Degus: Sociable, Chatty and Strictly Low-Sugar
Is a Degu Right for You?
Degus are active by day, which makes them great to watch. They chatter and squeak to each other, love to dig and climb, and can become tame with patient handling. They live six to eight years, longer than most small rodents.
Company
Degus are social and need other degus. PDSA advises same-sex groups, or one neutered male with one or more females. Littermates are easiest to keep together.
Cage: Big, Metal and Multi-Level
PDSA gives a minimum floor space of 100 × 50 cm (39 × 20 inches), with extra levels adding more space, and a bigger cage for bigger groups. Choose metal: degus chew through plastic and wood.
- Many levels, ramps and platforms to climb.
- Deep, dust-free bedding to dig in, with hay.
- A sand bath of chinchilla or hamster sand a few times a week, removed between uses.
- A solid wheel big enough for a flat back.
- Indoors, out of drafts and direct sun, away from TVs and speakers.
Setting Up for Degus
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A large metal multi-level cage stands up to chewing. Hay and degu pellets are the diet, and a sand bath keeps coats clean. A large solid wheel, wooden chews and hides finish the setup.
Diet: High Fiber, No Sugar
Degus are prone to diabetes. PDSA advises a diet high in fiber and low in sugar and fat: unlimited hay, a measured amount of pellets made for degus, and small amounts of leafy vegetables. Avoid fruit (beyond the rare small piece of apple), molasses, sweet treats and foods made for other rodents, which often contain sugar.
Health: Preventive Care
Find a vet who sees degus before you need one, and book a check-up after they come home. Weigh regularly, check their teeth (they should be orange), and ask your vet about any change in drinking or eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diet and company come up most.
Why can't degus eat sugar?
They're prone to diabetes, so their diet should be high in fiber and low in sugar and fat. Avoid fruit, molasses and sweet treats.
Can a degu live alone?
It's not recommended. Degus are social and need other degus.
What kind of cage do degus need?
A large metal, multi-level cage, at least 100 × 50 cm (39 × 20 inches) of floor, bigger for groups. They chew through plastic and wood.
How long do degus live?
About six to eight years, and some reach nine.
Do degus need a sand bath?
Yes. Offer chinchilla or hamster sand a few times a week, then remove it.
Related Reading
- Chinchillas: another Andean rodent that loves sand baths.
- Choosing hay: the base of a degu's diet.
- Small pet health: check-ups and when to call the vet.
This page is general care information. If your degu stops eating, drinks much more than usual or seems unwell, contact a vet who sees degus.