Why Keep Degus? A Complete Care Guide for Owners

Degus are small rodents native to Chile, often compared to chinchillas and guinea pigs due to their sociable and active nature. Known as brush-tailed rats, these charming pets captivate owners with their lively personalities and unique behaviours. If you're considering finding a Degu, it’s essential to understand their needs to provide them with a happy, healthy life.

1. Social Needs and Selecting Your Degus

Degus are highly social animals. In the wild, they live in large groups, burrowing in chains, and thriving on continuous social interaction. It’s vital to keep more than one degu together; solitary living can lead to stress and behavioural issues. Typically, a pair or small group ensures companionship and engagement.
Although they bond with their human carers, degus rely on their own kind for mental well-being. Their affectionate greetings and playful energy make them rewarding companions for those willing to dedicate time and attention.

2. Housing and General Care

Choose a cage that is chew-proof and spacious — metal wire cages with multiple levels, similar to those used for rats, are ideal. Degus are notorious for chewing, so plastic cages should be avoided to prevent escape and damage.
Include several platforms and tunnels to encourage exercise and exploration. Degus need daily access to chinchilla sand baths two or three times weekly to maintain their dense, soft coats and prevent skin problems.
When handling, never grab degus by their tails as this can cause irreversible injury; their tails do not regenerate. Gentle grooming and playtime foster tameness and strengthen your bond with your pets.

3. Feeding Your Degus Properly

Degus are strictly herbivorous with a diet high in fibre and very low in sugar due to their vulnerability to diabetes. In the wild, they consume grasses, leaves, and seeds.
To replicate this, provide unlimited high-quality hay and commercial degu pellets free from molasses, sugar beet, and other sweeteners.
Fresh vegetables such as leafy greens can be offered daily, with occasional treats like small pieces of apple or carrot. Vitamin C supplementation is necessary as degus cannot synthesise it themselves, similar to guinea pigs; adding vitamin C drops to their water helps prevent deficiencies.
Always ensure fresh water is available and monitor your degu’s teeth regularly to prevent dental problems.

4. Breeding and Social Dynamics

Degus have distinctive social and breeding behaviours. Males assist in caring for the young, and females will often nurse others’ pups. A litter typically ranges between 1 and 12 pups after a long gestation of around three months. Unlike many rodents, the pups are born fully furred and active, enabling them to interact quickly with their environment.
Because males may fight to establish hierarchy, it is sometimes necessary to house competing males separately but within visual range to maintain social contact.
If you plan to breed, ensure you can correctly sex your degus and provide suitable nest boxes; otherwise, prevent unplanned litters by housing only one sex or neutering if recommended by a qualified vet.

5. Scientific Significance and Fascinating Traits

Degus have contributed to scientific research due to their unique biology, particularly their susceptibility to diabetes and cognitive behaviours resembling conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Studies show their remarkable paw-eye coordination and ability to use tools, demonstrating high intelligence. They also display behaviours used to study time perception, separation anxiety, and attention disorders.
These fascinating traits make degus not only engaging pets but also important animals in research, further highlighting their uniqueness and value.

6. Why Choose Degus as Pets?

Degus’ diurnal activity means they are awake and interactive during the day, unlike many rodents, making them excellent companions for owners who want engaging pets during waking hours.
Their long lifespan, typically 6 to 8 years (sometimes up to 13 years in ideal conditions), allows for a meaningful relationship.
Their furry tails and bubbly personalities add to their appeal, and their need for social connection means they thrive in loving, attentive homes.
Remember, keeping degus requires commitment to their specific dietary, housing, and social needs, but they reward owners with affectionate and entertaining companionship.

Conclusion

Degus are truly delightful pets when their specialised needs are met. Choosing to keep multiple degus, providing chew-proof housing with opportunities for exercise, feeding a carefully managed high-fibre, low-sugar diet, and understanding their social and breeding behaviours are key to their wellbeing.
Alongside their captivating personality and scientific importance, degus offer pet owners a unique and rewarding experience. If you're considering bringing degus into your home, make sure you are prepared for their care requirements and commit to offering them a happy, healthy life.