degus

Question
hi i have 2 degus which are 18 weeks old and 1 of them is scratching alot i was woundering he might have fleas is this possible if so what is the treatment.

Answer
While it is possible (has it been around anything that carries fleas?) there are a couple of more probable answers.  If you have decorated the cage with native wood (found outside) it can host all manner of insects, mites being the most likely.  Secondly, are you giving them a dust bath 2-3 times a week?  That is part of required degu care for healthy skin.  If it is only one degu and not both, you should also start looking carefully at the general health of the animal: is he eating well?  Are his teeth still yellow/orange and not too long?  Is he still chewing on stuff?  Does he still run on his wheel, climb, and socialize?  It may be a sign of something else going on...boredom, skin irritation due to malnutrition (not enough oil in his coat), etc.  If none of these things help, take him to a vet that specializes in exotic pets.  Do NOT use over the counter meds for dogs or cats, as the strength of meds can overdose and kill a small animal.

Good luck!