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Degu information – all about care, nutrition and housing
The degu (Octodon degus) is an intelligent, active, and sociable rodent that is awake during the day – ideal for observing behavior and bonding, but less suitable as a cuddly companion. This information page provides everything you need in one overview: housing, bedding, sand bath, sugar-free food, decorating tips, and common mistakes. We'll also link you directly to the appropriate product categories so you can quickly make the right choices.
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Degu checklist (in 1 minute)
- ✓ Always keep degus in groups of at least two: they are true group animals.
- ✓ Choose a spacious, rodent-proof enclosure with multiple layers (safely built and not too high).
- ✓ Use a thick, dust-free digging layer of ground cover (at least approx. 15 cm).
- ✓ Offer a sand bath (preferably several times a week) with suitable chinchilla sand.
- ✓ Food: unlimited hay + suitable degu food/pellets + (dried) herbs/greens.
- ✓ Avoid sugar (including fruit): degus are sensitive to this.
- ✓ Provide gnawing material and enrichment: branches, tunnels, platforms, foraging.
Character & group behavior: curious, quick and sociable
Degus are intelligent, alert, and communicate frequently with each other. They are active during the day and prefer a regular routine. Don't expect a pet that enjoys being picked up: many degus can become tame, but sitting on a lap rarely suits their nature. Because degus are social animals, keeping them alone is not safe .
- At least 2 degus , preferably a small group with sufficient space.
- Peace and predictability : a fixed place in the house and fixed care times help reduce stress.
- Caution when handling : never pick up a degu by the tail.
Housing: large, rodent-resistant and safely built
Degus dig and climb. A good enclosure therefore combines floor space , safe heights , and gnaw-resistant materials . Plastic and untreated "soft" wood are often easily gnawed. Ideally, choose a sturdy enclosure (e.g., glass or metal) and build it stably.
Practical guidelines (widely used):
- For 2–3 degus : minimum floor size approx. 100 × 50 cm , with additional walking surface provided by levels.
- For additional animals: add extra running surface and avoid cramped areas (cramped areas are more likely to lead to arguments).
- Make floors safe and not too high , so that falling poses less of a risk.
Looking for the right products right away? Go directly to: Degoe Cages , Degoe Platforms & Ladders , and Degoe Houses .
Ground cover, digging & hygiene
Degus are avid diggers. A thin layer of substrate isn't an option: you'll miss out on natural behavior and the enclosure will get dirty faster. Choose a dust-reducing , absorbent substrate and preferably create a separate digging area (or digging box) where they can really let loose.
✓ Excavation layer
Create a thick layer (preferably from approx. 15 cm) of dust-free ground cover so that digging is possible.
✓ Pee corner
Degus often choose a fixed corner. Make it practical with absorbent, non-clumping material.
✓ Cleaning rhythm
Daily small checks, weekly partial cleaning (not everything at once) and occasional thorough cleaning.
View all options in: Degoe Ground Covering and Degoe Sand & Sandboxes .
Sand bath: essential for coat care
Degus love to bathe in sand. This helps keep their fur clean and is also enriching. Use suitable chinchilla sand and offer it regularly. Many owners choose to offer it several times a week.
Sugar-free food: hay, degu food, herbs and gnawing sticks
The biggest SEO and selection question is almost always: "What can a degu eat?" The basics are simple and strict: lots of fiber, little to no sugar . Hay is the base, supplemented with suitable degu food/pellets and (dried) herbs and greens.
Basic structure (practical):
- Unlimited hay – always available.
- Suitable degu food (low in sugar) – as a supplement, not as the main part.
- Herbs & flowers – ideal for varying and foraging.
- Gnawing branches – support natural gnawing behaviour and activity.
Important: Avoid sugary products and be careful with (sugary) fruits. Choose snacks that are suitable for degu feeding: herbal snacks, high-fiber treats, and sugar-free forage mixes/syrups.
Shop directly by topic: Degu Hay · Degu Food · Degu Pellets · Fresh Degu Herbs · Dried Degu Herbs · Dried Flowers
Water & food bowls: sturdy, stable and rodent-proof
Always provide fresh drinking water. Preferably choose a sturdy material (glass/ceramic) that won't break easily or be chewed. A practical tip for many degu enclosures is a glass water bottle or a heavy water bowl.
Furnishing, enrichment & movement
A good degu environment revolves around three things: climbing , hiding , and foraging . Combine platforms, tunnels, and safe houses with foraging toys and gnawing materials. A running wheel can be a good addition, provided it's safe (solid track, no spokes) and large enough to keep the degu's back straight.
✓ Shelter & rest
Provide several hiding places and at least one comfortable place to sleep. Degus like to choose.
✓ Climbing & routes
Create routes with platforms, bridges and ladders (stable, not too steep, securely attached).
✓ Foraging
Let them search: scatter food, foraging toys and herb mixes keep them mentally active.
Go directly to: Degu Play & Foraging · Degu Gnawing Material · Degu Tunnels · Degu Exercise Wheels
Health: what should you pay attention to?
Degus are hardy, but incorrect feeding, dusty bedding, or cramped housing can cause problems. Therefore, pay attention to their behavior: appetite, activity, coat condition, and feces. If in doubt or if they experience rapid deterioration, contact a veterinarian with experience in rodents.
Signs to take seriously:
- Eating less or noticeably less active
- Losing weight or gaining weight quickly
- Rough coat, half-closed eyes, sitting in a crouched position
- Persistent diarrhea or a significant change in bowel movements
- Problems with teeth/eating (blundering, selecting, difficulty gnawing)
All Degu categories (quickly navigate to the right products)
✓ Accommodation & furnishings
✓ Food & foraging
✓ Hygiene, sand & gnawing
Also useful (season & transport):
Frequently asked questions about degus
Are degus suitable for beginners?
Degus can be a lot of fun, but they do require specific choices: spacious housing, chew-resistant furnishings, and, above all, a sugar-free diet. Therefore, they're best suited if you do your research and take their natural behavior seriously.
Why can't degus have sugar (and preferably fruit)?
Degus are sensitive to sugar in their diet. Therefore, choose a fiber-rich base (hay) and appropriate degu food, and avoid sugary products.
How often should I clean the accommodation?
Daily: Check the litter box and litter. Weekly: Replace part of the bedding (not all at once). Occasionally: Clean thoroughly with hot water and let it dry thoroughly.
Do degus need a sand bath?
Yes, a sand bath is important for coat care and enrichment. Use suitable chinchilla sand and offer it regularly.
What is the most important thing when choosing an exercise wheel?
Choose a safe running wheel with a solid track, no spokes, and large enough to keep your back straight while running. Place it securely and check it regularly for wear and tear.
Tip: Want personalized advice? DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011 and is happy to help you make the right choice for your degu group.
✓ Carefully selected range for degus
✓ Specialist selection assistance since 2011
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