Degu care

Suitable degu homes

Minimum size - 80 x 60 x 50cm for a pair of degus. 

Degus are very active and intelligent rodents who need lots of space and enrichment to keep them entertained. They love to climb too so need a large cage full of wooden shelves and branches to climb and chew. 

Some degus will chew plastic bases so we recommend cages with a metal base. 

Below are some cages we do recommend for degus. 
Explorer cage
Little zoo flight cage
Savic Royal Suite 
Thickets house cage
Substrate and Bedding

For the main substrate, we recommend using - Megazorb, shredded card, Auboise, back 2 nature or similar products. We also add in cardboard tubes, boxes and egg boxes for them to chew and make nests in.

For nesting material we use hay as it is more natural than most bedding sold and they love to eat it too.

Degus also benefit from a sand bath. This helps keep their fur in good condition. You can use chinchilla sand, available from most pet shops.
Feeding 

Degus are prone to diabetes so feeding the correct diet is very important. 

Degus must have constant access to hay as this provides a large percentage of their diet. A good quality degu diet is important. You should never feed a degu with a diet that contains molasses or dried fruit. 

Many shop bought treats are too high in sugar so should be avoided. This also applies for fruit and some vegetables. Dried herbs can be given to degus as a treat, as can dandelions and green leafy vegetables. 

Toys and enrichment 

Degus need a wooden nest box and plenty of wooden shelves to run around on. They love to run around and climb their cage. Fruit tree branches such as apple tree branches are great to provide a degu with something to climb on and also chew on. 

Hiding food in boxes or tubes is a great way to provide them with enrichment.  You can also provide a dig box for them. This can be with shredded card, paper or a suitable and safe soil.

Degus usually love wheels. The wheel needs to be a good size to prevent their back arching too much and the wheel needs to be solid. Wheels with gaps in them (typically metal wheels) can lead to tails getting caught. 
Degus living together

Degus can be kept in same sex pairs or groups. They are very social, so should not be kept alone. 

If you have a lone degu, it is important to introduce them to a new friend slowly. 

Start by putting them in separate cages side by side. Each degu should have a nest and sand bath. Each day, either swap the sand bath and next, or swap the degus. this is to help them get used to one another's scent. 

After a week or so, you should notice them interacting through the bars. Potentially some grooming or just generally being relaxed around each other. At this point, you can introduce them in a neutral space. A space that doesn't smell of either degu. 

Clean the cage and add in two beds, two water bottles, two sand baths etc. Monitor closely and separate if required. 

With degus, they sometimes take a few attempts before a bond is formed. 


General information


Degus are generally diurnal, meaning they are mostly active during the day. Most degus seem go be most active early in the morning and evening. However, some will be active at night. 


In the wild, degus live in rocky areas where they can lookout, climb and hide. Housing should replicate this. 


Degus have upper incisor teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives. They must be provided with wood to chew on, so they can keep their teeth from over growing. 


Common health issues


Degus cannot digest or metabolise carbohydrates and sugars, so they are prone to diabetes. It is very important to research their diet.


They can also be prone to dental issues. However, if fed the right food, given plenty of fresh hay and wood to chew on, this should limit dental issues.


Lifespan


Degus live around 6-8 years.