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Sexing
Oct 7, 2006 15:47:39 GMT
Post by angeleyes80 on Oct 7, 2006 15:47:39 GMT
At what age can i sex them. When i looked at all of them they look like they male anatomy.But it looks like some are closer together and others further apart. When can i do a proper sexing? They are going to be 1 month on the 12 of oct.
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Sexing
Oct 7, 2006 16:13:58 GMT
Post by Erica on Oct 7, 2006 16:13:58 GMT
In MALE degus the distance between the anus and urethra is GREATER. Female degus' anus and urethra are quite close together. Some recommend putting the degu on it's back in one hand and gently hold the tail back. Be careful not to grasp the tail. You don't want to injure the tail because it may break, fall off and it won't grow back. When sexing deus, both males and females have a protrusion that can confuse people into thinking that their female degus are male. What you want to do is look at is the distance between the anus (the, obviously, "inny" looking bit near the base of their tail) and the urethra. Have you got the mother with them? Most of the research that I've done recommends that "baby degus should not be weaned from their mother earlier than four weeks of age and ideally around six weeks of age." From "Degus: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual" Barron's ISBN 0-7641-1600-2 Have fun!
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Sexing
Oct 7, 2006 16:28:30 GMT
Post by bopeuph on Oct 7, 2006 16:28:30 GMT
I could never get them to hold still while sexing them, so I put them in a clear glass jar. When they try to stand on their hind feet and climb out, you get an easy look underneath.
Nick
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Sexing
Oct 7, 2006 16:33:43 GMT
Post by Erica on Oct 7, 2006 16:33:43 GMT
It's funny you should mention that because I wrote the "recommended" method that I found in my research.
My degus hate being put on their back. They wriggle and squirm to right themself.
I actually ask my husband to hold the degu right side up, back end towards me. I gently push up the base of their tail and, being shorter than him, I can get a good look from below.
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Sexing
Oct 7, 2006 19:29:36 GMT
Post by angeleyes80 on Oct 7, 2006 19:29:36 GMT
Have you got the mother with them? Most of the research that I've done recommends that "baby degus should not be weaned from their mother earlier than four weeks of age and ideally around six weeks of age." From "Degus: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual" Barron's ISBN 0-7641-1600-2 Have fun! [/quote] No i don't have the mother with them. But they are eating their food and drinking water very well. In fact as soon as i got them home, they went straight for the food!! As for sexing, i think i have 2 females and 2 males. I was getting confused because they do look the same, but i do notice the distance. Thanks for the help, now here's another question. When do i seperate them? I don't want 30 degus!!! LOL
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Sexing
Oct 7, 2006 22:49:12 GMT
Post by skyeblu on Oct 7, 2006 22:49:12 GMT
Personally, I find it easier to sex them when they are younger, between 4-8 weeks. I particularly look for the ridge of skin between the genital cone/urethra and their anus which indicates a male. This seems to be much more "pronounced" when they are younger. So far the best examples I've found are at this web site: www.angelfire.com/on4/degumania/degu_gender.htmlYou can really see the "ridge of skin" in the first two photos.
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Sexing
Oct 12, 2006 0:12:09 GMT
Post by angeleyes80 on Oct 12, 2006 0:12:09 GMT
So its' official, i have finally sexed them!! And the tally is 3-1. 3 boys and 1 little girl!!!! Oh my goodness what am i going to do when they are older??? LOL things are going to be very interesting!!!
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Sexing
Oct 12, 2006 2:28:07 GMT
Post by Erica on Oct 12, 2006 2:28:07 GMT
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Sexing
Oct 12, 2006 4:03:02 GMT
Post by angeleyes80 on Oct 12, 2006 4:03:02 GMT
What can i do with my only female?? Obviously i have to seperate them, but when do i do that? What age? And i don't want her to be alone, but i don't want to get another female. 4 degus and 3 kids is plenty!!! Any suggestions??
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Sexing
Oct 14, 2006 2:58:17 GMT
Post by Erica on Oct 14, 2006 2:58:17 GMT
I would suggest that you start posting and looking now for someone else who has one or two female degus and may be willing to add one more as a companion.
I'm not sure exactly when they reach sexual maturity. Maybe someone else knows.
For the litters of babies that my degus had I separated the boys from the girls by 6-7 weeks of age.
Has anyone else got any suggestions for Angeleyes?
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Sexing
Oct 14, 2006 13:54:47 GMT
Post by Erica on Oct 14, 2006 13:54:47 GMT
One more thought... You could contact the small animal or exotic pet vets in your neighbourhood. Ask them if they have any degu owners with female degus who come to their clinic. They may be able to give your contact info to someone else. (They probably can't give you other people's phone number due to client confidentiality). Here's a link to an exotic vet clinic in Winnipeg: www.winrosevet.com/And here's a link to a listing of all the vets in Winnipeg: www.mvma.ca/search-members.asp?s=city&city=WinnipegYour little female degu needs a female buddy to play and snuggle with. Keep us updated on your progress. I'm sure you'll find a good home for her.
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Sexing
Oct 14, 2006 22:56:33 GMT
Post by angeleyes80 on Oct 14, 2006 22:56:33 GMT
I'm sorry if im going to sound rude, but i'm not rehoming my girl. It would be like getting rid of one of my kids because it's the wrong sex! I'm sorry but i can't. Being a degu owner you should understand what i mean. I might go out and buy another female. But i am not getting rid of my girl.
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Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
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Sexing
Oct 15, 2006 14:38:36 GMT
Post by Erica on Oct 15, 2006 14:38:36 GMT
I COMPLETELY understand. I'm SO sorry if I offended you. That was not my intention. I was just trying to help because I thought you said that you couldn't add another degu. I'm sure you'll be able to find a female buddy for your girl. Have fun with your new degu clan.
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