How to Prepare for Adopting a Degu: Complete Guide

While not the most common small animals in the UK, Degus are fascinating little rodents that provide owners with great joy. They have a unique appearance compared to other rodents, with shorter bodies and less pronounced noses than mice or rats. Degus can be tamed with gentle handling from an early age and enjoy social interaction, both with their own kind and humans.

One of the most distinctive traits of degus is that they are diurnal, meaning they are awake during the day and sleep at night. This is convenient for many owners as it prevents noisy activity during sleeping hours.

The average lifespan of a degu ranges from 6-8 years, making adoption a long-term commitment. Providing a sturdy cage and a stable environment throughout their life is crucial for their well-being.

If you have decided to adopt a degu, this guide will help you prepare an ideal home and ensure their happiness and health.

Housing and Cage Setup

Degus require a spacious cage to accommodate their active and curious nature. For a pair of degus, the minimum recommended cage size is 24" by 18" by 24" high, although a larger enclosure with ledges and platforms is preferable. Wire cages are ideal as they resist their persistent chewing.

Include solid wood accessories and shelves to protect their delicate feet and provide safe jumping surfaces. Avoid narrow gaps or tight spaces where degus could injure themselves.

Nesting boxes or dens should be provided, allowing each degu a personal space to retreat to. These homes help them feel secure and comfortable for resting or sleeping.

Place the cage indoors in a well-lit, stable climate away from direct sunlight or cold drafts. Avoid extreme temperatures beyond their ability to adapt.

Feeding Your Degu

Degus have dietary needs similar to guinea pigs and chinchillas. While specific degu food is rare, chinchilla or guinea pig pellets are suitable. Complement these with rodent blocks to provide nutritional variety.

Make fresh grass hay available at all times, using a hay tray attached to the cage to encourage foraging. Alfalfa hay can be offered occasionally as a fibre-rich supplement but should not be overfed.

Offer fresh vegetables and fruits such as sweet potato, broccoli, carrots, dandelion leaves, and green beans in small amounts to avoid digestive upset. Immediately stop any food that causes problems.

Importantly, avoid sugary foods as degus cannot regulate blood sugar well, which can lead to diabetes.

Bedding and Nesting Materials

Use pet-safe, absorbent bedding such as paper-based or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar and pine shavings due to their harmful effects on respiratory health.

Refresh bedding once a week, changing all nesting materials and cleaning cage surfaces to maintain hygiene and prevent disease.

Provide quality nesting materials like shredded paper or hay inside their small pet houses. Degus enjoy spending time inside or resting on top of these shelters.

Exercise and Cage Enrichment

Daily exercise is vital for degus. An exercise wheel designed for rodents is essential and should be safe and chew-proof.

Enhance their environment with branches for climbing and chewing; this stimulates natural behaviours and helps keep their teeth healthy. Use ceramic or metal feeding bowls as chew-proof options, and ensure water bottles have safe metal nozzles only.

Social Needs and Companionship

Degus are social animals that thrive in groups. Ideally, keep two degus of the same sex together unless you can provide a large enough setup for more. Having at least a pair ensures they have daily social interaction, which improves their mental health.

Males can show aggression, especially if a female is nearby. If pairing males and females, neuter males to prevent breeding and territorial fights. Monitor interactions and separate if injuries or fighting occur.

Handling and Taming Your Degu

Daily gentle handling helps tame your degu, building trust and reducing the chance of biting. Use treats during handling to associate interaction with positive experiences.

Avoid picking them up by the tail, as their tail skin is fragile and can lift off painfully as a defence mechanism, potentially causing permanent injury or infection.

Always support their body securely by holding them close to your chest or in your lap.

Grooming and Bathing

Never bathe degus with water as it can damage their sensitive skin and fur. Instead, provide a shallow dust bath filled with special bathing sand or dust 2-3 times per week to maintain their coat's health and cleanliness.

Health Care and Veterinary Advice

Prepare by finding a UK vet experienced in exotic animals or rodents before bringing your degu home. Regular observation for unusual behaviours, wounds, or signs of illness is essential for early intervention.

Degus don’t require vaccinations but a proper balanced diet and enrichment help maintain health. If health issues arise, prompt veterinary care is key.

Summary

Adopting a degu is a rewarding long-term commitment. To prepare, ensure a safe, enriched environment with proper housing, diet, social interaction, and health care. These steps will help your degus thrive, offering years of delight as engaging and sociable pets.

For further reading, explore related small pet care articles in our rodent section to deepen your knowledge and preparedness.