Degus territorial over playpen

[deguden]

Hi there, my Degus have become quite territorial over a corner of the playpen. They both eat their food and groom there, but they have started to squabble and fight over the corner. Does anyone have any tips to help this. 

[moletteuk]

I would probably switch up the layout so that it doesn't exist any more. If you can figure out why they like that area so much you could try to replicate it in more than one place, maybe it's a secure place with a good view and has a good exit to a totally safe place.

If you don't want to change up the whole thing yet, you could possibly give the flooring a scrub or cover to eliminate some of the scent cues.

[winic1]

I'd also suggest changing that corner so it's not "the place to fight over".
If there's food there, move it, and split it into separate piles/bowls in separate places.
If, during or because of fighting there they've been marking it with pee, scrub that away so it doesn't smell like "the place to fight over."
Or put something else there, or enough something elses, that there isn't even room for them to fight there.

[bouncy]

Ditto the others. As well as a good clean, try putting a favourite toy in a different corner, or perhaps put something neutral in that corner like a dustbath.