QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- My degu’s tail has fallen off, what should I do?
As a natural defence against predators, degus can loose their tails if caught by them, so never lift a degu by his tail, it will not regrow! If your degu loses his tail, please contact your vet for advice. - My degu is drinking a lot of water. Is there anything wrong?
Degus are particularly prone to both diabetes and liver disease. For further information, contact your vet. - My degu keeps drooling, what should I do?
Dental problems are a major health issue for degus. They need to eat fibre and grind their teeth on wooden blocks to wear down their continuously growing teeth. If teeth don’t get worn down enough this can cause drooling and lack of appetite. Your vet will be able to advise you on your pet’s teeth. - How often should I carry out a healthcheck on my pet?
You should check your pet on a daily basis to make sure there are no signs of disease or injury. Simple changes in behaviour in relation to feeding, activity and toilet habits often give a clue that all is not normal. If in doubt or you find anything abnormal contact your vet for advice. - How often should I feed my degu?
Hay, hard vegetables (carrots, green beans, cucumbers etc) and hay-based pellets form a good basis for a degu’s diet and should be fed on a daily basis. It’s advisable not to give degus any sugar and food containing high levels of carbohydrates and fats as these may lead to problems such as diabetes. Water must be accessible at all times and bottles are often easier to keep clean. - What should I put in my degu’s cage to keep him occupied?
Regular exercise is important to keep your pet fit and prevent boredom, which could lead to behavioural problems. Exercise can be made as fun as possible by using fruit tree branches, ropes and cardboard tubes.
