#degublr

hello can you detect these guys 🧸

I most certainly can! Multiple degu detected.

Degus are very social animals, and should ideally always be in a pair, minimum. However, sometimes things could go wrong. One could pass away, they could not get along, or one is being bullied. You can't keep them alone, so what could you do?

Reintroducing Degus is difficult but well worth it. One of the most common scenarios is when one passes of disease or old age as adults, leaving one alone. Degus around the same age would be ideal as it you wouldn't end up in the same scenario with the newer one, but pups are easier to introduce. However, if introducing pups, it would be best to add them as a pair so they would still have each other once the older Degu passes.

The ideal way to introduce them would be to keep two cages next to each other so they can see and smell each other. Chattering and mostly ignoring each other is a very good sign, as this would mean they do not intend to fight. Over the course of 5-10 days, swap the degus cages or bedding, so they can smell where the other has been. This will help familiarise them with each other, without contact. This is important not to rush this as this could require you to start the process from the start. Once the degus seem calm around each other, you could try introducing them in a neutral area.

Before introducing, it is important to offer them a sand bath with Degu safe scents in them (Lavander, Peppermint, Vanilla) to help mask their own scent. This will confuse them when they meet, as they will not recognise the other as being the invader. A dry bathtub would be ideal but if that is not available, try cleaning out the main cage you intent to house them in, scrub it clean to remove the previous degus scent and rearrange it. This will help them see it as new territory, and not their own. I find it helpful to add two bowls of food at this time, as it could help to distract them.

Introduce the Degus. If one is noticeably smaller, it may be best to add them first. Keep the area accessible while you observe them for atleast 20 minutes to break up any fights if need be. In this time, chasing, mounting and boxing is absolutely normal, and is just them sorting out the hierarchy. However, Degu balls lasting more than a moment are absolutely not. If they get into a Degu ball, that means a serious fight and they could potentially fight to the death. If they do this remove them immediately, and start the cage method again from the start.

Pups under 8 weeks old are simple to introduce, as they would be seen as the original Degus pups rather than enemies or intruders. However, it would still be best to follow with the other steps above.

It is important to realise though that there is no guarantee that the two Degus selected would ever get along. These chances are slim, but it is something you must consider. But if you keep the introductions at a good pace, there's a better chance with having them get along.

Degus reporting for duty! 🐭🐭🐭

Oooo the degus are doing a great job! Thanks for sending them in. I should share my degus with y'all soon. Multiple degu detected.