bald spot?

[pixidance]

A couple of days ago, when I was playing with Suzie, I noticed a big bald spot on her back. It's gotten larger in the last few days. It is quite large. She doesn't appear to be scratching more than usual, or even chewing more than usual. She's not upset when I touch the spot either. I don't think it's an itchy spot or sore either...
What might it be from? It's in a spot that she can get to, so I figure she's pulled it out herself. She's never behaved like this before.

The only thing different is that it's been very hot. I've given the goos frozen water bottles, but none of them seem interested. Besides answers on the bald spot, any suggestions for keeping them cool?

[MañasMom]

Does Suzie live with other Degus? Bald spots are not totally uncommon among Degus who live together. Maybe one of her buddies is over-grooming her. Mine have done that before. They just get a little over-zealous in their nibbling.

Where is the spot at?

They can also get bald spots on their snouts if they chew the bars to their cage too much. The bars rub their hair off their little snouts. But it sounds like her spot isn't on her nose.

You can buy these little slabs (I think maybe they're marble?) called "Chin Chillers" that you can give them, as they tend to stay cooler than the bedding. You can also stick them in the fridge to chill them before you give them to your goos.

Or, if you're thrifty (like me, lol) you can use a ceramic tile instead!

I bet others will have some great ideas too!

I can tell that you are a good Degu Parent, and that you stay on top of their physical condition, and needs. Way to go!! I bet you have a family of happy goos!

[mulder]

yep it definitley sounds like she's just being overgroomed. nothing to worry about. i found with my girls it went in waves where it'd stop and start. sometimes letting them out to play more helps in case it's from boredom

[pixidance]

Suzie is alone for now, but introductions are going well

The reason I was worried is because she's doing it to herself I've had her for several years and she's never behaved this way before.

I figured if it wasn't itchy, red, or oozy, it wasn't a problem, but I wonder why she's suddenly so stressed/bored? Could she be jealous of the attention that the 5 new goos are getting?