Rodents, especially exotic ones, are becoming very popular pets. Degu is a small animal up to fifteen centimeters in size with short, hard hair, resembling its closest relative, the chinchilla, in appearance. Caring for him is simple, these animals do not emit strong odors, they look very cute. But, unfortunately, they are unfriendly, they are not always given in hand. It is necessary to follow several rules of taming in order to raise this rodent.
Instructions
Step 1
When a new pet is bought and brought home, put it in a cage and leave it alone for the first time. Degu must settle in his place alone, no matter how much you want to admire him. At first, the animal will be shy, cautious, getting used to a new place, unfamiliar smells and the absence of relatives. Give the animal a nickname and call it more often, many degus learn their name and begin to respond. When he stops being afraid, go to the cage, talk to the animal. After a while, you can reach out to him, and the best way to tame the degu is to give him a treat.
Step 2
When the degu settles in a new place and gets used to your presence, it will run up to the door when the owner appears. In this case, be sure to respond to such a manifestation of friendship - hold out your palm to the animal, let it sniff it, try to enter. Always hold it by the belly, as fur-bearing animals value their fur coat very much. Soon you will be able to carry it out of the cage in the palm of your hand and bring it back in the same way. If the animal is given, you can scratch it a little behind the ear or cheek, stroke it.
Step 3
After a few days, you can give the animal the opportunity to explore the apartment, keeping an eye on it. Degu are sociable but independent. Respect their independence, give them some freedom. But remember that it is better to let them out of the cage only when they are tamed. The animals should themselves gladly climb into your palms without fear. They can be attracted by a treat - nuts or peanuts.
Step 4
Train the degus to return to their cage on their own. Training of these animals is quite simple, because they love food and have excellent hearing. Therefore, when feeding something tasty, make a certain sound (click your tongue, hum one musical phrase, tap). Soon there will be a strong association of sound with food. When it's time for the degu to return home, play this sound and he will happily run into the cage for a treat. Do not forget to reinforce the reflex when raising a rodent, giving each time a treat.
Step 5
By using delicious food, you can train the rodent to sit on your shoulder. When he is already used to his hands and begins to climb onto his knees himself, sit him gently on his shoulder and give him a treat. Repeat this procedure constantly for several days, soon he will begin to climb onto his shoulders.
Step 6
To toilet train a degus, keep an eye on him and determine the location he always chooses for this purpose. Place a tray of sawdust in this corner. Almost immediately, the animal will figure out why it is needed. You only need to change your filler several times a week.
