When you have ADHD, keeping up with responsibilities can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Add two spirited blue agouti degus, Bubble and Squeak, into the mix, and things get even more interesting. These two are the queens of their little kingdom, and while they bring me immense joy (and a fair share of shredded belongings), making sure their needs are met requires some clever planning and strategies. Here’s how I manage caring for Bubble and Squeak while navigating the quirks of my ADHD.
1. Reminders Are My Lifeline
My phone is my personal assistant, barking reminders at me throughout the day. I’ve set recurring alerts for the big stuff, like cleaning their cage, replenishing food and water, and prepping their heat pad at night (because even degus need cozy warmth). These reminders keep me on track when my brain decides to wander.
Pro tip: Use specific labels like “Degus – Water Check” so you don’t mix up tasks. Trust me, nothing ruins a morning like realizing you’ve filled your coffee pot but forgotten their water bottle.
2. Labelled Storage Bins for the Win
ADHD and clutter do not mix well. To avoid the dreaded “where did I put that?!” panic, I use labeled bins for their supplies. Bedding, sand, treats, and food all have their own homes. Not only does this help me find things quickly, but it also keeps everything organized. And yes, I sometimes label bins with emojis because Bubble and Squeak don’t judge (well, they don’t judge me for that anyway).
3. Subscription Orders = Fewer Freakouts
Running out of essentials is a surefire way to stress me out, so I rely on subscription services for their food, sand, and bedding. These automated deliveries mean I’m not caught off guard when supplies run low, and the degus are never without their creature comforts. Plus, fewer shopping trips mean fewer chances for impulse purchases I don’t need (we’ve all been there).
4. Safe Out-of-Cage Time
Bubble and Squeak need enrichment and exercise, but supervising two escape artists while managing work can be tricky. Enter: the indoor rabbit run. I set it up in the living room, creating a secure space where they can explore while I get stuff done. They love scampering around and occasionally taunting me from the safety of their enclosure.
The run gives them safe out-of-cage time without me constantly hovering like an anxious helicopter parent. Bonus: it’s easy to fold up and store when they’re back in their cage.
5. Nightly Routines That Stick
The evening routine is a sacred part of my day. After I prepare their heat pad and refill their food and water, I scoop poop from their cage while they stare at me with judgmental eyes. They’ve even developed a system of “quality control” where they check the pad’s warmth and glare if it’s not up to their high standards.
By sticking to a predictable evening routine, I make sure nothing important slips through the cracks, even on days when my ADHD brain feels like scrambled eggs.
6. Making Space for the Chaos
Bubble and Squeak are my partners in organized chaos. They’re loud, demanding, and utterly hilarious, and caring for them is a grounding experience in my otherwise whirlwind life. My ADHD might make me forget my coffee for 3 hours, but my degus remind me that even small daily habits can lead to big rewards.
Whether they’re pinging the bars of their cage for attention or plotting how to guilt me into giving them more walnuts (they can have one at Christmas, them’s the breaks), they’re my tiny (and slightly terrifying) motivators to stay organized.
Caring for pets like Bubble and Squeak while managing ADHD is all about building systems that work for you. Whether it’s automating supplies, setting reminders, or creating a safe play area, small tweaks can make a huge difference.
If you’re a fellow ADHD pet parent, I’d love to hear your strategies for staying on top of things. And if you ever need help labeling bins or setting up reminders, you know where to find me!
Leave a Reply