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Post by randomname on Jan 22, 2020 14:46:10 GMT
Sorry for my absence lately, laptop broke & I HATE using the Kindle for internetting so haven't been around much. Sneaked the youngest's laptop while he's out so I can ask your advice.
Finally I have a new bath panel & can think about reintroducing the boys in the bath now the room is escape proof. They're all currently separate - Leadbelly in the top of the Liberta, Bo in the bottom & Jelly in a 3 story Thicketts style thingy which is pushed up to the Liberta.
What's the best way to go about it? I presume put a towel in the bottom of the bath & have no toys or hides to begin with? Do I put them all in simultaneously or one at a time? Is it best to give hay or treats or something? Presuming they get along how soon do I let them live together again?
I've done bonding with other critters but not with degus. All the other animals were kept together from the moment bonding started (with me watching over them obvs) & after a week or so I knew it was fine to leave them. Can't do it with the degus as we'll need the bathroom! Am also a bit worried they're so small & fast I'll have problems. Any tips & hints appreciated.
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Post by bouncy on Jan 22, 2020 18:00:19 GMT
I think the first step is to put the three storey next to the Liberta (if you haven't already), and see how they behave. Bath tub is a nice, safe place to start, with no existing smells and a limited space. It's hard to treat this like a standard introduction because they used to live together. I can only really say to let their behaviour guide you! When you do finally decide to move them together, keep a handful of substrate from each of the cages to scatter, so no one feels like they have the upper hand.
Good luck!
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Post by kikgoos on Jan 22, 2020 19:26:49 GMT
Oooo let us know how you get on. I have no further advice to add as I've never done ot before.
I'm hoping to be doing an intro at some point this year (when two of the little idiots stop cursing each other through the bars!)
Good Luck xx
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Post by deguconvert on Jan 23, 2020 3:10:37 GMT
Random, it's so good to see you! I'm really sorry your laptop is broken . . . but ever so thankful you could sneak on using your sons.  I'd like to know what kind of interactions you see between the three of them? Do Bo and Leadbelly ever get to be nose to nose . . . I'm kind of assuming that due to the up/down arrangement, that is pretty hard to accomplish? And Jelly . . . being the three story thickets, I am guessing he can see both Bo and Leadbelly should he choose to? How do they react to each other? |
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Post by randomname on Jan 23, 2020 11:35:52 GMT
The 3 storey cage is up against the Liberta (except for a couple of hours a day so the bottom half of the Liberta isn't in darkness all the time)
They ignore each other pretty much 99% of the time. They watch each other sometimes but aren't overly bothered. They don't really try to interact. However very occasionally I'll hear someone getting cross & squeaky but when I go in there they all seem to be normal. Don't know if it's aimed at another degu or something else. I don't even know who's doing it as they all act innocent when I'm around!
Character wise I suspect Leadbelly (in the top of the Liberta) is still as bossy as ever. He's certainly the most daring & interactive with me. Jelly & Bo are much less forward. My guess is Jelly & Bo might get along instantly but Leadbelly will try to dominate & they may not let him. Could be totally wrong though, that's just an assumption made of previous interaction & character.
Do you think it might be worth swapping them around the cages before I do intros or is that just upsetting everyone for no gain?
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Post by bouncy on Jan 23, 2020 12:09:51 GMT
I wonder if bossy should spend some time on the bottom?
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Post by randomname on Jan 24, 2020 7:10:09 GMT
I was thinking that too Bouncy. I think I might find out who is angry squealing occasionally if I did that. Plus it might give Bo a bit of confidence being in the top half.
Things are on hold for a few days as Janis is battling gut stasis. Had her to emergency vet yesterday, had meds & is back today. She has eaten a small handful of the degus forage mix overnight & done some tiny hard poops so I am cautiously optimistic but Joni (her sister) did the same thing - she seemed to get better but died suddenly a week later. Can't tempt her this morning :-(
Not gonna do degu intros until she's out of danger & I can concentrate on the boys.
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Post by randomname on Jan 24, 2020 16:46:08 GMT
Swapped Bo & Leadbelly around. As predicted, Leadbelly is in a sulk about being downstairs. Jelly made happy warbling sounds at Bo in the top & bit the bars to get to him. Think they're going to be fine together. Leadbelly tried to get Jelly's attention in a more intense way but it wasn't particularly friendly. I think he's the problem. Will have to see if things change now he's not at the top. Bo is a bit nervous being in the top so I'll work on his confidence this week.
Janis is being kept at the vets overnight so am kinda freaking out. Hopefully she'll be home tomorrow.
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Post by bouncy on Jan 24, 2020 17:34:33 GMT
It sounds like you'll be able to at least have a pair, which is good news! Fingers crossed for bunbun  |
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Post by goolover on Jan 24, 2020 18:17:23 GMT
Aw Random you have your hands full at the moment. Fingers crossed to for Janis. Agree with what your doing regarding the boys.
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Post by randomname on Jan 25, 2020 7:08:57 GMT
Leadbelly has calmed down overnight so I'll keep an eye on them this week, see if it changes the dynamics at all.
Really really worried about Janis. Got an update at 9pm & she was as bad as it gets. Praying for a miracle overnight. Got to phone them at 9am for an update.
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Post by bouncy on Jan 25, 2020 9:55:30 GMT
Fingers crossed  |
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Post by randomname on Jan 25, 2020 10:15:49 GMT
All I know at the moment is she's still with us. Waiting for nurse to phone & update us.
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Post by goolover on Jan 25, 2020 13:57:17 GMT
Sending a big hug to you Random xx
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Post by deguconvert on Jan 25, 2020 19:42:53 GMT
Oh no!! I've not been on the last two days . . . and am now so concerned for Janis and for you, Random! Will be praying!!
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Post by randomname on Jan 26, 2020 12:59:34 GMT
As usual my thread has wandered off course, much the same way my brain always does. Thought I'd update about Janis here though She was at the vets 2 nights, just bought her home 5 mins ago. It's hard to tell how she is as she's very stressed at the moment. Vet said she's started eating & pooped a bit but there's a long way to go yet. Usual meds & critical care food sent home with her. Her blood sugar levels are now normal so that's a good start. Just got to keep trying to tempt her. Jim is so happy to see her - he's all concerned no humping or aggression. He stands over her & pushes me away when I try to give her meds. They're so sweet together. Degus are doing ok. Bo is still very skittish but seems a little more people friendly now he's at the top of the Liberta. Leadbelly is sulking - trashed his area & making his own choices about where he sleeps! No comfy bed for him, just a corner he's made a nestin. That'll teach me a lesson eh?! Jelly & Bo have a nice friendship going on through the bars Don't suppose any one wants to adopt a rabbit do they? Been trying to fend one off all day but it's looking like we may be it's only chance. He's a healthy, neutered 4yr old, blue eyed white lionhead/lop mix boy. |
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Post by goolover on Jan 26, 2020 18:44:16 GMT
Your zoo is forever growing Random, you have a heart of gold, if you do take him in could you try and rehome him in the longer term? Saying that once he is with you he will probably steal your heart lol. Great news Janis is back home and has Jim to protect her from YOU rofl.
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Post by randomname on Jan 26, 2020 19:07:55 GMT
Your zoo is forever growing Random, you have a heart of gold, if you do take him in could you try and rehome him in the longer term? Saying that once he is with you he will probably steal your heart lol. Great news Janis is back home and has Jim to protect her from YOU rofl. That would be the plan but in reality not many people want to adopt rabbits & I'd probably be lumbered for life. He's an outdoor lad so he could go in the 7ft hutch/6ft run combo but I'm not sure if there's any rats out in the back alley. Haven't seen any since last summer but no doubt they're still out there. Still haven't made up my mind if we can help him or not, but we'd have to find him a friend.. So that's 2 more! Plus I don't miss cleaning out door hutches one bit, not sure I want that again. |
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Post by goolover on Jan 26, 2020 19:37:15 GMT
Would rats try to get to him, I never knew this if so?
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Post by savvy on Jan 26, 2020 19:37:56 GMT
Glad Janis is getting better.
I'd help with the other bunny, but there's no way I could take an outdoor rabbit. We have both rats and foxes here and I can't always get outside myself to look after him, but I'll keep my ears open in case I hear of anyone.
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