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Post by misscatafer on Oct 22, 2020 13:54:15 GMT
Hey everyone
So today we have welcomed into our home a new addition, Priscilla, a lone female aged 5 and a half for our recently bereaved Boo.
So I know this controversial but I just put her straight in with Boo upon getting her home, they've been together more or less peacefully for almost 3 hours now. We've had lots of warbling and grooming, the only issue is that Priscilla wishes to dominate Boo and claim the role as Alpha, and Boo isn't having any of it so far. She had allowed Priscilla to mount her once, but the quickly shook her off when she realised what was happening lol. So they've had a few boxing matches whilst happy warbling to eachother. No bloodshed or violence yet which I take as a good sign.
So far I think it's going really well... My plan is just to sit with them now for as long as it takes to make sure they are safe together. I can already see Boo is starting to relax with her, and vice versa. It's so lovely watching Priscilla explore the cage and figure everything out.
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Post by moletteuk on Oct 22, 2020 16:48:12 GMT
Congratulations, how lovely!
Have you got a spare cage set up? If it escalates at all I would stop, you don't want to set the process back by pushing it.
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 22, 2020 17:31:35 GMT
No we haven't got a spare cage, but we've prepared to split Boo's cage top and bottom by covering up the hole between levels with a glass chopping board if needed. I'm really hoping it won't come to that and they will continue to get used to eachother peacefully.
They've had 6.5 hours together now without incident, lots of cuddling and grooming going on, the occasional squeal of protest from Boo when Priscilla tries her luck at mounting her lol but mostly it's all peaceful and positive. I'm aware that dominance issues are normal and to be expected at the stage, so I'm hoping the longer they are together and getting used to their new living arrangements they'll be able to sort out the heirachy. Priscilla is allowing Boo to dominate her during cuddles but not the other way round.
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Post by bouncy on Oct 22, 2020 17:31:52 GMT
Wow! Excellent! I guess it's like opening the doors on two people who have been isolated inside a locked room for a month! I hope neither is too bothered about who's boss to continue squabbling
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 22, 2020 17:42:11 GMT
That is wonderful, Misscatafer! I'm so happy for you and for Boo! I hope these first several hours are strong indications of a sweet and happy future together. Knowing how careful you and your husband are, I know you will be keeping a good eye on them. Just realize that things can kick off even after weeks of peace between degus that are new to each other. Sometimes the honeymoon phase never ends, but it is not at all unusual for annoyances to show up as they get to know each other better a couple months down the road.
Having that glass chopping board handy is an excellent option should it be needed.
She is a wonderful find and addition to your family!! Congratulations!!
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 22, 2020 18:13:06 GMT
I really hope so DC! Intros are so nerve wracking aren't they...they've been supervised constantly since being together so far, so it's going to take some courage to leave them overnight, think I may set the baby monitor up in here??
It's hard as so far as the only risk indicators are they will cuddle, then occasionally Priscilla will attempt to climb on Boo's back, this then induces a quick spat of noisy boxing, followed by a bit of chasing whilst warbling which then turns into louder warbling and grooming. Then order is resumed and they'll either resume cuddling or seperate for a bit.
Good signs so far are no physical injuries (I'm checking regularly) no fur loss which would indicate rough fighting, no silent boxing, no teeth chattering.
My experience with intros are so limited, so I'm winging it in a way and just following their lead. The moment there is any indication of unhappiness between the pair I'll seperate and resume tomorrow.
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 22, 2020 18:33:15 GMT
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 22, 2020 20:41:20 GMT
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Post by yasmin on Oct 23, 2020 4:30:01 GMT
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 23, 2020 7:00:44 GMT
Hey guys, woke up this morning to find them both cuddled up in Priscilla's nest box, very very happy!
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 23, 2020 7:58:46 GMT
This is SO AWESOME!! I'm thrilled!!
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Post by bouncy on Oct 23, 2020 10:07:55 GMT
Amazing! I'm so happy for you and Boo
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 23, 2020 10:45:00 GMT
They've spent all morning on the snugglesafe together, no more boxing or bickering, so hopefully they've resolved their differences.
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Post by bouncy on Oct 23, 2020 11:56:10 GMT
That's gone as smoothly and quickly as my pup intros!
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 23, 2020 13:32:31 GMT
I know. I've been in contact with Priscilla's owner for several weeks making sure that she would be right for Boo, I'm so happy for them both. It's lovely hearing warbling going on in the cage as well, it's been so quiet since Toby passed.
Boo's health is still not the best, she has developed a large lump on her head now in the same area as where the ear has gone weird. Me and Rob are very upset about it. The antibiotics haven't made much difference and we have a vet review next week to see what's going on. At least she is not alone at the moment and im hoping Priscilla will give her some much needed TLC. I've noticed this morning already Boo's wound on her ear is clean and dry for the first time since it developed, most likely Priscilla has given it a proper clean up.
I'm sure you guys can understand that I made the executive decision to proceed with the introduction in the hope it would perk Boo up a bit as she's been so down, even though her health and age aren't great.
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Post by bouncy on Oct 23, 2020 15:27:16 GMT
Of course! You've put Boo in a much stronger position to deal with anything that's coming. Pricilla will be her Rock
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Post by moletteuk on Oct 23, 2020 15:36:52 GMT
This is fabulous news, I'm so happy for you, you've totally made the right decision
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 23, 2020 23:02:28 GMT
You've clearly made the best move that could be made. Truly well done, Misscatafer!!
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 26, 2020 20:00:12 GMT
It's all still good here guys there hasn't been any further boxing matches since day 2 I believe. Priscilla has settled right in and Boo seems to appreciate the company, although she is still poorly.
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Post by bouncy on Oct 26, 2020 20:42:24 GMT
Priscilla is probably enjoying the attention (even if it's someone constantly saying "ugh, I feel soooooooooo ill, give me hugs and sympathy!"
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