DEGU  

  • Degus are active, social and curious animals that do best with company of another same-sex partner.
  • They will accept petting, but will rarely stay still for very long.
  • Their teeth are constantly growing; therefore a chew stick is needed. The teeth should be an orange-yellow color, not white.
  • Never pick up a degu by its tail as it is quite fragile and may break off.
  • A degu’s average life expectancy is 5-8 years.

Diet

Degus should always have pellets or timothy hay available. Treats, such as dark green leafy vegetables, raw peeled sweet potatoes, or carrots can be given. All fresh food should be given in small quantities as it may cause an upset stomach. Avoid all sugars, fruit and fatty treats. They can become diabetic if fed too many sugars, which eventually leads to cataracts. Remove any uneaten food within 24 hours. Teach your degu to use a water bottle and fill it with fresh water daily. Treats should not exceed 10% of total diet.

Housing  

Degus love to jump around so a large multi-level cage with an escape-proof lid will allow them to play without being able to escape. If you do use a wire cage, then make sure the space between the wires is no larger than one inch and there is a solid bottom. Degus should be kept in a draft-free area below 70°F, with low humidity and out of direct sunlight. Degus do not like light, so provide a hut or nesting box for it to hide under. Provide a layer of good soft bedding that is clean, non-toxic, absorbent, and relatively dust free. Recycled newspaper or wood shavings (aspen is best) are preferred bedding. Do not use cedar or pine bedding which can lead to respiratory problem. Change the shavings once or twice a week. Remember to wash, rinse and dry the cage bottom, food dishes and water bottle each week. Degus frequently will use a litter box if placed in a corner. The litter box should be changed daily. An exercise wheel, with a solid bottom, will encourage your degu to be active. Thick branches and cotton ropes also promote climbing and exercise

Handling & Care

Taming degus is simply a matter of gaining their confidence. Always be patient, gentle, and move slowly. Making friends with your pet and getting him accustomed to you can often be accomplished by offering treats. Without social interaction and opportunity for exercise, they can be aggressive and neurotic. Degus are active and curious, but will accept petting for a short time and prefer not to be picked up or cuddled. Never pick up or restrain a degu by its tail as the tail is fragile and may break off. Additionally, never pick it up from above as it may startle or frighten the degu.

Grooming

Degus do not need to be groomed or bathed since they are very clean animals and will do their own grooming. However, clean with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes, if necessary. Provide a dust bath at least twice a week, but remove the dust at the end of the day.

Health

Degus are healthy when they have bright eyes, orange teeth, has well-formed droppings and is active. Contact your veterinarian if you notice weight loss or any of these symptoms:

  • Refusal to eat or drink
  • Labored breathing, wheezing, sneezing
  • Diarrhea/ Change in droppings
  • Dull and/or receding eyes
  • Overgrown or white teeth
  • Inactive / Lethargic
  • Head tilt
  • Excessive hair loss / scratching
  • Rough hair coat