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Post by degunewbie on Feb 20, 2021 20:40:16 GMT
Hi guys,
I'm thinking that eventually I will need to get another degu for my new girl. This isn't going to happen immediately, but I wanted to put it out there in advance as I'm thinking about it. Plus maybe others might find it useful to know.
So I only want to get a rescue degu. I have had a look around and there doesnt seem to be a single girl who needs a home, which I read same-sex is the ideal. She isn't neutered but it does look like the RSPCA might neuter the males.
My question is what would be the ideal, most comfortable, most ethical, to get, when it comes to it? Bearing in mind that I think I have seen single males, a father-daughter pair, groups of males, females and mixed groups. Though, when it does come to it, maybe there will be a single girl conveniently.
I wouldnt be against getting an additional pair, should there be space, but as I am new to degus ideally just one I think would be better. Is it OK to take a single girl from an existing group? Is it OK to pair her with a neutered male?
Overall, what is the best mix?
Also, just for an awareness thing. The UK's RSPCA has a lot of degus right now, if anyone was looking for another one. My girl actually came from a recent haul they had, where they then spread out to the centres. 300 degus were rescued from 1 house that had sadly got overwhelmed.
Thanks all, have a good evening
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Post by Xellie on Feb 20, 2021 21:26:34 GMT
I think ideally you'd want to get two young girls if you can't get just one.
I've heard that multiple males may fight over females.
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 20, 2021 22:03:42 GMT
One neutered male paired with a single female is good! A single neutered male with two or three females, also good! Two or more neutered males with one or more females . . . competition and aggression. The males will be more likely to fight for dominance and mating rights, which can become deadly in a cage because escape is practically impossible.
Two or more females together, good, even very good! Multiple females make quite a lovely colony. Multiple males also make a really lovely colony, but they tend to have a higher incidence of dominance fighting and aggression that can become very bloody. That isn't always the case, but it isn't unusual.
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 21, 2021 17:36:30 GMT
Single neutered boy with one or more girls is best as this is the natural state, as far as we know.
Multiple females is fine but different ages can come into play for getting most harmony, do you have any idea how old your girl is?
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Post by degunewbie on Feb 25, 2021 16:18:12 GMT
Thanks all,
I've contacted the RSPCA now, based on what you guys shared. I've contacted them sooner than expected actually, but imagining receiving the degu in a couple of weeks. She is roughly 1 year old apparently. I suggested a single (neutered) male I saw that is roughly same age, or the father daughter pair (the daughter is younger than my Sarah, quite young indeed, and the dad is guessed to be the same age as her). That way she gets to be the dominant female, hopefully, because she is a gentle soul so shouldn't be pushed around. There was a female group, but that was 3 I think, making 4 degus total, which I just dont think I could handle, plus the cage might get a little tight.
I'm also eager to get a friend for her in the pipeline, because past few days she's doing something interesting (but to me concerning). While I'm in the room with her now, she spends the WHOLE time sitting in the corner closest to me. It is exposed, and there aren't any comfy things there. Whenever I leave the room she runs to the top corner, hides behind something, and stairs out at the room. It is making me think she is lonely and is prioritising being close to someone to feel comfort. Though I'm probably reading too much into it. Am I mad?
But I will see what the RSPCA say, any way.
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 26, 2021 0:24:35 GMT
No . . . I don't think you are reading into things. Are you confident enough with her to tuck her inside a shirt, or hoodie so that she can be with you?
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 26, 2021 14:25:20 GMT
I would read that as her wanting company too. Let us know what the RSPCA say, the options you mention sounds good.
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Post by degunewbie on Feb 26, 2021 21:00:48 GMT
No, I absolutely can say I am not comfortable enough to put her in a shirt pocket or anything close. Our relationship right now is on her terms, and she isnt interested in me choosing how to interact. She is happy and enthusiastic to sit in my hands, and even doesn't mind movement now, but it is very much on her terms. I cant put her in a pocket, or anywhere other than her choice right now, I cant suggest movements to places for her.
So it might sound extremely ridiculous that I think she wants to be close to me because she feels more secure. But I really think it does. It is breaking my heart, when I come into the room and i see she has been sitting in the dark corner while I'm gone. I want to do the best for her, and I do think this is the best move, but I might be wrong which is scary. But I will be cautious and if I have to send the degu or degus back because she cant fit in then I unfortunately will have to, and I will make sure the RSPCA know that before I take any degu. And I will let you know what the RSPCA advice is. It is sad when you really want the little person you have responsibility over to be happy and they cant tell you what they want. So I just hope it's the best decision for her. But there will be a moving in separated contact period that so I can see if Sarah is comfortable and better off.
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Post by degunewbie on Feb 26, 2021 21:08:58 GMT
And it's also breaking my heart that when I am there she then sits in that corner. Hours while I'm on my laptop working and she sitting there and cant do anything. And hides if I leave the room to make a coffee or whatever. I can't win. She needs someone to explore and play with, and enjoy her environment. In my feelings I'm certain, but in logic perhaps is illogical. But hopefully RSPCA will get back to me soon and figure out what's best.
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 26, 2021 23:00:41 GMT
Love . . . you are not illogical, and we are in full agreement with you. She is longing for companionship. You are reading her correctly. I hope things will go really, really well with the RSPCA!
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Post by degunewbie on Feb 26, 2021 23:23:27 GMT
Thank you deguconvert! I hope so too, will just have to see. It is so difficult working out what's best... almost impossible. But then she starts making those baby chicken chirps and it is perfect, and I know she is happy for those moments. I just hope she finds company that allows her to feel comfortable and happy all the time. I just hope it works out, it's not ok until she is living her best degu life. That little gentle sweetie! She deserves the best. Man I ramble on too much, and overthink. I'm very happy to have this community to help me make her life the best. Other people don't understand where I talk about the situation, they think she will figure it out, she is as simple as a hamster. Thanks guys, you have helped me understand her, and me feel confident she is safe, so much! This community is amazing!
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 27, 2021 3:00:36 GMT
Degus are weird and complex and delightful!! The learning curve is steep, when you decide that you really want to know about them and not just assume they are like hamsters or rats, but it is a curve WELL WORTH tackling. You're on the right track, love! AND you fit right in!! We get the same weird looks when we talk about degus, too.
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 27, 2021 20:10:43 GMT
It may well not be possible, especially at the moment, but occasionally it is possible to take your degu to meet potential friends (safely through bars) to see which group may be the best fit. I'm sure you must sometimes just get a fear response anyway that wouldn't be helpful. Depends how accomodating the rescue might be anyway.
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Post by degunewbie on Mar 1, 2021 15:06:44 GMT
Hi guys,
So I spoke to the RSPCA, and they have made a couple of suggestions.
First, though I cant take Sarah there (they arent even doing home visits at present due to COVID), the fortunate thing is for pairing they only allow fostering first. This is so they can take them back if things dont work out.
The suggestions they made I need to think about though, and I'm trying to do a little bit of research on what it would entail to look after them. In the meantime, it would be great to get anyones advice if they have experience with these types of degus/degu group make up as well: 1 - a male female recently bonded pair. The female is a little older, though not sure exact age, and she has cataracts. The male is over a year, but they arent really sure with most of the degus, including with Sarah's age. When they got these degus, if they looked fully grown but not elderly they generally have categorised them as a year, they clarified. They are both quite lively, so my main thoughts are: will they match with Sarah's more timid personality? Will there be any specialist needs for the older female? 2 a single female who again they think is at least 1. She is again a bit lively and inquisitive, and also has an issue in 1 eye. They arent sure if it is damage or genetic. They treated her, but it didnt make a difference, so they expect it will just be an ongoing thing with her eye where it will get gunky, not needing treatment but one to watch. I would like to take a degu that is perhaps less attractive to others so would need a home more. And she is a single girl which is good. But my questions again, will she need specialist care, and if she is lively then will she fit in/be the best fit for sarah? 3 mum and daughter. The daughter was born with them, around christmas. Mum, is at least 1 year. They are quite timid, which could be good for Sarah or maybe they might have a bad effect on each other, encouraging a fear mindset?
Any advice I would really appreciate. Too much to consider!
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Post by deguconvert on Mar 2, 2021 6:55:24 GMT
WOW! Well . . . I'm going to have to think on that! Those are all quite different, and will pose different challenges to a degree. How quickly do they want to know? Are we talking a day or two, or less than that?
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Post by degunewbie on Mar 2, 2021 10:09:49 GMT
Yeah, very different options! There's no fixed time I have to get back though. I will probably get back in a few days, but then schedule their drop off for 2 weeks from now. There's no rush at all though, so I'm going to take the time to think about it
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Post by degunewbie on Mar 2, 2021 10:14:41 GMT
The plus side though, I can't go wrong! I like all the options, and would be thrilled with any of them. Just got to find the best buddy for sarah, who I know I can look after correctly. It is a win-win still!
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Post by moletteuk on Mar 2, 2021 16:34:46 GMT
I think that's quite a nice dilemma to have, but potentially quite difficult to figure out with logic, especially since the ages have been guessed.
I think the single female is probably the degu most in need of rehoming. I'm guessing she was separated while they tried treating her eye and they haven't got round to pairing or grouping her up themselves yet. The eye could be nothing, but there is a small chance it could be dental related - I would ask RSPCA if she has had a dental check.
I think the male female pair draws me for the potential to have a nice natural group, but if they are only recently introduced themselves, it's perhaps a lot of change to introduce your female.
I think trying to take into account who is liveliest and how that might impact Sarah is a bit tricky because it doesn't necessarily correlate with dominance, and Sarah could really liven up with a bit of encouragement. In some ways getting the livelier ones and thinking they might be more dominant is potentially a good move if you think your girl is submissive. If you put her with other submissive degus then somebody still has to be the leader and that might be harder to sort out if they all have similar low natural authority.
I think calling it a trial and fostering is probably a good thing as it takes the pressure off.
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Post by degunewbie on Mar 2, 2021 21:21:53 GMT
Thanks molletteuk, that is helpful. If it was a tooth issue, what would that mean? Could she get it fixed (not that I have a problem if she has a longterm eye problem, as long as she is comfortable)? Would she be at risk of a young, or uncomfortable death?
I'm really struggling to be honest, all of them deserve a good home, i think I could look after them all, and it seems like there isnt much to solidify which one is right for Sarah. At least theres no time pressure
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Post by degunewbie on Mar 2, 2021 21:28:09 GMT
Also I should probably let you know, that the reason this single female was separated was because of fighting. That's why they are unsure if the eye has started from an injury or is more of a genetic problem. And then she was on treatment and they havent managed to attempt another repair with her yet (as well as being overloaded at once with degus)
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