Degus have become scared

[louipoo]

Hi everyone!
I have two female degus at around 6 months old. We got them when they were about 2 months old and have been taming them since then which had been going well. They usually come up to me and my husband, respond when we call them and just generally run all over us when out of their cage.
Since Thursday, they have become really timid and scared. I’m not sure what happened.. me and my husband were at work and returned home to then acting strangely and jolting after hearing any kind of noise.
The only change I can think of is that I’ve been trying to feed them a bit more after realising they’re a little underweight. They weigh around 140~150g. I’m not sure what the average weight for a 6 month Degu is so I would also love any advice on that too!
Has this happened to anyone else before? I feel really disheartened that our hard work trying to tame them has gone to waste and they are scared of us.. please help!

[bouncy]

Please don't take it personally - degus can be fickle! There's also a chance that something happened whilst you were out, perhaps a neighbour has had a builder in? Has anything changed in your household (even the smallest thing)? Do any of your neighbours have a new pet?

With goos, I find the best thing is just to make sure there's always something in the food bowl. They tend not to overeat.

[louipoo]

Thank you for your reply!
It’s good to know they’re fickle and it’s not just me haha!
There has been a lot of building work happening on my street recently. I wonder if it is that. I’m off work for three days so I’ll listen out to see if I hear anything around.

Thank you for the food advice too. I’ll definitely keep their food topped up from now on!

[moletteuk]

Low rumbling noises can really upset them, so building work noises might be the culprit. They will get over it.

They do sound a little light, but it depends on body type. Young degus should eat more than adults. If you have been limiting their feeding it's probably a good idea to now make their diet as nutritious as possible. Good quality pellets with lots of fibre and calcium, different hays, lots of forage (herbs mixes, flowers, meadow plants, tree leaves, safe green veg etc), a high calcium seed mix would be beneficial (you can get them from Ratrations ready mixed or make your own) and dried roots and veg make good treats.

[bouncy]

Fan noises too. Mine free-range in the kitchen. If I turn on the oven or grill (both give fan noises), they glare and stomp off back inside. If I use the cooker hood, they do the same, but I have to keep my shoes on for the next three days to avoid revenge on my toes!