MEET THE DEGU
Degus are fascinating rodents from the mountains of South America, where they're related to chinchillas and guinea pigs. Unlike most small pets that are most active at night, degus are diurnal—they're up and about during the day, which makes it easier for you to interact and play with them.
Lifespan
6 - 9 years
6 - 9 years
Good With Kids
Older/respectful
children
Space Requirement
Medium
Time Needed Outside Cage
High
Potty Trainability
Medium
Diet Difficulty
Medium
Medium
Care Difficulty
Medium
Cleanliness
Medium
Human Interaction Needs
High
Cuddliness
Medium
ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
MNPPR Recommends
Double Critter Nation
Critter Nation cages are easy to clean, customize, and move around. Plus, they come in both single and double sizes depending on how much room you have and how many degus you want to keep.
Minimum Dimensions
One degu: 6 cubic ft
Two degus: 10 - 12 cubic ft
Three degus: 15 - 24 cubic ft
Other Notes
Wire-sided cages are preferable because they provide plenty of ventilation and options for climbing.
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Bar spacing should be no more than 1” for adult degus and 0.5” for young degus to prevent injuries or escape.
All cage floors, ramps, and levels should be solid or covered with fleece since standing on wire can cause injuries and bumblefoot.
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Anti-pill fleece blankets or liners are the safest options for degu bedding since they may eat other types and get intestinal blockages. We like to use fleece to line the cage and cover any exposed wire floors.
ENRICHMENT REQUIREMENTS
Variety
*toilet paper tubes
fiddlesticks
tunnels
*bird toys
*bits of fabric
ladders
*cardboard
treat balls
Other Items
*toilet paper tubes
dust bath
hammocks
pet bed
pet carrier
anti-pill fleece
Chewing
Degus are known to be prolific chewers. Because of this, many owners choose not to allow any plastic at all in their environment. This is the best way to protect your pets from ingesting pieces of plastic that can cause an obstruction and make them ill. There are glass water bottles, ceramic or glass dishes, solid metal or wooden wheels, and wooden hides available on the market. Only use anti-pill fleece for cage liners and hammocks, and check them regularly for wear and tear.
*Some owners also choose not to have these items in their degu's environment to prevent the possibility of any ingestion.
FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Hay
Degus’ digestive systems require a constant supply of hay to function properly. An unlimited supply of timothy hay, orchard grass, and/or meadow grass should be available for them to eat at all times. Adult degus should not be given alfalfa since its calcium content is too high and can cause stones to form.
Pellets
Each degu should be provided 2 tablespoons of timothy pellets per day. Seed mix food should not be used because they are often missing vital nutrients, and many degus will only eat their favorite-tasting pieces, causing an unbalanced diet. If you are unable to find degu-specific food, molasses-free guinea pig pellets can be mixed with chinchilla pellets at a 50/50 ratio.
Safe Treats
alfalfa hay cubes
basil
carrots
dandelions
dried rose hips
fruit tree twigs
sugar-free wheat cereal
mint
oregano
parsley
pumpkin seeds
sweet pepper
Treats
Degus are prone to getting diabetes and should not have treats high in molasses or sugar.
Unsafe Treats
avocado
chocolate
dairy
garlic
meat
onion
potato
rhubarb
tomato leaves
sugary treats
DISCLAIMER
All information shared by MN Pocket Pet Rescue is researched, up to date, and accurate to the best of our ability. We are not a licensed veterinary organization and do not intend to present ourselves as such. All educational material contains our best recommendations for care specific to each species. However, all animals are different, and some may have unique needs. MN Pocket Pet Rescue does not assume any liability for the well-being of any animal not under our care. Always use your best judgment and follow veterinary recommendations whenever necessary. If you have any questions or find inaccurate information, please contact us.