Degu fur a bit fluffed up

[mattandhis3degus]

Hi,

One of my degu's, Charlie, who is at least 4 years old, has been moving a bit slower the last few days and his fur is a bit fluffed up. I was looking through threads to see if there were any comments when a degu's fur is fluffed up but didn't see anything relevant. He's certainly not lost his appetite, if anything he's put on weight, but he seems to have suddenly aged. Could that be down to the stress of being chased by Humphrey before I separated them?

[ntg]

Has the temperature where they are dropped at all? It could just be that he's feeling a bit chilly.

With the slow movement though it is a little concerning as it could be an indication of him feeling under the weather. Are you around today or going to work/school/university? If you're out I would give him a heat pad, and make an appointment at the vets for this evening/tomorrow morning and just explain to them that you may cancel if he's back to his normal self when you get back. With small animals like degus, if they're ill they can go down fast so it's better to err on the side of caution.

[moletteuk]

Yes, he's either cold or poorly. Can you give him a good look over, check he is moving about OK, have a close look at one of his poos?

[mattandhis3degus]

Charlie seemed to improve during the day so I left it just for now, but I'm going to go to the vets at some point this week just for a general check-up.

No, the temperature is fine, although in the wooden hut that he's now sleeping in he has made it cosy and slightly buries himself under stuff. One thing I've noticed is that there appears to be some kind of scar on his back near his tail, which is clearly really sensitive. I've only had him for a bit under three months and I can't think of any time when it could have happened, so I've contacted the previous owner for clues.

I forgot to check his poos so I will try and see tonight.

[ntg]

Good to hear he seems to have improved. Degus can be pretty sensitive to temperature change, seemingly more-so as they get older. I often notice my lot fluffing up if it drops so much as half a degree.

Charlie is alone at the moment isn't he? It could just be that he's feeling a little lonely and sorry for himself.

[savvy]

Nov 19, 2016 21:47:02 GMT ntg said:

Good to hear he seems to have improved. Degus can be pretty sensitive to temperature change, seemingly more-so as they get older. I often notice my lot fluffing up if it drops so much as half a degree.

Charlie is alone at the moment isn't he? It could just be that he's feeling a little lonely and sorry for himself.

So glad I read this.

Pixie (who I think is about 4.5 to 5 now) has been fluffing up when sitting on his tube.  He is active enough, eating and drinking well, but I was getting more than a little concerned about him squatting there like a pom pom.

I've now closed the vents in the bedroom (the boys are in the lounge), given him some extra bedding and some dandelion and he's looking much happier.

Thank you.  Its sometimes what you think may be the smallest of questions that bring the greatest relief to this overly panicky degus owner.

[ntg]

Honestly, I try not to worry too much if everything else is normal. My boys are complete wusses as they've been spoiled by my parents having the heating on constantly. Heating in the cage is a definite must up here in Scotland or your energy bill will go through the roof haha.

[savvy]

I'm in Tyne and Wear so not that far from Scotland. Its the icy breeze from off the north sea that goes straight through to the bones.

[ntg]

Haha small world - I grew up in Tyne & Wear

[bouncy]

Mine only really get fluffed up when they're a bit chilly. The change in room temperature isn't really as noticeable to us slaves, and most of us have our heating on lower, or off altogether, at night! Fussy gits, these goos!