Happy or sad?

[adele]

Hi guys

My 6.5 year old boy Ronnie sadly passed away two days ago leaving his brother Craig behind. Them two never really got along and any successful reunions were short lived, so they both had a level of pet planet cage for themselves.

Now that Ronnie is gone, Craig keeps chittering in his cage way more than usual. Those are the sounds he usually makes when he is happy but they used to talk to each other occasionally so I'm not sure if he is sad and is trying to talk to Ronnie or is he happy he is all alone? He started doing this the night Ronnie got really unwell. 

I've already submitted an adoption form for a potential companion for Craig, but if he is living his best life I don't want to take on another goo and deal with the additional loss and lone degu once again further down the line.

[bouncy]

It's a shame Ronnie and Craig could't tolerate each other!

I'm sure Craig knew about Ronnie's imminent demise, and was possibly comforting him. They are highly intelligent creatures, if he doesn't realise he's passed, he could still be calling for him.

I'm glad you're looking for a companion for Craig - in the wild, degus are highly sociable creatures, and work together in a very organised structure. They do get lonely, suffer from depression, and can self-harm as an extreme. Definitely try a new friend, and I wish you every luck!

[adele]

I could never figure out why, they had enough space, food bowls, wheels etc.

My poor Ronnie did pass away at the vets, so I guess Craig doesn't understand what happened. It's a shame, I was getting prepared to try introductions again as they have been quite friendly over the past few months, was hoping they can be reunited again.

Thank you! My worry is that I will end up with two lone goos again, but I will give it a go!

[deguconvert]

I am so sorry for your loss, Adele! I ditto what Bouncy said.

I have a question . . . when you say "Pet Planet" cage . . . what cage is that?

[adele]

Thanks, still getting used to how quiet it is without him. He loved bells and anything that he can smash around, unlike Craig who just loves his wheel.

The 2 level + 2 half level one that looks like liberta and aventura cages

[bouncy]

I know the one. The size is fine for two

To increase your chances of a successful introduction, you could play to goo desires and expand the half levels to full ones?

[adele]

I thought about that, but my cunning plan was to connect the pet planet cages as I have 2. I don't have room to go sideways but I could go up, do you think that could work?

Also what would be the best way to split the cage? I've split the cage down the middle before and that was a disaster, I had to split the boys up completely.

[bouncy]

Some cages do allow for upward stacking, so I don't see why not!

Personally, I'd say it's best to have a partition where they can see each other. If Craig can smell another goo but can't see him, it's more likely be hostile towards the trespasser to his territory that has evaded him. If you're going to temporarily use both cages for the intro side by side, that's fine. If you stack them, you can create a double layered partition (yes, one would have slightly more space) with a gap of an inch between the layers, you should be able to avoid bites.

Another consideration - if you have the potential to have a four storey cage, would you maybe take on a pair? That way, if intros work, you won't have any immediate issues because you'll still have a pair. If it doesn't work, you don't end up with two lone goos.

[adele]

I think I've done it too soon in the past. The boys had vocal domestics until early AM through the partition.

I have considered two, but I am devastated by Ronnies death, I'm dreading the day Craig goes too, two more on top of that is a lot to handle...but I would also love to give a couple of oldies a good end of life so that is an option.