Whats the maximum number to keep in a clan?

[buzz]

Hello, I'd just like to know how many of a single sex you can keep in a clan providing their cage is large enough to accomodate, just out of curiosity.

If a larger number is possible then could I extend the clan at a later date if I were to adopt pups at around 6-8 weeks?

I have tried to find this information for myself but I haven't come across anything that has told me these things.

[laurieb]

From what I understand, You can have as many as you wish as long as they all get along and you have the room for them. In the wild their groups are huge.

Girls, i believe would be easier, because of a dominance issue. It really depends on personality.

Introductions later could take some time, but could probably be done. It takes a lot of patience.

If I'm able to find other info, I'll let you know. I have been studying them for over a year, and this is what I believe to hold true, although this is one situation that I don't personally have experience with.

Laurie
,

[Sunshinemeg]

In the wild the degu will form groups of up to 100. these are however usually based around one or two families.
In captivity you would be able to do the same with a family, but would need to keep in mind that once a degu becomes sexually mature, (between 9 months and a year) they will possibly choose to change their dominance ranking within the group. This would lead to fighting to establish the rank. This happens in the wild, but there is far more space for the less dominant degu to go to if he needs to.
I would not wish to suggest an actual figure to aim for in captivity, as it would depend entirely on the time and space that you can offer, and you would also need to consider that if they do not accept a newcomer to the group, can you provide a second home.
Hope all this helps, if you have particular questions on introducing new degus let me know, I have done it on a number of occasions now!