JoJo
Warbling Degu
Posts: 31
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Post by JoJo on Jul 19, 2007 19:26:29 GMT
Hi. I've had my 3 degus since they were 9 weeks old. (got Nov 06). My husband and I work full time at the moment so we only get to see them first thing in the morning for 5 minutes and from 6 on in the evening. (longer at weekends of course). They all seem happy enough but are still very timid and squeak and hide if we get too close to them. There is no way we can handle them. We let them out for a few hours once a week in our hallway. I sit in with them and they do come close to me if I keep very still. They will even climb on me. If I start moving too much they just run and hide! We catch them in a large plastic bottle. Is there any way I can get them to trust us abit more?  |
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laurieb
Burrowing Degu
Love My Goos!
Posts: 175
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Post by laurieb on Jul 19, 2007 23:17:08 GMT
Can they be coaxed with treats? Healthy ones, of course. ;D
If you haven't tried yet, the favorite at our house was unsweetened shredded wheat squares. Just a piece of a square. They also liked old fashioned oats.
;)Treats usually bring trust. If it works, try it with fresh clovers and grasses, so you can do it more often.
They love snacks!
Laurie
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gooey
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 174
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Post by gooey on Jul 20, 2007 4:45:47 GMT
yeah, snacks is a good way to go, they are definitely greedy little buggers heehee ;D
my oldest daughter moved in with us a few weeks ago and already they know that she will give them treats--they even missed her when she was gone for 2 days!
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honeybee
Newborn Degu
Discovering Degus...
Posts: 6
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Post by honeybee on Aug 25, 2007 7:45:28 GMT
We've been doing the same-had our degus for a week and a half and have started letting them out in our room, and we sit in there with them and talk to them etc. They will climb on our hands so far but reluctant to be scooped up and actually held/stroked.
Maybe with a bit of perseverance this will change, but like with all thing, I suppose it is a matter of personal preferance-mine might just not be those types of degus! They are friendly though at least, always run to the front of the cage when i speak to them and stuff, and they seem happy enough! We shall see....
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gooey
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 174
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Post by gooey on Aug 26, 2007 3:39:11 GMT
a lot of times they associate being scooped up with the way predators swoop down on them in the wild. it is an instinctive thing with the goos. my guys do not like being picked up but will come to you on their terms, sitting on hands, or climbing right up on your shoulder.  they definitely set the rules ;D |
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Post by critterrx on Aug 26, 2007 12:24:08 GMT
That's how my guys are, too. They don't like to be picked up, but will come to me on their own terms.
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Post by exile57 on Sept 5, 2007 12:46:51 GMT
When I got mine, they were 7 weeks old. From day one I sat on the doormat in the hall way with them and just left them to run up and down stairs and play with their toys, but within 30 seconds they were climbing all over me. They would run off and play again, but would (and still do) come back every minute or so to check I'm still there. And when tired they just come and sleep on me in my cupped hands normally. I really would try letting them out in the hall and sitting on the floor, or stairs so they can come climb on you at their will, not because you're making them, they'll soon be as tame and daft as my boys are (14 weeks old now). They even jump on any friends I have round who sit with us in the hall Good luck, hope my ramblings help ;D |
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Post by christyray on Sept 19, 2007 20:02:29 GMT
I have no idea how old mine are,but I was told the were 6 mos old,I got them yesterday I can hold them if I grab them but they would rather i stay away from them i think I am also greatfull they dont bite now that I have read some horror stories of their bites! does age have anything to do with it?
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gooey
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 174
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Post by gooey on Sept 21, 2007 3:55:04 GMT
depends on how much trust they had in their former owners. i would just give them time. talk to them, and don't rush anything. once they know you and trust you, eventually they will come to you. all on their terms of course ;D and i don't recommend grabbing them, it will just make them nervous, the whole predator thing ya know. put your hand out, you will see, soon they will come  oh and a few healthy treats as bribery might help too |
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Post by pepsimax on Sept 24, 2007 20:19:54 GMT
When I got mine, they were 7 weeks old. From day one I sat on the doormat in the hall way with them and just left them to run up and down stairs and play with their toys, but within 30 seconds they were climbing all over me. They would run off and play again, but would (and still do) come back every minute or so to check I'm still there. And when tired they just come and sleep on me in my cupped hands normally. I really would try letting them out in the hall and sitting on the floor, or stairs so they can come climb on you at their will, not because you're making them, they'll soon be as tame and daft as my boys are (14 weeks old now). They even jump on any friends I have round who sit with us in the hall Good luck, hope my ramblings help ;D Wow, I get my boys out lots but would not be confident to let them run around the house. I would be too scared they wouldnt come back. |
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