A Simple Guide To Degus

A Simple Guide To Degus

Degus are active, intelligent rodents that love to climb, chew, and explore with their group mates. They’re highly social animals that need companionship and plenty of enrichment to stay happy. With their bright personalities and playful behaviour, degus are a joy for dedicated owners who want an engaging pet.

Lifespan: 5-8 years

Size: 5-7in (12-18cm) body length; 10-13in (25-33cm) with tail

Activity: Very active. Diurnal – most active during the morning and evening

Sociability: Highly sociable – best in pairs or small groups.

Suitability: Intermediate

🏡Enclosure

• Wire bar with solid base
• Height is important as degus love climbing
• Multiple levels
• Narrow bar spacing to prevent escape
• Bigger is better
• Do not place in draughts, direct sunlight, near a radiator, or humid conditions
• Degus are heat sensitive and over easily overheat – cooler temperatures are better

🛏️Substrate & Bedding

• Paper pellets or kiln-dried pine wood shavings for base substrate
• Soft, paper-based bedding
• Avoid cedar or non-kiln-dried pine shavings

🥦Diet

• Degu nuggets; formulated with added Vitamin C and without sugars or molasses
• Constant access to hay
• Degus need a high fibre, low protein and sugar diet. They are highly susceptible to diabetes if fed inappropriate foods
• Small amounts of veg, such as leafy greens, can be fed in moderation, though excessive amounts will cause bloat
• Sugary foods, such as carrot or apple, can be offered vary rarely in tiny amounts, though these are best avoided
• Also avoid raisins, popcorn, treats with molasses
• Fresh water should be permanently available
• It is important to remember not to feel like your degu is missing out by predominantly eating little more than hay and nuggets – it’s important for their health!

🧩Enrichment

• Incredibly intelligent animals that need constant stimulation
• Avoid overcrowding their cage with toys – rotate regularly instead
• Exploratory animals that enjoy tunnels, tubes, bridges and ramps, ropes, ladders
• Multiple nesting areas using hides and fleece hammocks
• Cardboard for shredding
• Chew toys and degu-appropriate treat sticks to keep teeth trimmed
• Scatter feeding to encourage natural foraging behaviour
• Dust bath using chinchilla dust
• Large wheel for exercise

🤲Handling & Behaviour

• Alert, curious and fast
• Handle low to the ground or a surface – may jump suddenly
• Scoop from below rather than grabbing from above
• Never grab or pick up a degu by its tail – they can shed the fur and skin covering it, and it will not regrow

🧽Cleaning

• Spot clean daily
• Full clean every 2-3 weeks
• Wash soft fleece items, such as hammocks, regularly

🩺Quick Health Check

• Healthy signs: bright eyes, smooth coat, active
• Concerns: weight loss, lethargy, matted fur, breathing issues
• Vet: Persistent lack of appetite or lethargy, limping
• Bloat: symptoms such as gasping, mouth-breathing, and a swollen abdomen can indicate bloat, which can be caused by foods high in sugar, starch, or vegetables that contain raffinose (such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and sprouts). Veterinary attention should be sought immediately

🧺Shopping List

• Cage
• Paper pellets or kiln-dried pine wood shavings
• Soft, paper-based bedding
• Degu nuggets
• Hay
• Food bowl
• Water bottle
• Enrichment items
• Large wheel
• Hides and hammocks
• Dust bath and chinchilla dust
• Pet-safe disinfectant