[BLOG] A new companion for Tipi

Historical post first published on 6 June 2022. Events, figures, plans and appeals describe that period.

Website news

With the launch of the Oktodon association, we needed a short break from article writing. The article about degu behaviour took considerable research, and the next one, covering repetitive behaviours, stereotypies and behavioural problems, will also require a lot of work. The behaviour article completes our initial set of essential guides. Future articles will explore subjects that may not concern every owner directly: diseases, specific problems, breeding and so on.

It has taken almost two years to write a complete foundation of referenced, checked information. That was one of the Octodons.fr team’s biggest projects, and we have done it! The work does not stop here. A particularly important article is planned about diabetes and cataracts, to examine the many misconceptions surrounding these conditions in Octodon degus. It should follow the stereotypies article and appear during the summer. We hope it will encourage people to reconsider feeding habits, particularly sugary foods, and distinguish confirmed diabetes from other conditions that can resemble or accompany it. The original post criticised fruit and vegetable feeding as a single category; different foods vary, and that broad statement should not be read as proof that every vegetable is unsuitable.

The Oktodon association

Oktodon is beginning its rescue work with the arrival of Edwin and Esîl. Their owner relinquished these two males so they could find a family able to care for them. They currently have some behavioural difficulties that need attention.

If you would like to help Oktodon, a donation or membership can support the development of foster homes throughout France. This was our appeal when the post was first published; please check the association’s current information before acting on an old appeal.

Our degus

There has been a change among our own degus too: Souricette has arrived. She is a five-year-old rescue female who was left alone after her companion died. She struggled with being alone and was entrusted to us. As Tipi is neutered, we began introducing them. Following the introduction stages, these two were living together within a week, and love blossomed! Tipi is no longer on his own and is enjoying life with his companion. Their timetable describes this particular successful introduction, rather than a deadline that other animals should be expected to meet.

Toupi and Tempi are still doing well. They remain very fearful, but have become more willing to approach since moving into the room dedicated to the degus.

Creating a dedicated degu room

Another project has been fitting out a room entirely for the degus. The overall layout is finished, although a playpen still needs to be installed so they can come out safely. Next year’s plan is an outdoor aviary enclosure with edible Chilean plants.

The room has been painted white to make it brighter, and a wall shelf installed. The electrical fittings have been made safer, including removing an exposed cable. It is a converted cellar with a very stable temperature and good light. The light is entirely natural: there are no shutters or curtains.

For now, there are three occupied enclosures: Tipi and Souricette’s; Tempi and Toupi’s, which will soon gain more floor space; and the association’s enclosure for Esîl and Edwin. That last enclosure will also be enlarged to provide the space the two degus need. Two spare cages at the back will be used for transport or to extend the other enclosures, while a central playpen will allow the groups to come out in turns during the day.