Losing Fur on top of paws

[rie73]

I have recently noticed that one of my Degu's fur on top of this left front paw has come off (up to the ankle) I am not sure why this has happened.

Today I have also noticed that the fur has just started to come off on the right front paw now. I do know that he often spins the wheel round with his front paws (while he files his teeth on it - it goes though me). The wheel is made of solid metal (John Hopewell's wheel) not sure if this may be the cause? Any idea's would be great??? I have not seen him biting his paws.

Thanks

Marie

[ra]

My Mocha lost the fur on the tops of both of her front feet. Like you, I was suspicious of the running wheel. I kept a close eye on her and did see her chewing the hair off of her feet when she was grooming herself. I worried until I saw on one of the Degu sites a large percentage of domestic Degu's have bald front feet. Don't know if it's a nervous habit, but she started right after she gave birth. Tanzania, her daughter does not have bald feet. (at this point they are almost the same size and the only way I can tell them apart is by their front feet!)

Don't worry, I'm willing to bet your guy is chewing the hair off of his feet. They can be very secretive about it.

[rie73]

You might be right, It could be nerves. Merlin is quite a nervous animal and gets scared very easily. His brother (grandalf) on the other hand is a different kettle of fish and his paws are both ok. We have had them nearly a year now and Merlin still gets very scared if we approach the cage and talk to him - he runs onto the top shelf. (unless I am filling up the food bowl he will then come to the front of the cage- he will take tip bits off me - well, snatches it off us). I will keep my eye on him. Thanks for the reply.

[diet otaku]

one my degus chews the hair on his feet also. but it grows back almost as fast as he chews it, so he ends up with perpetually shifting patchy spots.