First off, thanks to all who responded to my first post regarding degus.
In searching for info on the net, I have found somewhat conflicting info on
what to feed them. From my last post, even the people that responded to me
fed them different things. Also, I'm reading and "hearing" more and more
that they are more like rats in terms of personality ... and thus, I'd
assume, need for attention.
So, I've got several more questions.
1) How much attention (handing, letting them run about, etc) do they need?
Do they need daily interaction, or are they ok with lets say every few days?
2) I've read from different sources (email, on the net) about feeding. Some
recommend guinea pig pellets, some recommend 50% GP pellets and 50%
chinchilla pellets, and some same lab blocks is ok as well as GP pellets
and/or chinchilla pellets. Most sites say to give some sort of hay. Which
combination is best for long-term health? What hay is better - alfalfa or
timothy or both?
3) Sociability - I've read a couple of sites that males can be territorial
and tend to fight. Other sources say male pairs are just as social as female
pairs. Any comments on this would be welcome.
4) Caging/housing - What would be the minimum size of cage/aquarium for a pet
pair? From all I'm reading the suggestions are 30 gallons or above - the
cages I've got right now are about 13" x 24". One's a wire cage (solid
floor), and one's plastic (but no edges at all for toothholds - wonder how
long it would stand up to degus?), and then a 20H aquarium. Which all might
be adequate for a few weeks ... but what about permanent housing? None can
accomodate a large wheel, except maybe the aquarium. If I were to get a
multi-level cage, how big should it be and what would be the best materials
to cover any wire levels and ramps?
Thanks for any and all advice on this.
Emily
