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Wheekster
Baby Degu
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| Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:20 am Post subject: Should I split them up ?? |
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Hi everyone.
I am new here and new to being a degu owner!
I adopted two boys a little while ago, father and son. They were kept in the tinest of cages and it was all they knew!
I have since got them a bigger better cage, with lots of wood and toys to chew etc. More stimulation.
Every since I have had them though, the one male is so withdrawn, and seems to be afraid of everything. If I am very quiet and just sit still and watch then he comes out, is more active and will use the wheel. His favourite thing is the wheel. !!
He is eating and will take from my fingers, but is nothing like the other degu.
The other one is so lively, cheeky and inquisitive just like a degu should be!
I have noticed the livelier degu will chase the other one around if he comes off his wheel, and is mounting him etc.
Although they do cuddle up and the livelier one grooms the other, I am not sure if the smaller one is perhaps being 'bullied'!!
I am not sure what to think!!
Would welcome any advice on this please. ! I dont want the little guy to be unhappy, but he is just not behaving as though hes a happy chap!
thanks
Deb x |
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amethystbelle
Degu Rock Owner
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Joined: 30 Jul 2006
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Location: Nottinghamshire, UK
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| Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:02 pm Post subject: |
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To me it sounds like typical degu behaviour as there is always one who is dominant and one who is submissive. The mounting can be a sign of domination and also of a randy degu  Every degu is different and some are shyer then others and not as forthcoming. I think he needs a little time to get used to his new surroundings and trust he is safe as you don't know what went on in his previous home and something could have made his wary of humans. Another fact to also consider is that they was in a smaller cage and now he is in a larger one he has to get used to the space and he could see his wheel as a comfort blanket hence his attachment to it.
I wouldn't personally seperate them as degus are highly social and get depressed very easily on their own and as these two aren't fighting and get along well i would leave them together 
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Kandy
Baby Degu
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Joined: 05 Aug 2006
Posts: 28
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:07 pm Post subject: |
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I wouldn't worry about splitting them up unless they start fighting. Everything you've described sounds like normal degu behaviour. The mounting is just the one degu showing dominance over the other and my father degu and his boys still do this.
How long have you had your boys? Most likely the shy degu will just take some time to warm up to his environment and you. Sometimes it takes degus a while (sometimes months) to adapt after rehoming and giving them a new cage. I would say just give them some time .
Though you might feel silly, try talking to your degus or make a noise as you come near their cage so that they know it's you and they aren't startled. I always make a clicking noise with my tongue or talk when I enter their room because I find if I don't it scares the bejeebies out of them when they realize I'm there. Sometimes I feel silly because I talk to them while I'm in their room for hours taking care of them and the other pets, my husband must think im crazy  .
Good luck with your boys and I'm sure the shy one will open up more soon
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~ 4 Chinchillas ~
~ Girl: Chilla
~ Boys: Cadbury, Punkin, and Casper |
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Wheekster
Baby Degu
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| Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:25 pm Post subject: |
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Aww thanks everyone for your quick replies and great advice.
I have only had them a few weeks so still learning all about degus and how they behave etc.
I have had many small furries over the years, and still do 
I dont want to split them up as I do think they are ok together its just me worrying if anything is wrong with their behaviour.
I do talk to all my animals, and the bigger degu who I have called Bandit we 'communicate' to each other now!! .
I just wish the smaller one (Rolo) wouldnt be so afraid, but as you say they have had a lot of changes so perhaps it will just be time that brings him out of his shell.
He is VERY fond of his wheel, and its almost as if he needs that. 
Thanks again for all your great advice. Will let you know how get on. I am so grateful for the internet and the wonderful people out there who can help me.
Thanks
Deb x |
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amethystbelle
Degu Rock Owner
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Joined: 30 Jul 2006
Posts: 741
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Location: Nottinghamshire, UK
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| Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:40 pm Post subject: |
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Have a look at my taming guide if you need any extra tips on how to coax the little fellow round. He may take time to come round but i'm sure all the effort you are putting in will be worth it So you went for Rolo in the end then 
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Wheekster
Baby Degu
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| Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:10 pm Post subject: |
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..yes Rolo and Bandit.... after my favourite foods....chocolates.
Funny thing is I have a lot of animals named after 'sweet' things eg:
fudge, candy, honey, etc etc. !!! |
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