Hand-Friendly Tips

Here is some information that just might make your life easier living with degus that are not tame. They have been submitted by me if there is nothing saying who it is from. And above all remember that trust takes time. Don't expect it to pop up overnight!

• Try not to scare them. If it takes you twenty minutes to catch them it's probably not worth it. All your doing is giving them a workout and teaching them that there's a reason to be afraid of your hands etc...
• Let them know that your hands are okay. Put them (your hands) in the cage to do little things and then let the degus sniff your fingers. I purposely put the food dish on the bottom level for a month so I would have to go in and take woodchips out. It did get annoying, but the degus will discover that you and your hands actually HELP them. Now they are so comfortable with them, they feel inclined to chew on my fingernails. Hmm. . . . .
• Let them climb onto your hands. It may take some time, but it's worth it. Also luring them along with a sunflower seed works great :o)
• Only take them out for a short period of time at first. After they get used to it you can drag it on longer, and don't push this process- trust takes time. Remember to pet them while they're out if they'll allow it. They just may grow to like it . . .
• Music can be a lifesaver. Turn on the radio often in the same room as the degus. It will get them used to noise, distraction and the human voice if they are nervous when you or somebody else enters the room.
• Talk to them!! They may not understand what you are saying, but they can read into what you mean with your tone of voice. Using calm soothing tones may be just what the degu ordered.

If you have something that you would like to add to this page by all means email me. Please include your name and email address so I can credit you for the info.

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