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Post by misscatafer on Sept 2, 2020 17:15:56 GMT
Hi guys. So me and Rob tried a very short intro with the sisters and Boo a few days ago. The girls were very placid and couldn't care less about her, but Boo was aggressive. So we have shut that idea down, she's too old to be put through the stress tbh.
I posted an advert for a new companion for her on the Facebook rehoming group today, and have had a very promising response already! A 4 or 5 year old unneutered male called Rex. Currently lives alone after a recent bereavement of his cage mate, comes from a loving, experienced home. And it's very local to us, 15 minutes down the road.
So what I have proposed is given his age... I will get him neutered (his health is good) and then the owner will keep him with her during the recovery period. I figured the risk may reduce and he stands a better chance of recovery is he is in a familiar environment. Plus my parents are not allowing us to setup anymore cages here so it will mean I'll have to halve Boo's cage, which doesn't seem fair. Once he is fully healed and sterile we will then introduce him to Boo.
Thoughts? Am I making the right decision?
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Post by savvy on Sept 2, 2020 18:58:02 GMT
I think only time (and Boo) will tell you if it's the right decision.
On the plus side, Boo will have a new friend, but what if they don't get on?
Personally, I'd take the chance of uniting two lonely goos.
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Post by misscatafer on Sept 2, 2020 21:25:50 GMT
Thanks Savvy. I really don't want her to be alone, she is missing Toby so much. I do have a plan B, which is if Boo rejects him or vice versa, I will try and bond him with the girls. Personality wise, if he doesn't get on with Boo he's sure to take to the girls as they are complete opposites!
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 2, 2020 21:28:13 GMT
I think that sounds awesome, Misscatafer!! I'm so thrilled you have found someone so close to you, with a lonely male of appropriate age!! Well done!
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Post by misscatafer on Sept 2, 2020 21:30:49 GMT
Thanks DC has anybody had experience of neutering older males around this age? I think we had a 5 year old neutered on here about a year ago but can't remember the outcome or the degu. I plan on calling the vets tomorrow to discuss this... It might not even be able to be done?
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 2, 2020 22:16:59 GMT
If he is in good health, he should be fine. I think I remember what you are referring to, and I think he came through with flying colours!
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Post by moletteuk on Sept 3, 2020 15:55:33 GMT
I think 5 years of age tends to be the point where you need to think carefully about neutering, but if he is in good health and the vet has experience it should be OK.
It might be worth taking Boo to meet him through carry cage bars if that might be possible, but there is no guarantee it would reveal all that much.
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Post by misscatafer on Sept 3, 2020 19:16:19 GMT
We are going to meet him tomorrow and are debating whether to take Boo or not. Not sure what to do really.
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Post by bouncy on Sept 4, 2020 6:31:10 GMT
I think you have a wonderful plan! I have my fingers crossed for you!
From memory, Sarahc's Brain was that old when inadvertently thought to be past it and was snipped. Mind, that was a happy little mistake that resulted in Sneakygoo and Snoozygoo!
It wouldn't hurt to take Boo with you, just to see if she's for or against the idea.
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Post by misscatafer on Sept 4, 2020 10:15:53 GMT
Hey guys, ahh had such a hectic morning! I'm well into the throws of morning sickness with baby no 2 and Emily is poorly today so I've been none stop! Anyway.. I called the vet and they are extremely reluctant to neuter Rex. They feel we are taking an unnecessary risk and have advised us to wait for a suitable female for Boo given that we want an older degu. Sooo given that unfortunately Rex is no longer a suitable option. Really disappointed but his owner is in agreement, I'm sure the right degu will come along in the next few weeks
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 4, 2020 19:46:47 GMT
Congratulations on baby number two! I'm so sorry about the morning sickness . . . BLEH! I had terrible sickness that lasted through much of my pregnancies. I really feel for you, love!
I'm really sorry that Rex doesn't work out, but it is better that he not have the surgery after the advice of the vet. I know it would probably be too many to take on, but there are three five year old female degus that were just listed for adoption here today. Because they are sisters, I expect they will only be let go as the settled group they are. I don't know where they are located.
Any word on the construction of your home?
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Post by misscatafer on Sept 4, 2020 21:12:01 GMT
Thanks DC, house should be ready for December... So a while to go yet. Id be too worried about taking on a group that would reject Boo so I think a lone is the only choice. I could be braver and try her properly with my girls, but just don't want injuries! They were both so vicious with her all those years ago.
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Post by bouncy on Sept 4, 2020 21:58:29 GMT
I can help with transport when I get home in October, but give Raystede a call - they neuter their males, and it means they can hold up on pairing a lone one off for Boo.
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Post by moletteuk on Sept 6, 2020 18:26:09 GMT
Congrats on the pregnancy, MissC Raystede is a good call. I can't remember all the ins and outs but I have in my head that I feel Boo is likely to do better with another male companion, if possible.
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