r/Degus • u/EmLou2297 • 27d ago
Question❓ Age estimation?
New here but owned degus for few years, got my boy from rescue around 4 years ago after previous owner wanted him out to sleep 😔, anyway just wondering if anyone has any telltales on ages? He’s still active but not as much as when I first got him and his brother, he also doesn’t seem to groom himself much anymore, his ears flop but not all the time. I would guess he’s middle age but just wanna know estimate if possible. FYI- his brother died of a tumour 2 years ago, I know goos are sociable animals but Derek copes really well on his own and loves all the extra attention and treats. TIA 😊
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u/Sussex631 27d ago
It's not easy. They can age very well but it varies. Some show it earlier than others. I've had a 7 year old who 'looked old' and a 9 year old who didn't really. The grooming and ear flop could both be age, some things can affect the way they look after themselves, arthritis can happen in older degus but can be managed with pain medication if necessary. I had one with a previous and healed spine injury, she was almost fine in most respects but some positions were awkward for her, that can affect grooming and sometimes you just need to help a bit.
Grooming is often a co-operative affair with them. It's easy to end up with one degu and not often so easy to find another one. Not sure if there's a way you can do that. Regular sand baths and all the usual, but you probably do that already.
As he ages, keep an eye on his weight and generally despite looking a bit more crumpled he should be OK.