Degus originally come from Chile where they live in large colonies in deep burrows in the mountains. Over the years they have become a popular pet as they play during the day and sleep at night.
Housing
Degus are very active and extremely good climbers. They also like to chew and burrow.
If possible buy the largest cage that you can afford. As Degus are well known for chewing, cages with plastic bases are not really suitable. Cages suitable for Chinchillas are best or alternatively a large glass aquarium with a mesh lid. This can be filled with shavings and toys to keep your Degu occupied for hours.
Cages with mesh shelves will need to be covered with wood, walking on mesh shelves can cause degus to get a problem called “bumblefoot”(foot sores). Which ever cage you opt for ensure all doors and lids are very secure. Degus are quite good escape artists and can be hard to catch if they do get away. Any piece of wood that you incorporate in your cage needs to be from fruit trees and ensure that they are washed before you put them in. Anything plastic that you put in your cage will almost certainly be chewed, so think carefully about any items that you want to put in. A wooden nest box (budgie nest box would be ideal) should be put in fi lled with hay or paper bedding for a nice cosy bed. Also like Chinchillas, Degus love a dust bath, Chinchilla sand is perfectly ok to use. Pop the bath in two or three times a week and itwill help keep the Degus coat and skin in perfect condition.
Feeding and Diet
Degus are susceptible to becoming diabetic and for this reason only certain foods can be fed. Do not feed foods rich in sugar and fat as a Degus body cannot naturally dispose of them. Never give Degus any type of fruit because most are rich in sugar. Also tap water is not very good because of the chlorine, either leave tap water in a jug over night or use bottled still water. A mixture of Chinchilla pellets and Guinea Pig food mixed with Reggie Rat will provide a staple diet. Offer carrot and cucumber two or three times a week, but not too much.
Handling
Remember to handle your Degu with care. Never pick it up by its tail. The tail is very fragile. Degus seldom bite unless they are frightened or handled badly. Place your hand in the cage and let the Degu explore, offer him titbits –he will soon learn to trust you. Some Degus will love to have their ears tickled, but remember they do not like to be handled all the time. If you over handle them they will run and hide when ever you approach their cage. Use both hands to hold your Degu, one to support his weight, the other to cover him and prevent him jumping.
Cleaning
Degus will need to be cleaned out at least once a week. Degus drink large amounts of water, so any build up of urine will soon start to smell. Wood shavings as opposed to sawdust is best, it is absorbent and can be changed quickly. Sawdust can cause breathing diffi culties so it is not to be used. Good quality hay and straw can be used for bedding and is an essential part of the diet.
This is best brought from pet shops –bales can be full of dust, parasites and thistles which may harm your Degu.
Degus are very social and should be kept in pairs or groups. They are very intelligent and have a very good memory. If anything you do upsets your Degu he will remember for quite a while. Degus do not like extreme heat or wet and damp conditions. In captivity they seem to be prone to catching colds, if your Degu catches a cold then seek veterinary treatment straight away to prevent pneumonia developing. Any problems are always best dealt with by a qualifi ed vet.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 7–10 years.
*If the Degu becomes ill, veterinary treatment may be needed; the cost of this is likely to be three or four times the cost of buying the Degu, perhaps more. Unfortunately, because of this, some people may regard a Degu as a ‘disposable’ pet because it is cheaper to leave an ill Degu untreated and buy another than to seek veterinary care. Any animal is a living creature that deserves the best care to remain healthy and this includes treatment when it is ill. If you are not prepared to care properly for the Degu and seek veterinary advice when it is ill, then you are not ready for the responsibility of pet ownership. Although many Degu will never need veterinary treatment during their life, you should be prepared for the possibility when taking on the commitment of a pet.*
