Tall multi-level cage 90x60x60cm+ for a pair/group
Social needs
Highly social; must live in pairs or groups
Diet
Strict herbivore; sugar-free, high-fibre
Time
Medium; daily interaction and cleaning
Cost
Medium
Overview
Degus are small, highly social rodents from the Chilean highlands, related to chinchillas and guinea pigs.
Unlike most pet rodents they are diurnal, so they are active during the day.
They are intelligent, vocal, and curious, using a rich repertoire of calls.
They are obligately social and suffer if kept alone, so they must always live with at least one compatible degu.
Their long lifespan and special dietary needs make them a serious commitment for an attentive owner.
Housing
Provide a tall, multi-level metal cage of at least 90x60x60cm for a pair, larger for groups, with narrow bar spacing and solid (not wire) platforms.
Degus are powerful chewers and diggers, so avoid plastic, which they destroy and may ingest.
Include a deep digging area, hides, and platforms for climbing.
They need a dust bath several times a week to keep their coat in good condition, plus a large solid running wheel.
Keep the cage out of direct sun and below about 26C, as they are heat-sensitive.
Provide constant safe chew material.
Diet
Degus are strict herbivores that cannot process sugar properly and are prone to diabetes, so their diet must be low in sugar and starch and very high in fibre.
The foundation is unlimited grass hay, supplemented with a small amount of degu- or chinchilla-appropriate pellets and fresh leafy greens.
Never feed fruit, carrots, sweet vegetables, or sugary treats, and avoid sugary commercial rodent mixes.
Constant fresh water and unlimited hay support both their teeth and gut.
Safe gnawing wood helps wear their continuously growing teeth.
Health
Diabetes is the signature degu disease, linked to sugary diets and causing cataracts and weight loss.
Their teeth grow continuously and can overgrow or develop painful malocclusion without enough hay and gnawing material.
Cataracts, bumblefoot, and tail-skin injuries are also common.
Never pick a degu up by the tail; the skin can slough off ("tail degloving"), after which the bare bone is amputated.
Cloudy eyes, weight loss, excessive drinking, or drooling all warrant a prompt exotic-vet visit.
Temperament
Degus are bright, busy, and playful, forming strong bonds within their group and grooming and "talking" to one another constantly.
With gentle, frequent handling from a young age they become tame and interactive, often climbing onto trusted owners and learning simple routines.
They are fast and can be nippy if startled or rough-handled, so calm consistency works best.
Their daytime activity makes them more interactive than nocturnal rodents, but a lone degu becomes stressed and unhealthy.
A good fit for
Owners wanting an active, daytime rodent
Keepers who can house a bonded pair or group
People committed to a strict sugar-free diet
Those wanting a long-lived, intelligent small pet
Common mistakes to avoid
Keeping a single degu alone
Feeding fruit, carrots, or sugary mixes (diabetes)
Lifting by the tail (causes degloving)
Plastic cages and accessories they chew and ingest
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate