefully this helps with everyone, though mine are a bit addicted to treats. they would jump off a cliff for one, anyday. XD) -Rachel & The Zoo.
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Post by Erica on Dec 1, 2006 14:57:45 GMT
Wow! Well done, Rachel.
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kioshiandtomeo
Foraging Degu
RIP Kioshi! we miss you!!! *hugglez*
Posts: 51
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Post by kioshiandtomeo on Dec 5, 2006 6:27:20 GMT
thanks! It took a lot of perserverence, but it paid off. -Rachel & The Zoo.
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