Proper Care & Handling of Your Degu

Before buying a Degu, you should make sure that your local veterinarian is comfortable handling this relatively new breed of pet.

One of the common problems with Degus is their susceptibility to health problems. Because the pet Degus in North America originated from a small group brought over from Chile in the 1960’s, there was much inbreeding and these small animals are still suffering the ill effects of that.

Tumors:
As your pet ages, tumors can result. Any strange lumps or skin formations should be brought to your vet’s attention.

Teeth:
Your pet Degu may develop something called “slobbers” which should be self explanatory. This is caused by either the front teeth (incisors) not being properly trimmed and growing too long, or the cheek teeth getting sharp edges from uneven wear.

When this happens, the Degu will have a problem chewing because their mouth doesn’t close completely and they’ll drool. It’s an easy thing to fix and your veterinarian will either trim the front teeth, or file down the sharp edges of the cheek teeth.

Preventative measures: Give your Degu things they can gnaw on to keep the length of their teeth proper.

The Degu’s teeth are normally yellowed from the orange and red pigments (carotenoids) found in many plants which causes the enamel of Degu teeth to turn colour. The carotenoids are linked to a healthy immune system, so an adult Degu with pale teeth is usually in poor condition due to a bad diet and weakened immune system.

Picking up your pet Degu:
The best way to pick up your pet Degu is by scooping them up with two hands. Never pick up your pet by the tail. The skin peels back very easily (called degloving) and is painful. When this happens the tail will have to be amputated.

The sounds your Degus make:
Degus communicate with many different noises:

-- Irritated: A chattering of the teeth with a grinding motion. This is telling you that they don’t particularly like what’s happening right now.

-- Scared: A series of rapid squeals along with a mad dash for some place safe. The frightened Degu will keep making the squeaks until they fell comfortable again. The squeaks could come in 10-30 second intervals.

-- Happy: A warbling noise that sounds like birds chirping. You may very well hear this sound when you’re stroking your pet and the Degu is enjoying it.

Bumblefoot:
This ailment is usually associated with wire-floor cages, but this is not necessarily the only cause. Bumblefoot in Degus can also be a result of genetic factors and/or unsanitary living conditions.

The colourful name Bumblefoot comes from the “bumbles” or lesions that accompany a swelling of the foot pad. This is a very painful disorder and if left untreated can lead to amputation or death. These infections can be treated with antiseptics and antibiotics.