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Post by tom1447 on Apr 3, 2008 6:22:05 GMT -8
which would be a better pet, a degu or gerbil For: I know it is going to b a bit biased on a gerbil forum, lol
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genie
Member
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Posts: 1,133
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Post by genie on Apr 3, 2008 9:57:12 GMT -8
from what i gather, from what i've seen: Degu's are dearer to buy, and require a bigger cage so that would cost more. Gerbils being about £10 for 2, and in pets at home they usually sell pairs of degu's for £45 As above, require a much bigger cage than gerbils. And still need to be in at least pairs. Gerbil cages = £50 at most. Usually you can find an old aquarium for cheaper Degu's are very active. Gerbils are awake both day and night, and need daily playtime, at least ten minutes each. Never had degu's so i dont know Gerbils' live roughly 3 years, sometimes less sometimes more.
Saying that, i would love to own degu's when i have my own house and a bit more time/money
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Post by AndreaS15 on Apr 3, 2008 12:34:09 GMT -8
I own both species, and love them both.
[price - Degus cost more, not just there price in buying the animals but to feed as well. [cage size(space) - Degus need MUCH, MUCH more space then a gerbil. [how active they are - Both are very active creatures, both love to go, go, go non stop. [how long they live - Gerbils lifespan is about 3-4 years while a Degu is 5-10 years. A Degus diet is more restricted then a gerbils, and they are more sensitive to heat/cool changes.
I suggest researching both animals and make a list of pros and cons for each, then head to a local shelter or rescue group and meet both types of animals to get a feel for their characteristics.
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Post by ohmylokix on Apr 3, 2008 13:18:32 GMT -8
Degus need a VERY strict diet, which is hard for many people to manage, as people like to spoil their pets! They are very diabetes prone, and need a ton of exercise.
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Apr 3, 2008 14:11:55 GMT -8
Also remember that gerbils live 3-5 years (or more) but degus will be with you for 15. Gerbils are 'quiet' pets (excluding chewing, occasional squeaking, banging lids etc), degus are vocal, Gerbils are very forgiving, degus (I am told) hold a grudge forever!
Now that does not mean gerbils are better pets (or vice-versa) but it is worth doing a pro's and cons list before making a decision.
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Post by tom 1447 on Apr 4, 2008 1:05:04 GMT -8
Thanks, I have researched both a lot on here and many other websites for the past few weeks(it's better knowing a lot about them before). I know about degus strict diet of no sugar (even in fruit) and it is good to know about degus and gerbils. I have seen both pets at pets@home (how I part found out about degus).
I couldn't find any places comparing degus and gerbils so I posted here. Also, what substrate does everyone use and would wood shavings be fine. What shops can you get safe wood logs (and supplies) from.
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genie
Member
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Posts: 1,133
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Post by genie on Apr 4, 2008 2:13:18 GMT -8
i usually use pets at home for gerbil toys. I buy my wood shavings and carefresh from them. Carefresh being more expensive, and wood shavngs can be bought in huge bags for around a tenner. Not sure on degu comparison
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Post by tom1447 on Apr 4, 2008 2:24:16 GMT -8
I would go pets@home for supplies as well, Can you get low/no dust shavings or megazorb from there. you can get carefresh from pets@home , I have never seen it. Also can you get safe wood/ logs from there(havent really been round since refit).
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Post by AndreaS15 on Apr 4, 2008 8:10:18 GMT -8
I use a mix of corn cob bedding, pine litter pellets and hay for my Degus. As for wood, I use organic apple branches and another wood (can't remember the name ATM as it doesn't grow here) for them to chew and play on. I also get wooden bird toys like ladders for them to climb and play on. My gerbils get Apple branches as well, as for bedding with them I just use corn cob and hay.
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Post by tom1447 on Apr 4, 2008 8:17:22 GMT -8
can you get the branches/ logs from pets@home or other shops?
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Post by peggy on Apr 5, 2008 1:15:31 GMT -8
I use shredded paper as bedding for my degus. It isn't terribly good at absorbing moisture and smell, but I like the way it isn't dusty at all and degus don't throw it out of the cage as much as other types of bedding, it's free and degus also seem to like it more than paper tissues.
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Post by tom1447 on Apr 7, 2008 8:50:30 GMT -8
I think I would use either low/no dust shaving,aspen or megazorb for substrate and shredded paper for bedding. If anyone has had/ or now uses them can you post advantages/disadvantages or anything else thanks ;D
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Post by AndreaS15 on Apr 7, 2008 9:26:13 GMT -8
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Post by tom1447 on Apr 10, 2008 7:48:09 GMT -8
Thanks for link, Can anyone post pics or videos of gerbils or/and degus. Also where can you get branches from. Tom
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Post by peggy on Apr 10, 2008 9:49:40 GMT -8
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