What Are Degus?
Degus are fascinating small rodents native to Chile that make unique and engaging pets. These social, intelligent creatures are closely related to chinchillas and guinea pigs, but they have their own distinct care requirements. Unlike many small pets, degus are diurnal, meaning they're most active during the day when you are, making them excellent companions for interaction and observation.
These charming animals typically live 6-8 years in captivity and are known for their playful, curious nature. Degus are highly social creatures that thrive in groups, so understanding their complex needs is essential for providing proper care. This comprehensive degus care guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your degu healthy and happy.
Housing Requirements for Degus
Proper housing is crucial for degu health and wellbeing. Your degu enclosure should be spacious, secure, and designed to accommodate their natural behaviors. A minimum cage size of 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 3 feet tall is recommended for a pair of degus, though larger is always better.
Wire cages with solid flooring work best, as degus are excellent climbers and need vertical space. Avoid cages with wire floors, as these can cause foot injuries. The bar spacing should be no more than half an inch to prevent escapes or injuries.
Temperature control is vital for degus. They're sensitive to heat and humidity, preferring temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C) with low humidity levels. Place the cage away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and air conditioners to maintain consistent conditions.
Creating the Perfect Degu Environment
Degus need multiple levels, hiding spots, and enrichment items to stay mentally and physically stimulated. Include wooden platforms, ramps, and tunnels to create a complex environment that encourages natural behaviors.
Bedding should be dust-free and absorbent. Aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or kiln-dried pine shavings are excellent choices. Avoid cedar bedding, which can cause respiratory issues. Provide a thick layer for burrowing, as degus love to dig and create tunnels.
Essential accessories include multiple water bottles, heavy ceramic food bowls, and a variety of hideouts. Degus also need a dust bath area filled with chinchilla sand (not dust) for grooming and maintaining their coat health.
Feeding Your Degu: Diet and Nutrition
Degus have sensitive digestive systems and are prone to diabetes, making their diet critically important. They require a high-fiber, low-sugar diet that closely mimics their natural food sources in the wild.
A high-quality degu pellet should form the foundation of their diet. Look for pellets specifically formulated for degus or guinea pigs, avoiding those with added seeds, nuts, or colorful pieces that are often high in sugar and fat.
Fresh hay should be available at all times, preferably timothy hay or orchard grass. Hay aids digestion, provides necessary fiber, and helps wear down their continuously growing teeth. Alfalfa hay should be limited to young, pregnant, or nursing degus due to its high calcium content.
Fresh vegetables can be offered daily in small quantities. Safe options include leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and parsley, as well as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Always introduce new foods gradually and remove any uneaten fresh food within 24 hours to prevent spoilage.
Foods to Avoid
Many common pet treats are dangerous for degus due to their sugar sensitivity. Avoid all fruits, as even naturally occurring sugars can trigger diabetes. Never offer chocolate, candy, nuts, seeds, or processed human foods.
Iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, and avocado are toxic to degus. Commercial treats designed for hamsters or other small pets often contain inappropriate ingredients, so stick to degu-specific treats or safe vegetables.
Social Needs and Behavior
Degus are highly social animals that suffer from loneliness when kept alone. They should be housed in same-sex pairs or small groups, ideally introduced when young. Solo degus often develop behavioral issues and may have shorter lifespans due to stress.
These intelligent creatures communicate through various vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. You'll notice them chirping, squeaking, and even "singing" to each other. They also engage in social grooming, play fighting, and communal nesting.
Daily interaction with their human caregivers is important for degus. They can learn to recognize their owners and may even come when called. Handle them gently and consistently to build trust, but never grab them by the tail, as the skin can tear off as a defense mechanism.
Similar to our chinchilla care guide, degus require specialized attention to their social and environmental needs that differ significantly from more common small pets like those covered in our hamster care guide.
Health Care and Common Issues
Regular health monitoring is essential for early detection of problems. Healthy degus are active, alert, and have bright eyes, clean ears, and smooth fur. Watch for signs of illness including lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, discharge from eyes or nose, or changes in bathroom habits.
Diabetes is the most serious health concern for degus. Symptoms include excessive drinking and urination, cataracts, and weight loss despite normal appetite. Prevention through proper diet is key, as diabetes in degus is often irreversible.
Dental problems can occur since degu teeth grow continuously. Provide plenty of safe chewing materials like untreated wood blocks, pumice stones, or specialized chew toys. Overgrown teeth can prevent eating and require veterinary intervention.
Regular dust baths help prevent skin and fur problems. Degus should have access to dust baths several times per week, but not daily, as over-bathing can dry out their skin.
Finding a Veterinarian
Not all veterinarians are experienced with degus, so it's important to find an exotic pet specialist before you need one. Research local vets who treat small exotic mammals and establish a relationship early.
Annual wellness exams can catch health issues before they become serious. During these visits, your vet can check teeth, weight, and overall condition while discussing any behavioral or care concerns you might have.
Exercise and Enrichment
Degus are active animals that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Provide climbing structures, tunnels, and platforms to encourage natural behaviors. Exercise wheels designed for chinchillas work well for degus, but avoid wire wheels that can cause injuries.
Supervised playtime outside the cage in a degu-proofed room provides additional exercise and bonding opportunities. Ensure the area is secure with no escape routes, electrical cords to chew, or toxic plants within reach.
Foraging activities keep degus mentally engaged. Hide small amounts of food around their enclosure or use puzzle feeders to make mealtime more interesting and natural.
Breeding Considerations
Breeding degus requires extensive knowledge and preparation. Female degus have a long gestation period of about 90 days and typically give birth to 4-6 babies. Unless you're an experienced breeder with homes lined up for offspring, it's best to keep males and females separated.
Spaying and neutering degus is possible but carries risks due to their small size. Consult with an experienced exotic vet if you're considering these procedures for health or behavioral reasons.
Conclusion
Caring for degus requires dedication, proper preparation, and ongoing commitment to their unique needs. These intelligent, social creatures can make wonderful companions when provided with appropriate housing, diet, and social interaction. Remember that degus are long-term commitments requiring specialized care that differs significantly from more common small pets.
By following this comprehensive degus care guide, you'll be well-equipped to provide a healthy, enriching environment for these remarkable animals. Always continue learning about degu care and maintain a relationship with an experienced exotic animal veterinarian to ensure your pets live long, healthy lives.