Fist week with Degu's

[peppermind]

Hello, I have 2 new Degu's, they are 2 months old.

I think they are improving a lot, they used to shout and bite the cage the whole night and it was a nightmare, since I gave them some stuff to run they are not doing it, that's great.

They still use to fight but every time they do it less.

The problem is taming them, after a week, I think we are at the same point, every time I do a little move, they go hiding, even if i'm far, they hide every time.

I tried to speak to them almost every day for long times and even gave them treats, when I do that, just sometimes they take it, one of them doesn't even do that, the other one just waits like a lot and then takes the food and go.

I don't know what to do, I know it's not easy but I don't feel like i'm improving and I don't want them to be afraid of me the whole life so, is it normal?

[deguconvert]

Hello Peppermind, and welcome to the forum!

Yes, this is quite normal. There are some degus that are very quick to bond with their human, but I would say there are a lot more that take time to become less skittish and fearful, and then there are those that just never get over it. Degus are not typically cuddly and craving human attention, especially with they have another degu or more to be a companion with. Another degu, or more, is the best companion for any degu, and they are much happier and healthier with other degus. That doesn't mean that they will not learn to know and like/even love you as well though.

Can you tell me what your cage dimensions are, and the number of complete levels you have in it? I am assuming you haven't had them very long yet, and I think it is safe expect that they are still settling in to their new home, with the new sounds, new smells, and their new people of course. They will eventually adjust.

Have you read much on the forum? These might be of help to you.
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/19754/beginners-guide-degu-keeping
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/13070/degus
deguworld.proboards.com/thread/5337/new-degu-owner-advice

Those are some basics. Please, ask any and all questions. Nothing is considered stupid. We've all concluded that degus are just weird, and we love them for it. But that also means we run into things we really did not expect. LOL So, don't be shy, ask and we will do our best to help.

[savvy]

Welcome to the forum and the weird world of degus.

What you're experiencing is perfectly normal. For a degu a week is not a long time at all and taming can take a while as trust has to be established on the degus terms. Don't forget that everything has changed for them and they have a new, and much larger than them, human to deal with as well as a new home with new sounds and smells to get used to.

Can I ask what cage you have and what toys, diet etc you provide? I'm only asking as we may be able to suggest tweeks which may help them settle in a lot faster.

Please have a read of all the stickies at the top of each section, they will help you, but don't be afraid to ask questions. There are no silly ones when it comes to degus.

[savvy]

We cross posted DC, lol.

[miabeardiego11110]

I just got my degu from my aunt three days ago. And ive known him for about five. He has been approving from the first time ive sawn him. I mean, he hasn't been biting when i take him out of the cage. He still does hide when someone walks by, but I think he's gotten better. It would be helpful if somebody could give me some advice on how to get him to get used to other people.

[moletteuk]

Have replied in the Comfort thread