OK, we need opinions ASAP

[laurieb]

Our nephew was supposed to adopt Willy and a son. A long story, but he no longer can. . I contacted another adopting couple to see if they would be willing to take Willy with some little boys, and they would really like to, but had a concern that we need help with.

They were wondering that, since Willy is used to "female companionship", as to say, he would miss this and have problems.

I thought that he would be OK, since females won't be around, he would be able to handle it, but I feel better getting other opinions.

Thanks, everyone!
Laurie

[critterrx]

The only thing I would worry about is that males housed together sometimes fight. Willy and one son may be okay, but I would worry about 2 brothers together. My 2 degus are brothers and started fighting when they were about 6 months old. I keep them in separate cages and let them out together for supervised playtime.

[sarah]

Laurie, I don't think that Willy would miss "female companionship" because if there's not a female around, he won't think about it! (At least, that's my understanding...) There might be some dominance issues, but I would think that if they have all been living together prior to being adopted out, they would be OK.

Since all of our boys have been neutered, I'm waiting to see if Blossom and Doris will still go into heat. I know that degus are induced ovulators and the females don't go into heat unless there's a male around, I don't know if the fact that it's a neutered male makes a difference.

So confusing, and I can't seem to find any information on this -- not even the vet knows!

Sarah

[critterrx]

sarah said:

There might be some dominance issues, but I would think that if they have all been living together prior to being adopted out, they would be OK.

My guys lived together from birth, and still starting fighting later. These guys may be fine, but it's just something to consider.