Oak Tree leaves

[smithomatic]

Hey everyone,

Last night I was gifted with a large pack of oak and birch tree branches. I have set up the birch tree branches in the cage. It looks like a little forest inside thier home, they are absolutely loving it! They are running around chirping and warbling tugging the leaves off, chewing the branches trying to climb them and generally running around excitedly. It helps to create a very natural habitat look in the cage aswell.

I have not added the oak branches in yet, my question is this; before I add the oak tree branches do I need to remove the leaves? Are Oak tree leaves safe for degus?

Thanks guys!

[fred]

Oak leaves are OK. Oak was previously considered to be problematic because of the high tannin content. However, degus have been shown to deal very well with tannins, unlike some other rodents. It is better though to introduce the leaves - as all new food - in slowly increasing amounts.

Can you put a picture of the forest on your blog - before your goos are finished with it

[smithomatic]

I will certainly try fred! Il snap a pic as soon as I finish work in a few hours. (unless that have destroyed it!!!) Unfortunatly ive not had time to update the blog recently becuase I have been monitoring the baby and also how the degus are reacting to one another now they are in the same cage. Hopefully a wave of updates coming soon. The new BIG house is completed

[smithomatic]

Wont be able to get a picture tonight guys, having some serious degu problems atm

Hopefully all will turn out ok..