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Post by yasmin on Sept 17, 2011 23:52:43 GMT
We found one of my degu Lilac's six babies, that were born three days ago, lying on it's side outside the nesting box (it was not an intentional breeding; it was the result of a sexing error made by the animal shelter). The mother and her sisters were trying to get it to move and I even gave it a wee nudge. It moved a bit but was struggling. Fifteen minutes later, it was gone. I think the mom brought it back to the nesting box. Is there anything I can do to help it? Is there any chance that the mom or sisters can help the baby enough for it to gain its strength back? If it dies in the nesting box, what should I do? Do I remove it and disturb the nest or will the mother take it out of the box? I was mentally prepared for the fact that these babies are inbred and are therefore less likely to make it to adulthood, but emotionally it's difficult.  |
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Sept 18, 2011 0:20:12 GMT
I am so sorry to hear this Yasmin.
I have no experience with pups, but hopefully someone will be able to offer help soon.
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Post by yasmin on Sept 18, 2011 0:27:23 GMT
Thanks, NightwishRaven999. I will keep checking both my degus and this site.
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 18, 2011 1:23:29 GMT
I wish I knew what to offer as well. My thought is that if the baby is laying so still already . . . things don't look very good for it. I'm sorry, Yasmin!
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Post by amie on Sept 18, 2011 1:34:37 GMT
I also have no experiece with new born pups! My instinct tells me to leave the pup with his/her mothers as I don't think there's much you could for something so young that she couldn't do herself. Don't take my word on this. It's just what I'd do having no experience! I'm so sorry  |
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Post by yasmin on Sept 18, 2011 1:42:05 GMT
Hi Deguconvert.
I guess I will just have to leave it up to mother nature (gulp). I pray the others are doing okay. Could see Lilac nursing at least one that looks quite healthy. Tomorrow's Sunday; plan to be home most of the day and keep a watchful eye on them.
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Post by yasmin on Sept 18, 2011 1:47:11 GMT
Thanks Amie. Right now that's what I'm doing, not disturbing the nesting box and trusting that Lilac and her sisters are doing all they can.
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Post by Maravilla on Sept 18, 2011 8:08:13 GMT
I am so sorry to read this. You haven't done anything wrong, it's just normal. Maybe she was too young, has insufficient milk or the little one was just too weak.
If the little one doesn't survive, take him out of the nest when you see it. But don't be too shocked if there are parts of him missing. It seems quite normal that degus try to eat their dead fellows (babies or other members of the group) to avoid that predators take notice of them.
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Post by yasmin on Sept 18, 2011 17:04:31 GMT
So far, three of Lilac's six babies have been out and about – two strong ones and one weak one. I don't have a clear view into the nesting box but so far I haven't seen an obviously dead one. If I do spot a dead one, I will remove it as advised. (Not looking forward to that but last month I already had to deal with picking up the bodies of Azure's four miscarried degus that were scattered around the cage so I'll take a deep breath and deal with this distressing issue if I need too.)
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Post by marracraighead on Sept 18, 2011 18:40:50 GMT
I am so incredibly sorry to read you post You are are strong goo parent and I am sure you are doing your best please keep us advised I am sending tons of hugs from me and my girls
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Post by yasmin on Sept 20, 2011 14:51:14 GMT
Removed a dead one last night (the body was intact). Didn't linger in the nest box but I know, so far, at least four are still alive. Two are runty but one of the runty ones eats hay, scratches itself, is developmentally doing fine. The other runty one still has its eyes half closed but is mobile; not sure about his future. All the adults seem to be doing well, even the mother, so I am thankful for that.
(PS: Lilac, Azure, Peridot and Sean thank Harriette, Sally, Eva, and Juliet for the hugs.)
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Post by yasmin on Sept 28, 2011 19:21:04 GMT
Thanks Smux. They're two weeks old now and all five of the babies are alive, active, and doing well. The runty one is catching up quickly to the rest and his/her eyes are both open. I haven't handled them yet but I will start putting my hand in and let them sniff it as suggested. They are a bundle of cuteness and energy. Not an experience I have chosen to have, but am now feeling less stressed and more enthusiastic about it all. All three adult females are great mums, with special credit going to Azure who had miscarried earlier but is actively helping Lilac take care of her babies.
You have 15 babies presently – wow.
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