Temperament and company
Degus are social rodents and are only truly happy with other degus, so keep them at least in pairs or a small group. Animals of the same sex that grew up together are the best choice.
Unlike hamsters or chinchillas, degus are awake during the day and asleep at night, so they are fun to watch and spend time with in daytime. They are curious and love to dig, climb and gnaw.
Housing
Degus need a tall, roomy cage with shelves on several levels, hideaways and a deep layer of bedding to dig in. As they gnaw anything they can reach, choose a sturdy cage they cannot gnaw through.
A large exercise wheel with a solid running surface, without rungs their legs could get caught between, helps them move. Keep the cage away from direct sun, heat and draughts.
Feeding
Degus are herbivores: the bulk of what they eat should be good hay, available all day, with a small amount of pellets made for degus and some fresh greens.
Degus are prone to diabetes, so their food must be high in fibre and low in sugar and fat. Do not give fruit, dried fruit or other sweet treats, even ones sold as rodent food. Clean water must always be available.
Handling
Tame degus with patience: offer greens from your palm and let the degu climb onto your hand by itself. To lift it, support the body from below with one hand and from above with the other, and hold it close to you.
Never lift or pull a degu by its tail: it can be injured. Children should stroke a degu with an adult watching.
Everyday health care
Check your degus every week: clear eyes and nose, front teeth and nails that are not overgrown, a smooth coat. Weigh them regularly. Watch whether a degu drinks and urinates more than usual, and tell your vet if it does.
Find a vet who sees rodents before you need one.
What you will need
- A tall, roomy cage with shelves Cages · 923 products
- A deep layer of bedding to dig in Bedding · 401 products
- Hay available all day Food · 2,670 products
- Pellets made for degus Food · 2,670 products
- A large exercise wheel with a solid running surface Wheels · 74 products
- A heavy bowl and a water bottle Bowls & Feeders · 258 products
- Untreated wooden chews Toys · 259 products
- A carrier for trips to the vet Carriers & Crates · 57 products
The links lead to product categories, never to a product or a brand. Not a recommendation.
When to see a vet now
See a vet straight away if your degu stops eating or passing droppings, breathes with effort, is dull, has diarrhoea or suddenly drinks a lot. Degus hide illness for a long time, so even a short spell off food means it should be seen.
Sources
Lifespan, weight, social needs and diet are taken from these sources. The text is our own.