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Post by tantow108 on Jul 17, 2011 11:02:55 GMT
;D Hey, we have just bought two Degus after much contemplation, and also reading up on these great little guys, so enter Ben and Jerry.
They at first were very sociable even if I was near the cage they would come for a tickle and I was more than happy to oblige. However 24hrs later and they are running scared, squeaking as they do when frightened, and I don't understand, I approach them at eye level so they don't get a fright and chat to them in a soft voice.
I also need to know the best way of handling them, any advice would be great!!!
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Post by philbailey1806 on Jul 17, 2011 11:50:59 GMT
Hello! Love the names! Lol. Degu can be funny creatures and from time to time do run scared for no apparent reason, but if they have already been rushing to you for a scratch then at least it isn't you they have a problem with, and I'm sure they'll calm down once they've settled in a little better.
As for handling, the easiest and least stressing way to do it is to gently scoop them up, I find if you sort of cup your hands on either side and then genly (but not too slowly, they might run off) touch their legs/feet with the outside of your hands, they will nine times out of ten know what you want them to do and step onto your hand. It takes a bit of practice, but once you've mastered it, it's an easy, non- threatening way to pick them up. Once you've got them though it's just practice. It's best (if you can manage, might be a struggle untill you're used to them) to get them to face you, this way they're less likely to jump, otherwise, if they're facing away and they see somewhere they'd rather be they won't think twice about jumping out of your hands, and its surprising how far they can propel themselves! Lol. Basically, it just takes practice for you and your goos.
Hope this helps and good luck!
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Post by fred on Jul 17, 2011 12:11:05 GMT
Hi there, welcome to the forum! As phil said, they can be funny creatures and as you will find out, they often need a lot of patience. But you will also see that it's worth it I wouldn't worry about their behaviour at the moment and just give them time to settle in. Phil gives good advice for handling them but I would wait with that until they are really comfortable with you. If you tell us how old they are, and if they are older what you know about their history, we may be able to give your more specific advice.
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Post by deguconvert on Jul 17, 2011 20:25:48 GMT
Welcome to the forum!! Great to have you here!! I think your new goos are adjusting to their new environment and that is why you are seeing fear. All the new sights, sounds, and smells will be causing them some fright, as well as the wonder in their minds . . . where did we get to? Give them a few days to calm and acclimatize, and in the mean time, talk gently to them, and offer them some treats through the bars. Two treats that get big appreciation from degus are porridge oats, and sunflower seeds (in the shell). See how this goes for you. I expect it will start opening that HUGE connection between stomach and heart that ALL degus have. LOL!
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