Moving home can be stressful for territorial animals such as degus. Preparing the journey and the new enclosure in advance can reduce disruption and help your companions settle in.
Before the move
- Speak to your vet if necessary. Elderly or unwell degus may need an individual plan for travel, medication and monitoring.
- Prepare a suitable carrier. It must be secure, well ventilated and large enough for the animals to move comfortably, turn around and rest naturally. Secure its fittings and remove heavy loose objects that could injure an animal if the vehicle stops suddenly. Add hay and a small amount of clean, familiar used bedding for cover and scent. Provide suitable access to water throughout the journey and plan stops to check it. Read our guide to safe transport. Heat during transport can be fatal.
- Introduce the carrier beforehand. Where it fits safely, place it in the enclosure and use a small suitable treat to encourage voluntary entry. Allow gradual familiarisation rather than making the move its first appearance.
- Pack the essentials separately. Keep food, water, hay, prescribed medicines and familiar safe accessories accessible during the move.
- Find a vet near your new home. Identify a practice experienced with degus and keep its daytime and emergency contact details to hand.
On moving day
- Use a quiet room. While boxes and furniture are being moved, keep the animals away from noise, open doors and bustle. Transfer them to the carrier as late as practical and keep hay and water available.
- Control the temperature. Keep the vehicle cool, ventilated and out of direct sun. Do not treat 28°C as a safe limit below which precautions are unnecessary: enclosure temperature, exposure time, ventilation, humidity and the animal’s condition all matter. Read the heatstroke prevention guide.
- Plan checks on long journeys. Stop safely to check the animals, food and drinking equipment. Keep the carrier shaded and secure, and never leave it in a parked vehicle.
- Keep handling calm. Move the carrier gently, minimise noise and speak softly if this helps the animals settle. Avoid unnecessary handling or repeated opening of the carrier.
- Have the main enclosure ready promptly. For a nearby move or one made in stages, setting up the enclosure first may shorten the time spent in the carrier. Transfer the animals only once their new room and enclosure are safe, with familiar hides and bedding in place.
After arrival
- Choose a quiet, secure location. Let the animals settle before considering a busier part of the home.
- Recreate the familiar layout. Replace the usual accessories in their normal positions where safe, retaining clean familiar bedding and scent rather than changing everything at once.
- Monitor daily behaviour. Check that each degu eats, drinks, passes droppings and moves normally. A reduced appetite, marked lethargy or another significant change warrants prompt veterinary advice rather than simply being attributed to stress.
- Allow time. Individuals adapt at different rates. Give them opportunities to explore gradually without forcing interaction.
Good preparation can reduce the impact of moving, although it cannot guarantee that the animals will experience little or no stress. Continue observing them before, during and after the move, and ask your vet for advice where their health or recovery gives cause for concern.
Sources
RSPCA (n.d.). Degu health and welfare. Care and transport guidance. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/degus/health
RSPCA (n.d.). Taking your pet on holiday. Transport guidance. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/holiday