Need a new pal for berieved Degu

[alexw1982]

Hi Guys

Today I have lost one of my Degus, Pele. It has been a massive shock as he was only 2 and a bit and was fine up until weds eve.

I am very sad and it hasnt quite sunk in, but Diego has to be my priority now. He seems very lonely, so need to get him a new friend, or 2.

The history goes Pele & Diego fell out and i had them both snipped to try and solve the problem, this ultimately didn't work, but patience saw them be together for 11 weeks not so long ago. Even when they were separated they were always side by side, and i am pretty sure that Diego is missing that interaction. I am not 100% if they actually were brothers at all.

So with him being snipped i have option of boy or girl. The cage i have is pretty big, i call it semi detached with a pop hole that can be closed. see lipic.
So my questions are from your experiences..

Do I go for a boy or a girl?
Would it be better to have 2 new rather than 1, and hope all 3 got on, is one side of my cage big enough for 2? I have playtime almost every day.
Do I go for a baby, or an older Degu?

I go on my holls in 2 wks so i guess i'd be looking at getting any new additions ASAP and considering introductions on my return.

I will have a brows on adoption pages here as I think I would pref to adopt froma good home rather than go to Pets at Home, as I am skeptical of the breeder they use for Pele to die so young.

Any advice welcome.

Alex & Diego.

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[sarz29]

Hi

Firstly I would like to say how sorry I am for your loss, it is truly awful when one of your goos dies and you are left hurting and wanting to do your best by the one left behind.

I have 2 goos, Suzie and Rainbow, that I need to rehome as they have both lost their mates. Suzie used to live with my neutered male Ollie and Rainbow used to live with Gromit, another neutered male. Sadly Ollie had inner ear infection that the vet could not clear even after op. He could not walk or hold food so had to put him to sleep. I got her 2 new babies which she took to and then my beloved Gromit died. I was on way to vets to pick him up when they called me to say he died. I personally think the nurse accidentally gave him to much syringe feed as he went into breathing difficulties and died when she was feeding him. Anyway I thought I would try and get them all together but when swapping Suzie, Chili and Chutney to Rainbows side of the cage ,as you do when going through the introduction process and Chili laid into Suzie and bit through her neck so she couldn't breath properly . She was on oxygen for a few days and pulled through but took a good few weeks as she had lost alot of weight because couldn't eat. There was no way I am was going to reintroduce Suzie to the 2 sisters( chili and chutney) so I have been trying with Rainbow for the past 5 months but Rainbow just doesn't like her. Suzie is 3 and a half agouti and Rainbow is 3 and a blue goo and they are both used to living with males with no problems and are very tame and friendly.

I love them so much and don't want to let them go but my brother has recently passed away and finding it very hard at the mo and when I look at them although they can talk or squabble through the mesh I know this is selfish on my behalf as they need to play and groom with their own kind. I am hoping we can help each other out or if anyone else can help please contact me. They are both used to daily runs so that is essential. Sorry not meaning to ask to let them out daily but often and I am sorry this is so long winded. Really hope someone can help.

Thanks

Sarah

[alexw1982]

Hi, I'm in Leeds so you're a bit far away for me, so can't help, sorry.

I have been looking at ads too, I may have found a lone Degu in Leeds that was attaacked by its bro, so guy is either rehoming it or asking for another, so i've e mailed to ask about rehoming it. I hope he gets intouch quick! I'd like to get one ASAP!

[roxyroo]

I'm so sorry to hear about Pele It must have been such a shock for you.

I am looking to rehome my two male degus, they're brothers and are just about to turn one year old.

I'm in North Wales, not far from Chester so I'm not sure if that's too far for you? We would be willing to meet you in between if you're interested. It'd be about 45 mins drive to meet halfway.

They're lovely boys, very friendly but we can't give them the attention they deserve anymore

They come in a lovely big cage. Here's the link to my thread if you're interested deguworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=market&action=display&thread=8443

[alexw1982]

I found a boy in Leeds on Gumtree. He had been attacked by his bro and needed a home. He is yet to be named but settling in well. Just like Pele was, a bit bigger than Diego, v talkative and likes a stroke and sticks his arm up when you stroke him.

Diego was going mental at first, darting around his side of the cage, presumably a little put out there was a new boy in his terriotory, and clearly he didn't mistake him for Pele. But things have calmed down now, both doing their own thing and occasionally interacting.

It does feel odd without Pele, and i think Diego thinks that too, but I have made the best of a bad situation, for the new boy too.

[woodchip]

Glad you found a new friend for Diego. I'm sure "Roberto" (Carlos) and Diego will get on fine in the end.

[sarz29]

Glad everything has worled out well for Diego. All the best for them and a long happy life.