Degus – Page 2 – Pocket Sized Pets

Degus can make a lot of different noises and squeaks throughout the day and night and they're usually trying to communicate what they're doing or feeling when they do this. The main reasons why degus keep squeaking are because they're trying to warn their cage mates, they're being territorial, they're trying to be friendly, they are squeaking while asleep, and they’ll do it even after mating with each other. For some pet degu owners, this can be concerning because it can seem like they're doing it all the time. But usually, when they do this it doesn't mean that there’s anything bad going on with them. In some cases, you can even try to get your degu to stop squeaking so much depending on the situation. Why Does My Degu Keep Squeaking? Degus can be very vocal a lot of the time and their squeaks can also mean different things depending on the situation. One of the noises that you'll hear them make is alarm squeaking when they're on high alert. When they do this type of squeaking it’s usually very loud and repetitive. Degus can also squeak for territorial reasons and this can go on for a little while, and sometimes it can even last for more than an hour. Their friendly squeaking is also common and it can mean that they're generally happy to see you or other degus that are around them that they like. If you hear them squeaking while they're sleeping then sometimes it can mean that they have possibly had a bad dream. Degus will also start squeaking after they've successfully mated with each other and this can also last from minutes to hours. Explaining The Different Types Of Squeaking When you hear your degu squeaking most of the time when they do it it doesn't always mean the same thing. Each type of squeak has a different meaning so you have to look out for the situation that they're in when they start making noise. That way it's a whole lot easier to tell what's causing them to squeak so much. Alarm Squeaking If a degu is alarm squeaking then it can mean that they may think a potential predator is close to them. Degus are known to be prey animals, so they will usually go on high alert and get scared easily. So if there are any fast movements or loud noises around them, that can get them to start alert squeaking. They will do this so that they can alert their cagemates and sometimes even their owners. Although they’ll only try to alert their owners if they have really bonded with them a little bit already. So in this case, what they're trying to do is communicate that there might be something that can be potentially dangerous to them or their friends nearby. One way that you can tell that this is happening is if they squeak while also trying to find a place to hide for a while until they think that the coast is clear. Territorial Squeaking Degus can be very territorial animals but they're also really social as well, so when you keep two or more in the same cage you may hear some territorial squeaking going on. This can happen when they have little disputes with each other over some of the different things that are in their cage. For example, it can happen when they are competing or fighting over their food bowl, their water sources like their water bottle or water bowl, and sometimes even their toys. They can go through dominance with the other degus that are in their cage. While they're establishing dominance they will do a lot of squeaking as they go through this natural behavior. Sometimes it can even happen after dominance has already been established as well. So if it's already been established, then they may occasionally fight for dominance some more and squeaking can also occur while they're doing this too. Friendly Squeaking If you hear your degu making some noises because they are happy then most of the time this is friendly squeaking and it’s a really good sign. Friendly squeaking can mean that they are happy or content with their surroundings, other degus, and sometimes even their owners. They will mainly do this to other degus when they are happy to be around each other and trying to show affection though. Sometimes friendly squeaking can mean that they are just greeting each other as they pass by too. Other times that you can usually hear them do this is while they're playing with each other or they’re just happily playing by themselves. Squeaking While Asleep If you hear your degu being noisy at night, then sometimes that can mean that they are squeaking while they are asleep. Some pet degu owners do think that when they squeak while they’re sleeping it can mean that they are having a nightmare. Although, degus having nightmares while they are sleeping isn't something that has been proven yet. If they're making these noises while they're asleep, then it can be very repetitive and it may stop once they wake up. But sometimes if they're really scared after they wake up then the squeaking might still continue. However, if you know that your degus are usually active at night then they could just be awake and playing around with each other as well. Squeaking After Mating Sometimes if one of your degus is squeaking it can be because they have just finished mating with each other. This mainly happens when you keep male and female degus within the same cage. You’ll usually hear it from the males but the female degus can also do it on occasion too. Male degus can usually squeak the most because they'll do it after mating with a female degu. They can also do a mating squeak after they are finished dominance playing and mounting with another male degu as well. Should You Be Concerned That Your Degu Is Squeaking So Much? As their owner, it's natural to wonder if you should be concerned if your degu is constantly squeaking. Degus can try to communicate with many different sounds with other degus and even their owners. You'll usually hear them do it while they're mating, playing, when they're happy, and when they're scared of something. So because their little squeaks can mean that they're trying to communicate what they're feeling or doing at the time, in most cases, it's usually nothing to be too concerned about. One of the only times that you should be worried that they're squeaking is if you notice that your degu is injured. If they're squeaking and injured then the best thing to do is to take them to the vet, that way a professional can help you figure out what might be wrong with them. However, if you know that nothing is wrong with your degu and they're squeaking for one reason or another, then you can try some different ways to get them to stop doing it so much. Can You Stop A Degu From Squeaking All The Time? If you want to stop your degu from squeaking then there are some cases where that can be possible. For example, if they are squeaking because they're scared or on high alert, then this is something that you may be able to control. You can give them something to chew on or eat, speak to them in a calming voice, and you can even let them smell your hand. What this will do is show them that everything is okay and nothing is trying to hurt them. It’ll also help them become more comfortable because they'll recognize you and they will start to calm down a little bit. You can also try to figure out what's around them that’s scaring them, then remove it to make them feel more comfortable and when you do this the squeaking may stop as well. Sometimes you won't be able to fully stop your degu from squeaking though. If they are territorial, happy, mating, or sleep squeaking then you shouldn't try to stop them and you might not even be able to. These aren't bad signs and it's something that you can't really control like when they squeak because they're scared. Plus, if your degus are squeaking out of happiness then it's a good thing. As their owners, it's something that should make you happy when you hear them squeaking out of joy.