Lonely goo

[kycale]

Hi all, i hope you're having a good day (despite the covid madness).

Ill try and keep this short and sweet, basically my little goo is 7 years old and she had a sister that unfortunately passed away a couple years ago, for the longest time myself and my partner were working opposite shifts like ships passing so at least someone was with the little one at all times and we give her ALOT of attention and playtime with us so she was never struggling with being lonely (other than the snuggling that goo's do together when they sleep), but thats not the case anymore as were both working similar shift patterns and theres nobody home for longer periods of time through the day.

We thought about introducing some younger goos for her to mother but we were worried because she is very attatched to us and has shown a little jealousy previously and we dont plan on having anymore after she goes so it means commiting to further pets so we did some research and somebody suggested a little cuddle teddy for her, they said they use an ikea teddy thats modelled after a rat but we couldnt find that specific one, has anyone else used anything similar? we have looked at a few different teddys to purchase, we just wondered if it is a viable idea or not? thank you in advance

[moletteuk]

A small cuddly toy can offer some comfort to some goos, it depends on the degu if they are interested, you can use anything that is degu safe, even a stuffed sock. If you stuff a sock with rice or wheat you can even microwave it warm. Generally a heatpad is a good idea for a lone degu because they miss the comfort of a warm goo pile, the snugglesafes are good as you can heat them a little bit or a lot depending on the season.

It may be an option to look for an another older degu for company, it isn't an unusual situation that you find yourself in so it's worth looking for someone else in the same boat. You may find that she reacts more positively to a new degu than you previously thought now she is lacking human and degu company. Fostering could be another option. How is her health? She could have another 3 years in her if she is in good health so well worth exploring all options.

[deguconvert]

It is a viable idea, and it can be helpful . . . but it will not be a warm body, and it doesn't communicate. Depending on the degu, they may derive some comfort from it, but it often is not long lasting and most degus tend to ignore the teddy.

Have you considered looking for another single, older female that is looking for a companion or needing a new home? Granted, it might be a hard find, but it could happen. OR . . . perhaps looking for a new home for your sweet girl where she would be introduced to other degus?

[savvy]

It may be an idea to introduce an older neutered male.

[bouncy]

I know the rat you mean - still have one from 1995 lol. If you can't find one, any dog cuddly toys should be fine, and they'll be pet friendly.

Lone degus are a strange thing. I had a lone goo for a year, purely because the alpha of my group was being savage towards him. When they're alone, they make their hoomans feel loved, because they'll come over for cuddles and scratches. However, nothing can replace another goo. I haven't yet come across hoomans prepared to groom their goo with their teeth, or do other buddy things like tandem wheel running, comparing poos, and appraising food. The cuddly, scratchy behaviour is the goo's desperate attempt to replicate a cage companion, and you may find things like loss of appetite and overgrooming now shift patterns have changed.

Please do consider another one or two goo buds for your lady. You will notice a change in behaviour immediately. Sure, they won't come up to you as much, but the happiness in her face and character will shine