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Post by jaseyrae on Mar 22, 2020 17:19:54 GMT
Hiya, I hope you all are doing well. Unfortunately, today, my little Rae passed away and I was hoping for some advice on how to help my now, lone degu, Jasey cope with this and a couple of other questions. 1. I was wondering if I should completely clean out the cage or if this will cause stress to Jasey because Rae's scent won't be there any more? 2. Right now she is living in the "Liberta Explorer Large Double Rodent Cage" This cage is in another room though and so I was thinking of getting the "Little Zoo Venturer Cage - Lower Section" ( This one ) and having it in my room, where I am majority of the day or do I keep her in the bigger cage, in the other room? Jasey is very sociable with people and does still enjoy running around the room for floor time so although the cage will be smaller she will still be getting her floor time and exercise outside of the cage. 3. As for possibly getting her company later on, I do already have a younger pair ( 3-4 years old, also girls. ) and did try introducing them before but it didn't go too well and ending up causing conflict within the already established pair and seemed to stress them out quite a bit so I am a bit reluctant to do the introductions again as Jasey is a bit older and does have a cataract in one eye so I am unsure how this will affect her if I were to introduce her to the other pair. Any help is very appreciated! (Sorry for long post and also if this is posted in the wrong section!)
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Post by savvy on Mar 22, 2020 19:24:57 GMT
I am so sorry for your loss. You will both need time to grieve so please take things as slowly as you need to.
Personally, I'd put off cleaning the cage for a while, in fact, I wouldn't change anything just yet. Jasey will need things kept just as they are as she adjusts to the loss of her friend.
There have been successful intros where a lone degu has joined an existing pair, in the same household, where before there was a little conflict, so that could be possible but needs to be taken slowly.
If they aren't already, I'd move Jasey's cage next two your other pair so at least they can communicate through the bars. It may help ease her loneliness if they are nearby.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions you need to, or to post long posts, we're here to help where we can.
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Post by bouncy on Mar 22, 2020 19:44:57 GMT
It's always hard to lose a goo, and you have my condolences.
Personally, I would wait before doing a cage clean. Let Jasey get used to what's happened first. Did she get to see Rae after she passed? If so, this will certainly help. Both of you still need to go through a process of mourning, and don't feel you have to rush anything, either. When you're ready, perhaps try introductions with the other girls again. You may find a lonely lady more receptive to another group.
In the meantime, I wouldn't change anything, as this may add to uncertainty for Jasey at an emotional time. Perhaps bundle up some socks, or find a cuddly toy for her to snuggle up with though, so she doesn't feel totally alone.
The other cage is a nice idea, and it may work as a daytime cage if she can have company, but would she perceive the reduced space as some sort of punishment?
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Post by deguconvert on Mar 22, 2020 23:06:59 GMT
Hello, Jaseyrae! I am so sorry for your loss!! I am sure it is a difficult day, and the days ahead will be as well. My heart goes out to you. I agree with the ladies above, and ditto their advice to leave the cage as is for a while. Removing the scent of Rae from the cage will greatly increase her distress as she will not only feel that she is alone, but it won't feel like it is her home/territory anymore either. For that reason, I would also not rush to getting a new and smaller cage. Putting in an unfamiliar space could be traumatizing to her, and could actually result in deepening her grief. This could have unwanted results such as lethargy and loss of appetite. Not trying to scare or hype things at all, just saying changes like these would be, can make a degu lose hope if she is already feeling great grief. (I had a group of three in my original bunch, and when the dominant member of the three died in his sleep one night, the remaining two went into a downward spiral. Their grief was so great that they dramatically lost weight, got to the point they were refusing food and water, and just didn't do anything. In my case I went out and bought two male pups (which we learned three months later were actually female, from a male only pet store) and the introduction of these two greatly lifted their spirits. Among other things. My point is . . . change is hard for them, and even moving a cage across the room can cause chaos for some degus. Throw in the loss of bonded companion and other changes become that much more challenging. I also very much support the recommendation to have her cage next to the the other pair . . . if you can do that. Move them, or try moving her . . . having their cages about 5-6 cm apart . . . and observe what kinds of interactions you see. They may ignore. They chitter, and tooth grind. They may be animated. All are normal behaviors. Just being able to see, hear, smell, and somewhat interact with other degus will be a help to her. Her now being "single" may well change the way any future introductions will go. You don't have to decide on that right now, but do have it in the back of your mind. We are here to help and to cheer you on. Don't be afraid to interact with her lots. She may not respond much at first, or she may want you very much . . . depending on her individual personality. If you have a house robe or some jumpers that you enjoy to wear, see if she will entertain the idea of crawling inside and curling up for a nap. I used to wear my robe and would have all three boys in at once. Just . . . don't forget where she is and accidentally lean on her when you sit down.
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Post by jaseyrae on Mar 23, 2020 0:50:00 GMT
Thank you so much for your replies and thoughts! Jasey and Rae are the first degus I've ever had so it's definitely hit hard so thank you again for your thoughts! Jasey seems to be doing ok, for now. She did get to see Rae after she had passed, I remember reading that before so I made sure she got to see her, which had made me start crying all over again hahah I have moved the cage closer to other two (and told them to be nice to her!) ,bundled up some socks and placed it in her bed. After her floor time, she ate some food and took herself off to bed while my other two monsters were out having their floor time (and then Jasey jumped out of her bed when she heard the treat jar opening!) Understandably it is very early days and it may not have fully registered with her yet so I will keep a very close eye on her. I will see how they get on with the cages being closer together and will keep an open mind of a possible introduction with them all later on but like you all said I won't rush in to anything. Thank you all for your help! also deguconvert Oh, Jasey loves to climb through my pockets, up and down my sleeves and in and out of my hoodies haha! She has fell asleep in my hoodie before and gave me a little nip every so often as to say "by the way, I am still here!"
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