Information about Degus

Degus as Pets – Everything You Need to Know

The Degu is an active, social and fascinating rodent that is becoming increasingly popular as a pet. They are friendly, curious and rarely bite, but don't expect a cuddly toy. Degus have their own unique character and needs. Are you thinking about keeping degus? Then this guide is indispensable!

Living together: Degus are social animals

You should never keep a degu alone . In the wild, degus live in large colonies and in captivity they also need their own kind to be happy. It is best to keep a group of females or a castrated male with several females. Males together are also possible, but only if they have been together from a young age and there is enough space.

Did you know that…

The Degu is closely related to the guinea pig? They belong to the same order (Rodentia) and are very similar in their social behavior.

Lifestyle and origin

The Degu (Octodon degus) originates from Chile, where it lives on dry, shrubby slopes of the Andes Mountains. There they dig extensive tunnel systems in which they store food. Unlike many other rodents, degus are active during the day , with a rest period in the afternoon.

They have an average life expectancy of 5 to 7 years , but some even reach 10 years. They weigh between 170 and 350 grams and grow to about 12.5 to 19.5 cm long (excluding tail).

Diet: a true herbivore

Degus are herbivores (plant eaters) and need a high-fiber diet . Sugar is downright dangerous for them. They are prone to diabetes . So don't give them fruit, bread, grain products or other sugary snacks. What they do need:

• Top quality hay (always available)
• Healthy degu food with at least 20% crude fiber and maximum 7% starch
• Safe gnawing material such as willow branches or natural hardwood, to wear down the teeth

Their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives , so gnawing is essential to their health. Their gastrointestinal system is also designed to receive a constant diet high in fiber. The cecum produces feces that they reabsorb to extract important nutrients.

Preventing Diabetes in Degus

Pay close attention to the sugar and starch content in food. Degus are very sensitive to diabetes. Always choose a specialized degu food and completely avoid sugary or grainy treats.

Housing: large, safe and challenging

Degus need a lot of space and challenge. Choose a rodent-proof degu cage that is at least 130 x 60 x 100 cm in size for a group of up to 5 degus. Bigger is always better of course!

The perfect interior includes:

• Multiple floors and seating platforms
• Metal running wheels with a closed running surface and a diameter of at least 33 cm
• Clay and cork tubes, climbing branches, and houses
• A sand bath with chinchilla sand for a clean, healthy coat
• Ceramic food and water bowls or drinking bottles
• A hay rack with fresh hay every day

Please note: degus are real rodents! Choose materials that are rodent-proof , so that your cage and accessories are not in tatters within a week.

The right place in the house

Place the cage in a draft-free, quiet place with morning and evening sun. Avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day – above 32°C is dangerous. Preferably place the cage elevated, so that degus feel safe and do not experience it as prey.

Ground cover and hygiene

Degus like to dig. A thick layer of absorbent bedding makes this possible and keeps the cage fresh. Clean the urine corners daily and replace the entire bedding weekly.

Recognize a sick Degu

A sick Degu can usually be recognized by a change in behavior. Pay attention:

• Decreased appetite or drinking
• Separating from the group
• Weight loss
• Dirty, rough or wavy coat
• Hunched posture, half-closed eyes, arched back
• Teeth grinding

When in doubt, always consult a veterinarian with experience in exotic rodents .

Degus are not beginner pets, but with the right knowledge, housing and food they make fantastic housemates. They are active, social and extremely intelligent. Providing them with enough space, companions and challenges will reward them with endless fun from their fascinating behaviour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Degus as Pets

Can I still keep a degu as a pet?

Since July 1, 2024, degus may no longer be bred or imported into the Netherlands, because they are not on the pet and hobby animal list. If you already had degus before that date, you may continue to keep them and they may also change owners. However, new purchases are not permitted.

What is the minimum number of degus I should keep?

Degus are very social animals and should be kept at least in pairs. A group of three or more is best, for example only females or a castrated male with females. Males together is also possible, provided they have been raised together from a young age.

What is the ideal diet for a degu?

Degus are herbivores and require a high fiber diet. Their diet should consist of:

• High quality hay (about 80% of their diet)
• Special degu food without grains and sugars
• Fresh drinking water in a glass bottle

Avoid fruits, nuts, seeds and sugary snacks, as degus are prone to diabetes.

How big should a degu's enclosure be?

For a group of three degus, a minimum cage of 100 x 50 cm with a total running surface of 1.5 m² is recommended. For each additional animal, add 0.4 m². Provide multiple floors, because degus like to climb and clamber.

What substrate is suitable for degus?

Use a thick layer of absorbent bedding that binds odors well, such as hemp fiber or dust-free wood fiber. This allows degus to dig and exhibit their natural behavior. Clean the urine corners daily and replace the entire bedding weekly.

How do I recognize a sick degu?

Look out for the following symptoms:

• Decreased appetite or drinking
• Separation from the group
• Weight loss
• Changes in stool
• Rough or wavy coat
• Hunched position or half-closed eyes

If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian who has experience with rodents.

What are suitable toys for degus?

Degus are active animals that need enrichment. Suitable toys include:

• Tunnels and plateaus
• Running wheels with a closed tread and a diameter of at least 33 cm
• Sand baths with chinchilla sand
• Foraging toys and gnawing material such as willow branches

How do I care for my degu's teeth?

Degus' teeth grow continuously. To prevent overgrowth, they must have sufficient gnawing material, such as willow branches or special gnawing wood. A high-fiber diet also contributes to the natural wear of the teeth.

Can degus be tame?

Yes, with patience and regular interaction, degus can be tame. Start by offering treats from your hand and get them used to your presence. However, keep in mind that degus are not cuddly animals by nature and do not like to be picked up.

How often should I clean the accommodation?

• Daily : Remove food debris and clean urine corners.
• Weekly : Replace some of the bedding to keep the scent familiar.
• Monthly : Clean the entire enclosure thoroughly with hot water and, if necessary, a mild detergent.

What is the life expectancy of a degu?

Degus live an average of 5 to 8 years. With proper care, nutrition and housing, some can even reach 10 years.

What accessories are essential for a degu?

• Rodent-proof cage with multiple levels
• Running wheel with closed running surface (minimum 33 cm diameter)
• Sand bath with chinchilla sand
• Ceramic or glass food and water bowls
• High-quality hay rack
• Gnawing material such as willow branches

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