Degu/Human Socialization

Question
Hi,

I'm thinking of adopting a 3 year old degu. She has already gone through 2 owners, however, and as such is timid and not very sociable. What are the chances that, if I do adopt her (and I would try to spend a lot of time with her to socialize her), she will bond with me at this point in her life?

Answer
It has been my experience that you have just as good a chance for her to bond as any other.  You'll need to let her take her time getting used to you.  Do her transfers with a wide-mouth jar; let her come out to take a treat from you.  I have taken in older goos with trust issues, and one of them turned out to be the snuggliest degu I ever owned.  Just remember not to ever chance her around the cage, or insist on interaction.  Let her set the pace, but give many chances each time.
Good luck!