Understanding Your Degu’s Behaviour: A Complete Guide

Understanding your degu's behaviour is vital to providing the best care and enriching environment they deserve. These affectionate, social rodents exhibit unique traits that reflect their natural instincts in the wild. This guide explores common degus behaviours and how you can respond to them to support a happy, healthy pet.

When considering bringing degus into your home, it’s important to know about their social nature and behavioural needs. Here at degus for sale, the focus is always on responsible ownership and understanding your pet’s natural communication and instincts.

1. Burrowing and Digging

Degus are semi-fossorial creatures, living above and below ground in the wild. They dig extensive burrows for shelter, food storage, and escaping predators. In captivity, replicating this behaviour is crucial for their wellbeing.

Provide a deep, safe substrate for digging in their cage. You will notice them digging pits to sleep in and bury bits of food, which is both fascinating and comforting for them. This natural activity prevents boredom and promotes mental and physical health.

2. Vocalisations and Sounds

Degus communicate with a wide range of sounds within the human hearing range, including chirps, squeaks, and chatter. These vocalisations serve different social functions such as alarm calls, invitations to play, and communication with their young.

Pay close attention to tail thumping and vocal warnings. For example, a 'wheep' noise followed by seeking cover often indicates fear. Understanding these sounds helps you identify your degu’s comfort level and stress triggers.

3. Activity Patterns

Unlike many rodents, degus are diurnal, active during the day and resting at night. Their schedule can adapt to your routine if necessary, but they generally prefer cooler periods like early morning and late evening during hot weather.

Maintaining a stable environment with controlled temperature is important, as degus dislike excessive heat and may become less active during warmer times of the day.

4. Gnawing and Chewing

Chewing is an essential behaviour for degus to keep their constantly growing teeth in check. Providing plenty of safe chewing materials prevents destructive behaviours and maintains dental health.

If a degu feels threatened, it may bite. Trust builds gradually, so always give your pet time to approach you instead of chasing or cornering them in their cage. This reduces stress and minimises biting incidents.

5. Social Structure and Sociability

Degus are highly social animals, thriving in the company of their own kind. It is strongly recommended to keep at least two degus together. Social interactions include grooming, playing, cooperative digging, and food gathering.

Such companionship enriches their lives enormously, reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviours. Introducing degus gently and allowing time for bonds to form is essential for group harmony.

6. Fighting vs Play Fighting

Occasional sparring is natural in groups, but distinguishing between play and serious fighting is key. Play fighting is characterised by turn-taking nips and chattering, rarely leading to injuries.

Serious fights involve growling, tail thumping, and aggressive biting or scratching. Causes may include territory disputes, dominance struggles, or mating competition. Persistent aggression requires separating the degus for their safety, with careful monitoring if reintroduction is attempted.

7. Intelligence and Training

Degus display impressive intelligence and problem-solving skills. They can learn simple tricks like jumping over obstacles or locating hidden treats. Their survival instincts show in how they manage resources and build comfortable environments.

Engaging your degus mentally with enrichment activities stimulates their cognition and wellbeing. This helps reduce boredom-related behaviours and promotes a stronger bond with you.

8. Understanding Body Language and Affection

Degus express affection by gentle nibbling, similar to grooming behaviour seen in wild groups. They also use pawing as a defensive behaviour if food or territory is threatened.

Tail wagging or flicking can signal hormonal changes or warnings before an aggressive display. Observing these signs can help you predict and manage social dynamics within your degu group.

Conclusion

Learning to understand your degus’ behaviour not only enriches their care but also strengthens your relationship. By recognising natural behaviours such as burrowing, vocalisation, social interactions, and signs of stress or aggression, you create a supportive environment where your degus can thrive.

Remember to provide a suitable home with opportunities to dig and chew, maintain stable environmental conditions, and foster social bonds by keeping more than one degu. With patience, observation, and respect for their instincts, these charming pets will reward you with loyalty and playful companionship.