josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on Apr 28, 2008 3:33:10 GMT
This whole introduction thing is keeping me awake at nigth. A lot of what ifs...
Have been reading all I could find about introductions, but I still have a few questions.
Would it be best to introduce Lille Blaa to Josefine and Fia one at the time, or just let them all meet at the same time?
What do I use to clean the cage with when it's time for them all to move in together? Will soap and water do?
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 28, 2008 4:18:39 GMT
Mild soap and water will do just fine. Make sure all soap residue is completely rinsed off. As to two goos meeting Lille Blaa at the same time, or just one . . . I would base that decision on how they interact through the bars of their cages. When they are looking at each other through the bars, what kind of reactions can you notice between them. Does there appear to be any aggression with one of the sisters with Lille Blaa, or with both of them toward her? Is she more aggressive toward one of them, or both of them? If there is aggression you can see, with a specific degu, make sure you introduce them separately, and perhaps a little more slowly, allowing them to still adjust to the scent of each other. If it is really difficult to see any reactions, I would try introducing them all together at the same time in a room that you can control really well. In the bathtub in the bathroom is a really good place. There you can shut the door, ensuring they cannot escape, and in the tub you can use a water spray bottle to spray any degus that begin to fight. It is a good deterrent and will help them to learn that fighting is NOT a good pursuit. Keep a dry towel on hand so that you can dry off any degus that you have had to spray. It is important to prevent them from getting a chill. Another thing, make sure that you have enough food dishes, once you try putting them in the same cage environment. Fights over food are very predictable, since they are very territorial over food. Each having their own dish makes it much easier to keep the peace . . . at least with male degus.  It can be the same with water bottles. That's about all I can think of now . . . my brain is getting ready for bed, lol! Any more questions, please be sure to post them. There are lots of experienced and knowledgeable owners here, more than willing to lend a helping hand. It's a GREAT place! |
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on Apr 28, 2008 4:34:52 GMT
I'm really glad I found this forum. Don't know what I'd do without it!
Both Josefine and Fia seems interested to get into Lille Blaa's cage, Josefine trying to chew her way in and Fia trying to dig through the bars. Don't really know if it's agression or just plain curiosity. I Think Fia will be more friendly than Josefine. Lille Blaa has just ignored them until yesterday, now she'll let them have a sniff and then she'll leave.
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Post by Lala on Apr 28, 2008 12:28:05 GMT
Are they making squeaks while trying too get into Lille Blaa's cage? Or just chewing/digging through bars?
Give it a few more days, Lille Blaa might still be adjusting too her new surroundings so may not seem interesting in Josefine & Fia OR she could just be a bit shy!
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on Apr 28, 2008 12:38:15 GMT
They are squeeking a little, sounds like a mix of annoyed squeeks and the grooming sounds they make.
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Post by Lala on Apr 29, 2008 11:29:38 GMT
Hmm, it seems they're still a little peeved that there's someone new! Leave them for a few days then swap cages so they can smell each other properly and see how they do!
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on Apr 29, 2008 17:30:43 GMT
Turned out that it was Josefine who was doing most of the squeeking, Fia was just telling Josefine off for being grumpy. So I decided to introduce Fia to Lille Blaa today, and it couldn't have gone better;D A lot of grooming, a bit of mounting and just chasing eachother around the kitchen having fun. Lille Blaa was so excited to finally be with another degu. She and I had a long grooming session earlier today, so now my hands and nails are well manicured;D
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on May 1, 2008 8:43:19 GMT
How long did it take before your goos were ready to move in together? I know it will take some time, but just like to know if it will take weeks...months?
Tried to Lille Blaa and Josefine together today, went fine to start with but then Josefine got mean and I had to take her back into her cage. Going to give them a couple more days before I introduce them again.
How much fighting is ok? Think I might be a little overprotective...
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Post by buzz on May 1, 2008 9:23:35 GMT
They have to 'fight' to assert dominance, for my boys that entails a bit of wrestling and if Splinter is loosing the odd hind leg kick (he's a cheat  ). Josefine sounds like the dominant female so she'll want to put Lille Blaa in her place quite quickly. Hopefully Lille Blaa will happily take the submissive role but if she doesn't straight away then be prepared for some fighting, untill they work out whose the strongest. What you will probably see is Josefine getting mean at first and then happy to just perform the mounting behaviour if Lille Blaa is happy to be submissive. Blood should never be drawn, in which case it might take a few months to establish a happy bond. |
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on May 1, 2008 10:01:51 GMT
Deciding who's the strongest shouldn't be a problem as Josefine is a huge one year old, and Lille Blaa a skinny little 8 weeks old. Not sure if she will be so happy to be submissive though. First thing she did when she met Fia was to jump on her back trying to hang on, and Fia trying to shake her off. It was a real sight;D Degu rodeo..haha.
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Post by phe on May 1, 2008 13:25:30 GMT
lol at the degu rodeo! made me laugh! dont kno anthing bout introductions, just thought id wish u good luck  xxx |
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Post by Lala on May 1, 2008 14:48:52 GMT
I've got such a funny image in my head "degu rodeo" >.< Anyways, it could be weeks or months I'm afraid it all depends on Lille Blaa and Josefine, if Lille Blaa's willing too be submissive and if Josefine is willing too accept her. You know Fia and Lille Blaa get along, so it's just going too be a waiting game. The fighting is normal, just watch & make sure it doesn't get too out of hand! Good luck |
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on May 4, 2008 16:26:27 GMT
Fia has gone mad! She's always been this sweet little goo, but the last few days she's been a real bully. Now she doesn't like Lille Blaa anymore and there was a real fight yesterday where Fia hurt her leg, and she even starts fights with Josefine.
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Post by buzz on May 4, 2008 17:41:59 GMT
Yup, balance has gone to pot. It happens. Can't give you a full description as to why... perhaps when there are two others there is more to play for... best food etc and being boss helps you... get the best food etc. I'd go back to basics with the introductions, just have the two cages next to each other and see if Fia's behaviour settles.
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on May 8, 2008 17:36:10 GMT
Well, now I've let Josefine and Lille Blaa meet a few times and there's no improvement. Josefine is chasing her around and attacks if she can. Luckily Lille Blaa is much faster than the big and fat Josefine, but she is really scared of Josefine. When they are in the cage Lille Blaa likes to be near the other two, she will even fall asleep next to Fia who is chewing the bars and squeaking like a mad.
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Post by buzz on May 8, 2008 20:21:18 GMT
hmm.. it does sound like she wants company but the other two aren't willing to be friends.
I guess at the end of the day there isn't much you can do if they never get on except get another female pup for lille blaa or rehome her to someone who can give her degu company. You may be able to keep her on her own but if she is degu who needs company she is likely to get depressed and possibly ill as a result. I'm sorry to sound so negative but it is something to think about I guess.
Introductions can take many months though, are you swapping them around in the cages daily? Thats the best way to introduce another's scent.
Tell us what methods you are using as we may be able to suggest improvements or changes to your techniques?
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Post by deguconvert on May 9, 2008 0:53:26 GMT
Well said, Buzz. I had basically what you said in mind myself . . . just couldn't make it "gel" into cohesive sentences. LOL!! Desperate need for caffeine or something today.
Knowing what you have been trying in regard to the introductions would be very helpful, Josefine. If you could give us a general understanding, there could be several ideas for you to add into your attempts and plans. With persistence, and patience, and some new ideas, there must be a way to get past the antagonism of your original goos.
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on May 9, 2008 7:42:41 GMT
I am swapping cages daily and using the vanilla sandbath. Alltough Lille Blaa doesn't really like sandbaths she'd rather use the floor. But she will come and sit in it, and I'll put some dust on my fingers and groom her. When they meet it's on neutral ground, with me and the spray bottle there. Josefine knows that when she sees the spraybottle it's time to behave.
Doesn't like the idea of rehoming, I don't know anyone who would like to be a degu mum. And wouldn't risk giving her to a stranger who might not take good care of her.
Boyfriend would probably not let me have two cages and I promised him Lille Blaa was the last degus...so I'm going to keep trying...
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Post by buzz on May 9, 2008 8:33:48 GMT
Doesn't like the idea of rehoming, I don't know anyone who would like to be a degu mum. And wouldn't risk giving her to a stranger who might not take good care of her. Boyfriend would probably not let me have two cages and I promised him Lille Blaa was the last degus...so I'm going to keep trying... I completely understand your concerns. I had similar ones when I thought I'd have to rehome my goos. It sound like your doing everything right. Whats your cage dimensions for both cages? How often do they meet? I'd be inclined to leave the introductions till all aggressive behaviour subsides, i.e Fia gnawing and squeaking at Lille Blaa etc. They haven't gotten used to the idea that there is another degu next to them thats 'invading' their territory. So I would still keep Lille Blaa next to them, and I guess I would stop swapping cages as it might be getting josefine and fia stressed. Is the other cage smaller? Just let them get used to the idea of another degu in close proximity and when they stop any aggressive behaviours start again. |
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josefine
Foraging Degu
2 goos: Lille Blaa and Fluffy
Posts: 70
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Post by josefine on May 9, 2008 8:59:20 GMT
One cage is 30x18x30" and the other is ca 34x22x50". I've let them meet every day now for a few days. But maybe I'll let Fia and Josefine stay in the big cage and Lille Blaa in the small one and see if they settle down.
It's so heartbreaking to see my little baby so lonely....and not beeing able to do something... Almost wish I could be a goo and move in with her...
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It can be the same with water bottles. 
). 