Singular

[senashenta]

Granite died last night. When I got up this morning and fed everyone, he didn't come out to eat, and I found him in the little cabin.

It's weird... I've had Granite and Bedrock for seven years now. Longer than I've had Neko.

Besides which, it was Bedrock that was the sickly one; he kept losing weight and had big bald patches, so I don't see why Granite would be the one to go first.

And now Bedrock is really depressed; degus form very strong bonds (even two males like Bedrock and Granite), and get quite upset if they're suddenly sepparated. They're also much happier living with two or more of them together, they get lonely on their own... besides, having a companion can lengthen their lifespan, and not having one can significantly shorten it. Degus have been known to hurt themselves when they've been sepparated from their bondmates. I know when I sepparated them a while back when I thought Bedrock wasn't getting enough food, they both started pulling their own hair out, and Granite was chewing on the end of his tail...

I dunno, I should probably get another pair to keep Bedrock company until he goes, but that's another 7-10 year commitment, so... do I really want them for that long? I don't know... I can't decide, but at the same time I hate that Bedrock is so unhappy...

I really can't decide...

Comments

[aiko-yamada.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't get another one. After Bedrock leaves, then the new one will be alone and you'd have to get one to keep that one company. It's sad, but I'd say try your best to keep him company and make him comfortable. They are sociable animals, ne? At least, they like company with others. You could always feed him more to keep him busy, lol.

[senashenta.livejournal.com]

Mn, it's like this big circle and I've got degus forever... >>;

I'm actually wondering if he'd get along with the rats, or with Ichigo, since she's on her own now too. I know that in a lot of pet places they have degus in with rabbits and whatnot... hmmm...

[aiko-yamada.livejournal.com]

I guess you could try it and observe to see if they can get along.