A Beginner's Guide to Degus

A common degu is a small, social rodent native to Chile. Known for their friendly nature, they make excellent pets for those who enjoy interactive and engaging company. Degus belong to the same family as guinea pigs and chinchillas, but they have unique traits that set them apart. These little creatures have a longer lifespan for a rodent, making them a long term commitment for any pet parent. Their size, which ranges from nine to twelve inches makes them easy to handle and care for.  

Degus originate from the rocky, shrubby regions of Chile, where they live in burrows and tunnels. In the wild, they are highly social animals, living in colonies that can consist of hundreds of individuals! This social structure helps them survive in their natural habitat, where they face numerous predators. Understanding their origins can help you create a more suitable environment for them in your home, ensuring they thrive as much-loved pets. 

One of the first questions potential degu parents often ask is, "How long do degus live?". The average degu lifespan is between five to eight years, although some can live even longer with the right care. In the wild, they will usually only live one to two years so the right care really does them the world of good in a home environment. This relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets means that adopting a degu is a significant commitment but if you’re looking for a furry friend, having their company for longer is a plus.  

To ensure your degu lives a long and healthy life, it’s essential to provide them with the right environment, diet, and regular veterinary care. Regular check-ups can help catch any health issues early, increasing the chances of effective treatment and a longer life for your pet. 

Unlike many other rodents, degus are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. This makes them particularly appealing to pet parents who want to interact with their pets during daylight hours. Their daytime activity levels mean you'll have plenty of opportunities to observe their social and often comedic behaviour.  

Degus are known for their playful nature, which makes them fun pets. They are highly social animals that enjoy interacting with their carers and others of their own kind. Their playful behaviour includes running on wheels, climbing on structures, and exploring their surroundings. Their personalities are a big part of their charm. They’re intelligent and can learn simple tricks and commands with patience and training. They thrive on mental stimulation, so providing them with a variety of toys and activities is essential for their well-being. 

Caring for a degu involves understanding their specific needs and providing an environment that allows them to thrive. This includes proper housing, diet, hygiene, and mental stimulation.  

Creating the right environment is an important first step to helping your new pet thrive. A spacious and safe cage is essential. The cage should have multiple levels, platforms, and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat and keep them engaged. They like to live in groups of up to six same sex individuals and get depressed when kept alone. A nice spacious cage like the Liberta Explorer Large Double Rodent Cage is a perfect place for them to explore.  

Degus are active animals that need plenty of space to run and play. A cage with a solid floor or coverings over the bars is preferable to prevent injury to their feet. Providing them with tunnels, climbing structures, and exercise wheels can help keep them physically and mentally stimulated. As a larger rodent, they will need a larger wheel like the Super Pet Silent Spinner Hamster Wheel Large to comfortably run on.  

A well-balanced diet is essential for the health and longevity of your fur baby. In the wild, degus primarily eat grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. As pets, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets, fresh hay, and occasional fresh vegetables. A species-specific diet like Science Selective Degu Food is rich in fibre and a great addition to a balanced diet.  

Avoid feeding them sugary foods, as they’re prone to diabetes. Providing fresh water at all times is also crucial. You can use a water bottle attached to the cage to ensure they have access to clean water throughout the day. They should be offered a variety of food items to keep them interested in their meals and ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Pumpkin, beetroot and broccoli make for good weekly additions to their diet.  

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for your pet’s health. Their cage should be cleaned at least weekly, including removing soiled bedding and washing any accessories. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and keeps the environment fresh and clean. For bedding, choose a material that is absorbent and safe for degus. Paper-based like Carefresh Small Animal Bedding bedding is a popular choice, as it’s soft, absorbent, and free from harmful chemicals. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as these can cause respiratory issues. 

Degus are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They do not require baths or brushing, as they naturally keep themselves clean. All you need to do to help keep them groomed is provide them with a dust bath.  

A dust bath allows them to roll around in fine sand, which helps remove excess oils from their fur and keeps their coat healthy. Special sand like the Science Selective Bathing Sand is ideal for helping your furry friend to keep clean. Allow them to take a dust bath a few times a week to maintain their coat's condition. 

Keeping your degu healthy involves regular veterinary check-ups and addressing any health issues promptly. They’re prone to certain health problems, such as dental issues and diabetes, so monitoring their health closely is essential. Just like other rodent species, their teeth will always be growing so they need lots of things to chew on.  

Training your pets can be a fun and rewarding experience and isn’t just limited to pets of the canine kind! These intelligent critters can learn simple commands and tricks with patience and positive reinforcement. Using treats and praise can help motivate them to learn new behaviours and strengthen your bond with them. Socialising your furry friend from a young age can also help them become more comfortable with handling and interaction. If not handled from a young age they can be quite skittish, but with time and practice, they can thoroughly enjoy human interaction.  

Getting a degu can be a rewarding experience for a pet parent looking for a fluffy addition that’s on the smaller side but still has bags of character. For all of your degu essentials, visit us in store or online so you have everything you need for your new friend to thrive.