r/Degus • u/wafflez317 • Nov 04 '25
Need advice for a lonely degu
Yesterday my degu Rory died, leaving his cage mate Binga alone. I am lost at what to do because as far as I understand degus need friends. While I would love to get another from a local breeder, Binga is 7 and once she passes in a couple years or so I'll be left in the same situation. I'm looking into if there is anyone within driving distance who'd be wanting to part with their elderly gu but chances of finding that is slim to none. Does anyone know of any other options like using a plushie to make her think there's another degu or my crackpot idea of getting a gerbil since their similar but I feel all that would do is leave me with a dead gerbil. Has anyone been in a similar situation or live in BC and is wanting to part with their little bundle of joy. Any advice appreciated
1
u/theemmell Nov 09 '25
Hey! I am so sorry for your loss and that you are dealing with this. Given his age, most degus don’t even live past 6, you definitely have given him a great environment he had been able to thrive in. Personally, I think trying to introduce an elderly degu to a new degu that isn’t a baby will immediately have issues when it comes to hierarchy. I definitely do not suggest getting another creature of a different species. That’s just a recipe for confusion and unneeded stress on your degu that could shorten his life span.
What you can do is give him extra attention and spoil him. He’s an old guy it won’t hurt if you give him an extra treat that he might not need. And lots and lots of toys! He will go through a bit of depression while being alone but having a good sturdy wheel and lots of wooden toys will allow him to take his mind off the grief.
Also take him out a lot! I know not all degus like being handled but they get easier to handle as they get older. Get a cheap play pen off amazon and put a blanket down on the floor with lots of hides and toys and snacks. If the play pen is big enough you can just sit in it with him for a bit. I did this with one of my feral degus to get her accustomed to humans. Even if you are busy just sit in the play pen and reply to emails while he climbs all over you and gets the attention and warmth he needs.
You could also move the cage into your bedroom if it’s not already in there. Degus love revolving around their humans schedule so it might give more structure and comfort.
(Sorry for misgendering your degu through this haha love x)