Degus as a Pet

Considerations before Commitment

Degus (Octodon degus) are intelligent, curious rodents from Chile – Degus can/may become friendly, recognize their caregivers, learn routines, and remain active during much of the day – however Degus are more demanding than many pocket mammals and should not be considered inexpensive, low-maintenance “starter pets.”

1. Housing and Habitat

Degus as a Pet

1. Minimum Size Housing Degus as a Pet:

• At least 28″ L × 18″ W × 28″ H for two Degus

 

2. Cage Type Degus as a Pet:

• Degus require chew-proof wire cages
• Degus require solid floors are best
• Avoid plastic bases – Degus will chew through plastic

 

2. Housing setup Degus as a Pet

• Include multi-levels
• Include hiding boxes
• Include untreated wooden branches for climbing
• Include a running wheel – minimum 12″ diameter for Degus adults
• Multiple solid levels rather than exposed wire flooring
• Deep low-dust paper bedding
• Several wooden shelters and sleeping areas
• Natural untreated branches and safe wooden chew items
• Tunnels, platforms, ropes, and climbing opportunities
• A large, solid-surface exercise wheel—never a wire wheel
• Separate feeding locations
• More than one water source where practical
• Regular opportunities to dig and forage
• A safe sand bath intended for chinchillas or degus

 

3. Bedding Degus as a Pet:

• Dust-free shredded paper
• Aspen bedding for digging

 

4. Dust Bath Degus as a Pet:
5. Provide a shallow bowl with degu-safe dust – chinchilla dust
6. Provide 2-3 times a week to keep Degus coats clean

 

5. The Degus cage should be:

• In a quiet family area
• Where the Degus receive attention
• Where the Degus are protected from shouting
• Where the Degus are protected from constant handling
• Where the Degus are protected from dogs
• Where the Degus are protected from cats
• Where the Degus are protected from direct sunlight
• Where the Degus are protected from drafts
• Where the Degus are protected from radiators
• Where the Degus are protected from kitchen fumes

Degus can overheat easily – the Degus enclosure should remain in a cool part of the home.

 

2. Diet Requires Special Attention

Degus as a Pet

Degus need a very high-fibre low-sugar diet – Ask an Exotic-animal Veterinarian to review the exact pellet brand – and fresh-food plan – before bringing the degus home – Degus basic food should include:

1. Unlimited fresh grass hay – such as Timothy or meadow hay
2. A measured amount of quality degus-specific pellets
3. Fresh clean water available continuously
4. Suitable leafy plants
5. Suitable herbs
6. Suitable or vegetables in carefully selected amounts

Avoid routine feeding of:

• Fruit
• Dried fruit
• Honey sticks
• Yogurt drops
• Sweetened treats
• Molasses-containing food
• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Cookies or other human snack foods
• Large amounts of seeds or nuts

Degus are particularly susceptible to diabetes and obesity – hence sweet treats that appear harmless can create serious Degus health problems.

3. Water Access

Degus as a Pet

1. Water always Available:

• Fresh water
• Clean water
• Must be accessible 24/7

 

2. Water Dispenser:
3. Use a sturdy hanging water bottle
4. Use a heavy ceramic bowl attached to the cage
5. To prevent spillage and contamination

 

4. Never Plan on Only One Degus

Degus as a Pet

Degus are highly social animals and should normally live with compatible degus of the same sex – ideally an already-bonded pair or small Degus group – a Degus owner/person cannot replace the constant companionship, communication, grooming, and sleeping contact another degu provides.

A family should usually adopt:

1. Two bonded Debus males
2. Two bonded females
3. An established compatible group

Warning: do not casually place unfamiliar adult degus together – introductions may need to be gradual – fighting can cause serious injuries.

 

5. Degus are Not Cuddly Toys

Degus as a Pet

 Many Degus become tame, interactive, and interested in people, but Degus often prefer climbing onto a person voluntarily rather than being picked up and carried.

Never lift, pull, restrain, or catch a Degus by its tail:

• The Degus tail skin can be severely injured
• The Degus tail skin can detach and will not grow back normally
• The Degus tail skin can be severely injured or detach and will not grow back normally
• Young children may find them too quick and delicate to handle safely
• Children should sit on the floor during interaction and allow the Degus to approach them
• Degus may bite if frightened – grabbed – cornered – awakened abruptly

 

6. Daily Work and Enrichment

Degus as a Pet

Degus are clever and energetic – a cage containing only food, water, and a wheel will not provide enough stimulation.

Every day, the family should expect to:

• Refresh hay and water
• Remove wet bedding and spoiled food
• Check that both Degus are eating and behaving normally
• Provide safe chewing materials
• Hide some food in hay or safe enrichment toys
• Offer supervised interaction
• Observe their teeth
• Observe their eyes
• Observe their feet
• Observe their coat
• Observe their breathing
• Observe their movement

Rotate tunnels, cardboard boxes, branches, safe wooden toys, and foraging activities – do not completely redesign the cage every day – familiar scents and sleeping areas can provide security.

7.. Veterinary Care can be Difficult to Find

Degus as a Pet

Before adopting a Degus locate an Exotic-animal Veterinarian who regularly treats Degus.

1. Potential Degus health concerns include:
2. Dental overgrowth or painful dental disease
3. Diabetes
4. Cataracts
5. Weight loss or obesity
6. Respiratory illness
7. Digestive problems
8. Foot sores
9. Skin problems
10. Injuries from fighting
11. Heat stress

 

2. Because Degus may hide:

• Illness
• Reduced eating
• Drooling
• Wet fur around the mouth
• Unusual quietness
• Breathing difficulty
• Diarrhea
• Sudden weight loss
• Changes in drinking

A small digital scale is useful – weigh each Degus regularly – keep a written record – unexplained weight loss – may be an early warning sign.

 

8. Expect a Long Commitment

Degus as a Pet

Degus commonly live approximately five to eight years – although lifespan varies with genetics – diet – housing – Veterinary care.

Before adopting, your pet Degus ask:

• Will our family still have the time
• Will our family still have the money
• Will our family still have the suitable housing
• Will our family still have the interest to care for both degus many years from now
• Also plan for vacations

A knowledgeable caregiver must check them daily – leaving Degus extra food and water for several days is unsafe.

 

9. Degus can be Messy and Destructive

Degus as a Pet

1. Degus Owners must expect:
2. Hay around the cage
3. Bedding scattered onto the floor
4. Frequent chewing
5. Dust or sand near the enclosure
6. Occasional food throwing
7. Vocal squeaks chirps and cage activity

During Degus supervised exercise owners must protect:

• Electrical cords
• Furniture
• House plants
• Base boards
• Carpets
• Small openings.

A Degus can disappear behind furniture surprisingly quickly.

 

9. Children’s Responsibilities

Degus as a Pet

1. Children can help with:

• Refilling Degus hay under supervision
• Preparing Degus enrichment activities
• Speaking gently near the Degus enclosure
• Watching and recording Degus behaviour
• Helping with Degus feeding after an adult measures the food
• Checking Degus water bottles with an adult

Adults should remain responsible for:

1. Veterinary care
2. Diet decisions
3. Cage cleaning
4. Safe handling
5. Temperature control
6. Preventing escapes
7. Paying ongoing expenses

A child losing interest must never result in reduced care.

 

Family Suitability

Degus as a Pet

1. A Degus pair may be a good choice if:

• Your family wants intelligent active animals
• To observe
• To gently interact with
• Your family has room for a large enclosure
• Your family accepts several years of care
• Your family can maintain a strict low-sugar diet
• Your family has access to an experienced Exotic-animal Veterinarian.

2. Degus may not be suitable if:

• Your children primarily want a pet to carry
• Your children primarily want a pet cuddle
• Your family wants only one animal
• The home becomes very hot
• The space is limited
• Adults expect children to manage the pets independently

3. Before purchasing a Degus as a Pet:

• Visit a reputable rescue
• Visit an experienced degu caregiver
• Observe adult degus
• Learn how noisy and messy Degus are
• Observe a properly equipped enclosure
• Handle a Degus under supervision

Whenever possible, adopt an already-bonded Degus pair rather than buying a single Degus.

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