|
|
Back Home
SiteMap
|
You1
When you start looking into getting a Degu, the one thing that you won't read much about is the Degus tail. The Degus tail is unlike any other rodent's tail. It is slightly busy, but long. It also is very sensitive, and can actually be pulled off if you aren't careful.
Unlike other creatures that are at risk of losing a tail, Degus cannot re-grow new tails. You should never, ever pick a Degu up by his tail, or it most likely will come off in your hand. The area where the tail disconnected from the body will heal, but again, the tail will never grow back.
When this happens, you can expect your Degu to have serious balance problems for the rest of his life, because this is the function of the tail – balance. The Degus tail is about five inches long. Nature intended for the tail to easily be detached. Because the tail is so long, it is often easier to catch a Degu by the tail.
Nature's idea here was to include a small ring around the tail that is nothing but thin skin. Effectively, when the Degu is captured by the tail, he can continue to run, and the tail will come off. Where a cat has nine lives, a Degu essentially has two. The first one is used up when his tail comes off. The next time, he usually won't be so lucky.
Your Degu could also lose his tail without you doing anything. Stress can cause his tail to come off, and injuries or battles inside of the cage could also result in the loss of a tail. To keep your Degus calm, and to limit the number of squabbles or out-and-out fights that break out, make sure that you provide calm environment and that you are providing your Degus with everything that they need in their habitat.
If an accident occurs, and your Degus tail does come off, don't panic. There won't be much in the way of blood, and your Degu will gnaw off the exposed bone. In most cases, the area will heal without your interference. You should, however, keep a close eye on it, and make sure that the cage is kept clean while the stump is healing, in an effort to prevent infection. At the first sign of infection, take your Degu to the veterinarian.
In most cases, he will still be accepted by the other Degus if he loses his tail. However, again, his life has drastically changed. You may notice that he doesn't climb or jump as often as he did and he will most likely move slower. He may never use the exercise wheel again either.
Degu information,Degu tips, Degu advice,pets,Degu pet
Next Article: Degu Birth Control
-
|
|
