sleepy and not moving

[steveluk]

We have two baby degu and suddenly today they have become very sleepy to the degree that they don't respond to any noise and wouldn't move. I am wondering if there a connection to the temperature as it has been very cold today. After turning up the heating they started to move a little more but are still very sleepy. Is there some sickness that maybe causing this as well.

[rie73]

I have noticed that our degus seem to be more sleepy since the colder weather. They do however, respond to noise. If you are unsure maybe have them checked out at the vets?

[diet otaku]

the degus are probably very cold. do they have anything soft and fuzzy in their cage that they can snuggle in? being babies they are probably more susceptible to the cold, as many mammalian infants have not yet mastered regulating their body temperature. give them something warm and cozy, like a fleece or cotton hat that they can crawl in, and if they don't move toward it, you may need to take them out and warm them up yourself first. if you try warming them by hand and they still don't respond, take them to a vet.

[steveluk]

Thanks for the advice. Actually I did this last night, (I am in Japan so its morning now), I held them in my hands in my jumper for about 2 hours, plus I gave them a small towel and more tissue paper and cotton bedding. Also we left the heating on all night. They seem much better this morning, as they are moving around eating and responding to noises like doors being opened. I hope they continue to improve, poor little chaps. Will leave the heating on.

[roz]

I've just caught up with this thread from the hibernation page...

I'm glad to hear that your degus are beginning to respond to noise etc now, after being warmed up. Are they drinking? A sick/poorly degu often stops drinking (just when they need it most!) and they dehydrate really quickly. If they don't seem to be drinking your vet can give them an injection of fluids just under the skin, which can be a real life-saver and acts quite quickly.

Good luck with them.

[ra]

Do you know how old your babies are? Is part of their cage where sunlight can warm a corner? Degus love to sun themselves. It is important to have a shaded area too where they can go if they get too warm.

[nat]

I put a light above their cage. It's not hot (i checed) and ther really enyoy tit. They sit at the top of cage when the light is on. They're sleepy when winter comes, but who isn't

[steveluk]

Just to let you know that we got a heating lamp and a underground heater for half of the cage. This seems to have made the situation much beter. Thanks for all the advice.

[rhedette]

One of our Degu's seems to be having this problem, but it hasnt been cold in our flat...its at a steady 21c every day...is this too warm?

[Sunshinemeg]

Degus dont mind the heat so much, watch their ears, if they turn very red, they are too hot, if not, dont worry. Warmth is better that the cold!