Sore Hocks

[Slyfox747]

Hello all,

I noticed the other day that Charles had a little red dot on the back of one of his hind legs, and I looked at it closer and it seems to be a sore hock developing. The flooring he’s on is my normal room carpet, and he has towels lining the floor of his cage. I don’t understand how he could’ve gotten these hocks. The only unlined surface he sits on is a little plastic ledge in his cage, but he usually lays under my bed on the carpet. What should I do about the hocks? Has the flooring been inappropriate for Charles? I’m confused, any advice would be helpful and so appreciated. 

[jerseygirl]

It’s not unusual for buns to get a small callus on the heel. If it’s intact and healthy looking skin, I wouldn’t worry too much but do routinely check it.

Are you keeping his nails short?

Some carpets can be abrasive. You could put down some old cotton bedsheets on the carpet when he is out and about.

[Slyfox747]

Thanks for your reply jerseygirl! I will keep a close eye on it, and I do try to trim his nails to keep them on the short side. I usually just let him run around all the time during the day, so I don’t know if I want to keep my entire floor constantly covered in cotton bedsheets… Maybe I’ll put some under the bed where he likes to hide?

[jerseygirl]

It wouldn’t hurt to try. You can use those hay mats also to pop in areas where they like to sit. In the cage or under the bed. They are supposed to be somewhat soft. Memory foam bath mats are also good, provided you don’t have a chewer!

[Slyfox747]

He does like to chew wood and cardboard, but he usually doesn’t mess with his towels in his cage so I’ll give the memory foam under some towels a try!! Thanks

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