Nervous newbie

[emilyd]

Hi all, just inherited a boy degu from an acquaintance who had to give him up.

I KNOW they are supposed to be in the company of other degus. This one had a mate that escaped early on and he has been alone ever since, for about 3 years

I have had him for one day. He has already eaten treats from my hand and seems comfortable, ran on his wheel last night.

I am terrified about introducing a new degu to him, but I want to do the right thing. The problem is, his cage is gigantic. If the introduction is unsuccessful, I don't have room for two large cages in my living room.

What is the right thing here? I have heard both ways, those who say it's total cruelty to keep him alone (even though he's been alone for so long) and then others say that given the length of time he's been solitary, it will be nearly impossible to introduce another.

[also, I think I scared the crap out of him with my coffeemaker this morning. he hid all morning. is that normal?]

[suzannem]

im really not sure whats best for him. lone degus can cope (aparently) but they need HEAPS of attention.
if your cage is huge it could be split (using chicken wire or something) this would be the best way to start off introductions, not sure if it would be ok long term thou if the intros didnt work.
dont worry bout him been scared mine still run and hide everytime the door bell goes! and if he's just moved house he will be extra nervous!
just as a final note, before you do introduce someone else, if thats what you decide to do, double check he's a "mister" as you dont want lots of lil goos!

[emilyd]

Hm, now I am a little worried. I came home from work and he is in the same hiding spot as when I left, hasn't touched his food and hasn't touched the treat-stuffed cardboard I left in there.

Should I just continue to leave him alone and let him get used to the house-sounds?

[deguconvert]

I would leave him be for a day or two. Keep an eye on him of course, but don't try and entice him over or anything. Him getting used to the new sounds and smells around him will be a good thing. However, if you don't see him moving about even a little, you may want to make sure he isn't ill or something.

I'm not sure on the question of getting a companion. If he has been a single degu for so long due the escape of his only companion, it wasn't something that came about as a result of aggression and violent fighting. It was an accidental loss. That at least means that he was happy having a companion and didn't choose to be alone out of an unusual personality trait. He has had a LONG time to get used to it, but that doesn't mean it is irreversable. So . . . it will depend largely on how willing you are to invest a good span of time to bring about a successful introduction.

[emz]

deguconvert gave some great advice! As mentioned you could split the cage in half using chicken wire if you decide to get him a friend. Usually people switch the sides the degus are on every couple of days so they become accustomed to their smell and then after a week or so they have them meet in neutral territory. I've heard putting vanilla essence on their fur gently before makes them all seem more neutral smelling also and tends to work very well.

It'll probably be hard to get him use to having a companion like deguconvert said if he has been alone for so long. But I really think a companion would be a good idea especially if you do not have the time to give him pretty much round the clock attention during the day. It is solely up to you though and what you think you're able to do.

Good luck with your choice.

[emilyd]

I have read several forums' instructions on new introductions and I feel confident that I can go through the actual mechanics of the process and I am certainly willing to put in the time. It is the space I'm worried about should the introduction be a total failure. Dividing the cage is a great suggestion.

That said, he is still not used to his new home, so it will be one step at a time here.

Thanks for the advice; I'm sure I will need more.

[ra]

I've got a lone Degu. Tanzania's mom Mocha had to be put to sleep this past January due to a large tumor in her jaw and suspected brain tumors. There really was no other choice. I tried unsuccessfully to locate another female Degu for her. In the meanwhile she appears to have adjusted well. She was always more aggressive than her mom. I've spent extra time with her each day. The Degu Condo is in our home - office area. It's not good for the computer (the fine dust from the Degu bath killed one of my printers!)but very good for her.
My husband, dad and I all use that office so she has lots of company.

I made a point of teaching her to come out and down my shoulder to sit in my hands to eat treats so she has physical contact daily. I bought more toys and treats for her..even a small stuffed Degu size chipmunk. She hauls that poor chipmunk around stuffing him under boxes, dragging him through the tunnels and leaving him in the sand box. Days go without him being moved then I'll see him somewhere else.

Anyway if your lone Degu adjusts to his new home with you and shows no signs of depression I wouldn't worry too much. I am a little concerned that he's not eating right now. Keep an eye on that. Their health can deteriorate quickly.

[emilyd]

Thank you so much everyone! I have a lot to think about.

In the meantime, great news: My degu came out of his shell almost overnight. I decided to put my hand in the cage and just sit with my open palm on the cage floor. I expected to be there for a while. I glanced down at the dog, then back at my hand, and there he was, whiskers quivering, snuffling at my hand! He let me stroke his head, then ran away. I tried again later, and by the next morning he was running to meet my hand when I reached in. Now when we are in the room he is out and about arranging his cage, running in his wheel and staring at us.

So indeed, as his previous owner claimed, he is very social and loving. He is eating and drinking and rolling in his dust bath and destroying toilet paper tubes. All is well!! Thanks everyone!