Information about Degus

Degus as Pets – Everything You Need to Know

The degu is an active, sociable, and fascinating rodent that's becoming increasingly popular as a pet. They're friendly, curious, and rarely bite, but don't expect a cuddly companion. Degus have their own unique personalities and needs. Thinking about keeping degus? Then this guide is essential!

Living together: Degus are social animals

You should never keep a degu alone . In the wild, degus live in large colonies, and even in captivity, they need companions to thrive. It's best to keep a group of females or a neutered male with several females. Males can also be kept together, but only if they've been together from a young age and there's 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) is native to Chile, where it lives on the dry, scrubby slopes of the Andes Mountains. There, they dig elaborate tunnels 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 lifespan of 5 to 7 years , but some even reach 10 years. They weigh between 170 and 350 grams and grow to approximately 12.5 to 19.5 cm in length (excluding the tail).

Diet: a true herbivore

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

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

Their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives , so gnawing is essential for their health. Their gastrointestinal system is also adapted to a continuous intake of food with plenty of fiber. The cecum produces pellets, which they reabsorb to extract vital nutrients.

Preventing diabetes in degus

Pay close attention to the sugar and starch content of your degu's food. Degus are very susceptible to diabetes. Always choose a specialized degu food and completely avoid sugary or grain-rich treats.

Housing: large, safe and challenging

Degus need plenty of space and stimulation. Choose a rodent-proof degu cage measuring at least 130 x 60 x 100 cm for a group of up to five 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

Note: Degus are real rodents! Choose rodent-proof materials so your cage and accessories won't be in tatters within a week.

The right place in the house

Place the cage in a draft-free, quiet location with morning and evening sun. Avoid direct sunlight during the day – temperatures above 32°C (90°F) are dangerous. Ideally, place the cage in an elevated position so degus feel safe and don't perceive them as prey.

Ground cover and hygiene

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

Recognize a sick Degu

A sick degu can usually be recognized by a change in behavior. Look out for:

• Decreased appetite or drinking
• Isolating 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 aren't beginner pets, but with the right knowledge, housing, and nutrition, they make fantastic housemates. They're active, sociable, and incredibly intelligent. Providing them with enough space, companions, and challenges will reward them with endless enjoyment from their captivating behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions about Degus as Pets

Can I still keep a degu as a pet?

As of July 1, 2024, degus may no longer be bred or imported into the Netherlands because they are not listed as pets or hobby animals. If you already owned degus before that date, you may continue to keep them, and they may also change owners. However, new acquisitions are not permitted.

What is the minimum number of degus I should keep?

Degus are highly social animals and should be kept in pairs. A group of three or more is best, for example, all females or a neutered male with females. Males together are also fine, 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 area of ​​1.5 m² is recommended. For each additional animal, add 0.4 m². Provide multiple levels, as degus love to climb and clamber.

What substrate is suitable for degus?

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

How do I recognize a sick degu?

Watch out for the following symptoms:

• Decreased appetite or drinking
• Isolation from the group
• Weight loss
• Changes in stool
• Rough or wavy coat
• Hunched posture 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 running surface 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 need plenty of 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 become tame. Start by offering treats from your hand and get them used to your presence. However, keep in mind that degus are not naturally cuddly and do not like being 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 cleaning agent.

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 of age.

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

For extensive information on rodent care, see LICG