Is A Degu The Right Animal For You?

Degus are very social, highly intelligent animals that enjoy playing and exploring. They are outgoing little rodents with a friendly nature that can live up to 8 years.

They are wonderful pets, but they require a lot of care, so you shouldn't pick one on a whim. You'll need to be aware of their preferences and how to create the conditions in your home for them to thrive.

Degu Accommodation

To encourage their natural burrowing behaviour, degus should be kept in large wire cages with a deep layer of substrate and a high, solid base, out of direct sunlight. Suitable substrates include wood shavings or torn sheets of paper (not sawdust).

To help with disease prevention, the enclosure needs to be cleaned out fully at least once a week, and spot cleaned everyday. To keep the fur healthy, a daily dust bath should be offered.

Companions

Degus are social animals, and are best kept in pairs or small groups.

What Degus Eat

For gastrointestinal and dental health, hay or grass should make up the majority of the diet.

Commercial pellet diets can make up a portion of a degu's diet. Complete pelleted diets are preferable to muesli mixes since they help to ensure that the animal receives a balanced diet as degus can be very selective feeders. Raisins, nuts and dried fruits can be offered as a special treat too.

Each day, clean water must be provided in a bowl or water bottle.

Vaccinations

No routine vaccinations are currently recommended for degus.

Neutering

Male degus may be castrated in order to reduce fighting, or prevent reproduction.

Parasites

No routine parasite prevention is currently recommended for degus.

Signs of Ill Health

Since degus are a prey species, they will hide disease, so as soon as you see any symptoms, you must take immediate action.

Dental disease: Because their teeth are continuously growing, degus require a diet high in fibre to prevent dental issues. Dental disease might be suspected if your degu is losing weight, drooling, eating less, or passing less faeces than normal. A comprehensive dental examination should be performed (often under general anaesthetic).

Fur slip – a patch of fur may be lost if a degu is stressed out by handling or fighting.

Bleeding or discharges from anywhere should be assessed by your vet.

Limping, change in grooming behaviour or wounds should be assessed by your vet.

If you have any concerns contact your vet as soon as possible.