You shall NOT put bedding here!

[ktz]

Hey guys!

She has defeated me! One of my girls has been removing all the toys and bedding from 2nd floor! We have fought for few months now - if I put bedding or toys there - everything gets instantly removed with ANGER, complaint noises and THE LOOK! In every other place it's fine. Idk really what to do here? I've tried to remove all bedding - then it's fine... BUT those little puddles in which they step in after etc. are not cool.

Any ideas? Suggestions?

More cage pics here

[savvy]

Unfortunately degus have their own ideas on where they want things and you will get the look, the complaints and the stamping of tiny feet if YOU DO IT WRONG, lol.

I think you are now beginning to be put in your place as a hooman slave to two degu girls who have attitude in spades!

There isn't a lot you can do to solve the issue as they are very adapt at cage arranging. Try putting hay where they sleep instead of bedding as they may prefer it, and will happily eat in bed if it's there.

[moletteuk]

Hahaha!

Is it the level in the middle of the picture with just shavings on it?

How do they use the level? Do they just sleep there? Do they sleep anywhere else as well? Is there are anything different about that level?

[goolover]

ROFL, yep you are being put in your place alright, they have the biggest and stubborn attitudes and no Hooman will ever WIN.

[moletteuk]

My lot would keep a space clear if they wanted to be able to make a fast exit from or across that space. But my lot would not have slept in such a place without a separate safe structure. Have you tried putting a nesting box on there? Or something to wall off a little space up there for protection? You could always use cardboard for testing.

[ktz]

Yes it's the middle (2nd) smaller floor. It's empty cuz everything gets pulled away - toys, houses, hay etc. It feels like she just wants that place totally empty.

Soon I'll have more time for building... I'll add some new items for them - I'm thinking of some additional tubing system (like the one under the floor) to fill that place.

They sleep only in their old house at 1st floor and sometimes in tubing. Now the floor (2nd) is only used for transfer to 3rd floor and edge to get better view of room.

In picture are their childhood house. Every other gets abounded or used just for toilet. They love socks  - of course we use only new ones that are not worn (100% cotton). They use them for blankets and for "do not disturb" mode like in this pic.

[deguconvert]

I wonder what she would think about a piece of cocomatting laying flat in there? Like is used in pots or hanging baskets? Or Hemp matting? Cardboard? Hmmm . . . what an interesting challenge! The gauntlet has been thrown.

[moletteuk]

Another thing I thought of that you could try changing is the access on and off the shelf.