Thinking about adopting a degu? These sociable little rodents make fantastic pets but only if you know how to care for them the right way. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about caring for degus, plus some tips to keep them healthy and happy.
Degus are native to northern and central Chile and in the wild, these small but vocal rodents are typically found living at high elevations (1,200m) in the Andes mountain range. They usually live in groups and spend their days digging and chewing. Like us, they’re active during the day and sleep at night.
Where should degus live?
Their housing should be large enough for them to carry out all their natural behaviours including running, jumping, climbing, chewing, dustbathing, digging and nesting, as well as eating, drinking and toileting. The space should include several wooden or metal platforms, food bowls for hay and pellets, water bottle, suitable chew toys and accessories and suitable bedding material. Remember to avoid cages with plastic trays and platforms.
Minimum cage dimensions for one or two degus are 75cms wide x 90cms high x 45cms deep. If you plan to have more than two degus, they would definitely appreciate bigger space. It’s also good to keep in mind that enclosures should be placed in a cool area, away from any radiators or other heat sources.
Degus can get frightened from movements above them, so providing a solid roof can help them to feel more secure and avoid placing their enclosure at ground level. Their main predators in the wild are birds of prey, so placing enclosures at waist height, on a shelf or table may be less stressful for your degus. Degus should also have constant access to hay filled nest boxes to rest, sleep or hide in case they feel afraid or just want to be alone. Degus enjoy a dust bath at least twice a week, so be sure to leave a shallow tray filled with clean fine sand or dust for them.
What equipment should you provide for a degu?
Degus are very active rodents and require plenty of space to exercise. Branches made from safe wood (e.g. pear, apple, beech) and platforms at different levels will allow them to climb and jump from one to another. A stable rock formation can also offer a great opportunity for climbing. In the wild they will naturally climb onto the branches of shrubs and small trees. Degus also love to run on wheels, so don’t forget to provide a metal or wooden wheel with a minimum 12-inch diameter to keep them active.
What do degus eat?
It’s important to feed your degus a balanced diet of a complete degu pellets and good quality timothy hay, to help keep their teeth worn down. Degus are susceptible to diabetes, so give treats very sparingly. A small measured portion of degu nuggets and some leafy vegetables should also be part of their daily diet.
Compared to some other rodents, degus in the wild consume large amounts of fibre and they should have constant access to good quality hay. Hay is much more important than commercial degu nuggets and should constitute the majority of their diet.
It is important to provide degus constant access to fresh drinking water, ideally from a drinking bottle, as without it they become seriously ill. Do not forget to check the water bottle daily for leaks and/or blockages, and clean the bottle and nozzle properly to avoid contamination.
