When can I start to handle the babies?

[cleocat]

My degu had babies 2 days ago, and I am so frustrated at not being able to find reliable info on the internet about exactly how to care for mum and babies in the following weeks. I know the basics but there are a few things that I still need to clear up:
I have been handling the babies only when nessecary - transferring mum and pups into a seperate cage from dad - one with no ladders so it's safe while they're young - and also when we had to bring mum to the vet because she was having a stillborn 3rd pup and couldn't get it out So obviously I have handled them in emergencies, but I haven't found any conrete information on when I can handle them and WHY etc. I know that they can't regulate their temperature so they need to be with mum mostly.

[Kat]

Hi,
Firstly congratulations on your babies.
Degus are not like hamsters and most mums are ok with the pups being handled by humans. How is your relationship with mum? If she trusts you I can't see a problem with you handling the pups for short times.
You are right about the babies being unable to control their temp, so do keep the sessions short.

Kat
x

[fuzzymum1]

I have handled babies from a matter of hours old. Billie gave birth around 9-10pm and I handled her pups the following morning. Just be careful to make sure they stay warm and if they start squeaking then they need to be returned to mum. As long as the mum trusts you then she will be happy for you to handle them - they probably see you as an extension of the degu colony and as they share parenting among degus I see no difference in us getting involved

[cleocat]

thanks guys my relationship with mum is very very good, she is extremely laid back about me picking the babies up and doesn't even seen to really notice haha, i was just concerned about getting them out too much as i read somewhere that it can stress them or affect their mental development or something? not sure how much truth there is in that though

[philbailey1806]

Hello Cleocat! I agree, it is very confusing when you have baby goos as there isn't a lot of info out there on the do's and don'ts really.

I handled all my babies from the day after they were born and mum was absolutely fine with it. Also, the earlier they are handled, the better they get used to being handled and accept regular handling as the norm.

From what I understood from my research though, it's not really a good idea to leave the room with the babies as they might suffer separation anxiety, and if they squeak then they need to be returned to mum straight away.

After 3 weeks old however, I read that the babies are ok to have more of an extended time away from mum and won't suffer the same anxiety.

Really though there isn't much to worry about, I'd say as far as baby animals go, degus are one of the easiest to breed and care for. They're quite hardy really and are good parents and it's pretty much unheard of that a mother kills her babies.

Enjoy them while they're young! Lol, they don't stay teeny for long!