Introducing a new goo

[amazinggoo]

Hi there! So I recently came across a degu 2 years younger than my own. (Mine is 5 years old) I know that for my current degu, in his old home he did not have any socialization. I’ve had him for about 2 years now and he seems okay on his own. He’s super comfortable with me and is all around a very good boy, but do you think I should try introducing a friend or is it too late?

I got the background info for the other goo, who is 3 years old and was surrendered from a family that had 2 and unfortunately one passed away. So they wanted the remaining one to be in a home with another degu and therefore surrendered him to a local spca.


TLDR; Might adopt a sociable degu but worried about my own’s reaction.

[savvy]

Welcome to the forum.

Personally I don't think it ever too late to introduce a new degu, but it does take time. I would recommend reading through our introduction guide, deguworld.proboards.com/thread/17619/deguconverts-detailed-introductions-fighting-guide which will take you through the introduction process.

You will need a separate cage for his new friend which will need to be placed beside his cage so they can get to know each other in safety before face to face meetings take place. This will also give you a chance to get to know your new degu.

[deguconvert]

Ditto

[moletteuk]

I think it's always worth a try. My only concern is if you take on the new single and they don't get along, then you would probably need to try to get more degus for company for him, I suppose you could cross that bridge if you come to it though.

[bouncy]

Ditto! Don't try to rush anything, though. Let them guide you.

Regarding moletteuk, it can easily happen, and is exactly why I ended up with two groups! Plus the alpha from my original group is the bolshiest goo you'll ever meet. It is very rewarding when you see them snuggled for the first time