Post by s on Feb 3, 2023 14:56:38 GMT
Okay, this is kind of strange, so I'll preface it:
We got our degu Daewoo in 2020. At the time we didn't know much about degus, and the (most probably ill-advised) man at the shop recommended against getting two boys because they might fight. As a result, we ended up getting just one. I was really worried because I read online that degus get depressed by themselves and so for a while we considered introducing another.
Anyway, time passed and we developed a routine. My partner and I both work from home and Daewoo's cage is in our living room. Small cage outings became longer and longer to the point where Daewoo barely spends any of the day in his cage at all. He's free to roam the apartment like a dog or cat. (Of course, we don't take him outside, and we have blocked some dangerous areas off and covered up all the wires.) Now, we only put him in his cage when we both leave the apartment (max a few hours a day) or when we sleep. This proves quite comfortable for all of us - Daewoo runs around exploring, collecting things, and hiding sticks/snacks, and naps on the sofa or in his bed. We made a little extended play areas for him in the living room with ramps and tunnels. He's a very good boy and rarely causes trouble.
So, as I mentioned, he's the only degu in the house. I was worried about this and tried to make a point of giving him a lot of attention, as did my partner. Over time, we've developed a strong bond! He probably thinks we're giant degus, or that he is a human. We play a lot of games - he likes to be chased and maybe to play fight (not sure exactly what the behaviour is but he grabs my hand, fake-bites me and wiggles his tail and seems to enjoy it). I also groom him myself, going through his fur, checking his skin and keeping his ears clean. He likes this, too, and usually asks me to do it. He even stays still while I get bits of sand out of his eyes! In addition, he loves cuddles, and often sits/sleeps on my knee while I'm working or watching TV. He even jumps in bed with me/my partner for a nap in the morning or evening. He'd probably sleep in bed with us all night, but obviously he's tiny and might get squished so he can't do that.
I really think that the free reign he's experiencing is making him smarter. He's very naturally curious and loves exploring. When he hears noises outside, he runs to the front door to listen. He greets guests when they come in. He also communicates with us A LOT - it's pretty easy for us to understand what he wants! He asks my partner for snacks like a dog. He has his own little table where he receives snacks and he'll sit there in anticipation. He's constantly making cute chirping sounds.
Eventually we reasoned that getting another degu would probably do more harm than good. They might get territorial and fight, and I'm not sure we could allow them both the same freedom as Daewoo enjoys now. He's healthy and seems really happy. He doesn't show any signs of stress or sadness. I genuinely believe he's a happy and relaxed boy. (And he should be at this point since I basically treat him with the same care and attention I would my own child!!)
That's the situation. I suppose the reason I'm posting this is because I'm really curious to see if there's anyone else in a similar living situation with their degus having free reign of the house. (Although we're in Tokyo where apartments are small - it might be more challenging in a big house!) I'd like to share stories. Since pet degus haven't been a thing for very long, I feel like this sort of arrangement/relationship is still pretty unprecedented.
I'd love for animal behaviour scientists to come and observe it properly and analyse what's going on! Degus are really honestly amazing and I'm really touched by the extent to which I've been able to form a deep and meaningful bond with mine. I had no idea I would care about him so much!
Let me know your thoughts, or if this resonates!
We got our degu Daewoo in 2020. At the time we didn't know much about degus, and the (most probably ill-advised) man at the shop recommended against getting two boys because they might fight. As a result, we ended up getting just one. I was really worried because I read online that degus get depressed by themselves and so for a while we considered introducing another.
Anyway, time passed and we developed a routine. My partner and I both work from home and Daewoo's cage is in our living room. Small cage outings became longer and longer to the point where Daewoo barely spends any of the day in his cage at all. He's free to roam the apartment like a dog or cat. (Of course, we don't take him outside, and we have blocked some dangerous areas off and covered up all the wires.) Now, we only put him in his cage when we both leave the apartment (max a few hours a day) or when we sleep. This proves quite comfortable for all of us - Daewoo runs around exploring, collecting things, and hiding sticks/snacks, and naps on the sofa or in his bed. We made a little extended play areas for him in the living room with ramps and tunnels. He's a very good boy and rarely causes trouble.
So, as I mentioned, he's the only degu in the house. I was worried about this and tried to make a point of giving him a lot of attention, as did my partner. Over time, we've developed a strong bond! He probably thinks we're giant degus, or that he is a human. We play a lot of games - he likes to be chased and maybe to play fight (not sure exactly what the behaviour is but he grabs my hand, fake-bites me and wiggles his tail and seems to enjoy it). I also groom him myself, going through his fur, checking his skin and keeping his ears clean. He likes this, too, and usually asks me to do it. He even stays still while I get bits of sand out of his eyes! In addition, he loves cuddles, and often sits/sleeps on my knee while I'm working or watching TV. He even jumps in bed with me/my partner for a nap in the morning or evening. He'd probably sleep in bed with us all night, but obviously he's tiny and might get squished so he can't do that.
I really think that the free reign he's experiencing is making him smarter. He's very naturally curious and loves exploring. When he hears noises outside, he runs to the front door to listen. He greets guests when they come in. He also communicates with us A LOT - it's pretty easy for us to understand what he wants! He asks my partner for snacks like a dog. He has his own little table where he receives snacks and he'll sit there in anticipation. He's constantly making cute chirping sounds.
Eventually we reasoned that getting another degu would probably do more harm than good. They might get territorial and fight, and I'm not sure we could allow them both the same freedom as Daewoo enjoys now. He's healthy and seems really happy. He doesn't show any signs of stress or sadness. I genuinely believe he's a happy and relaxed boy. (And he should be at this point since I basically treat him with the same care and attention I would my own child!!)
That's the situation. I suppose the reason I'm posting this is because I'm really curious to see if there's anyone else in a similar living situation with their degus having free reign of the house. (Although we're in Tokyo where apartments are small - it might be more challenging in a big house!) I'd like to share stories. Since pet degus haven't been a thing for very long, I feel like this sort of arrangement/relationship is still pretty unprecedented.
I'd love for animal behaviour scientists to come and observe it properly and analyse what's going on! Degus are really honestly amazing and I'm really touched by the extent to which I've been able to form a deep and meaningful bond with mine. I had no idea I would care about him so much!
Let me know your thoughts, or if this resonates!
I wish I could let my degus out like that but we have cats and too much mess (LOL).