Degu Care Guide

Degus are highly social, intelligent rodents native to Chile. These active, day-dwelling animals require companions, specialized diets to prevent diabetes, and enriched environments to support their complex social behaviors and high intelligence.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about pet care and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for specific health concerns or medical guidance.

About Degus

Degus (Octodon degus) are small caviomorph rodents endemic to Chile. In the wild, they live in complex burrow systems with large family groups, exhibiting sophisticated social behaviors and communication systems.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 5-7 inches body length, plus 4-6 inch tail
• Weight: 6-10 ounces (170-300 grams)
• Lifespan: 6-8 years with proper care
• Activity pattern: Diurnal (active during day)
• Social structure: Live in family groups of 5-10 individuals
• Intelligence: High problem-solving abilities, complex communication

Natural Behaviors

Social complexity: Hierarchical family groups with cooperative behaviors Communication: Over 15 distinct vocalizations, scent marking Foraging: Spend significant time searching for food Dust bathing: Essential grooming behavior for healthy fur Territorial: Establish and defend territories as groups

Unique Characteristics

Diabetes susceptibility: Cannot process sugars properly Tail shedding: Can shed tail skin if grabbed (doesn’t regenerate) UV vision: Can see ultraviolet light Temperature regulation: Adapted to cool mountain climates Social dependence: Require constant social interaction with own species

Housing Requirements

Enclosure Specifications

Minimum size requirements:

• Pair of degus: 36” x 24” x 36” minimum
• Additional degus: Add space proportionally
• Height important: Multi-level setup essential
• Bar spacing: 1/2 inch maximum to prevent escapes

Multi-Level Setup

Vertical space utilization:

• Multiple platforms: Different levels for activity
• Secure ramps: Solid surfaces with grip
• Climbing opportunities: Branches, ledges, rope accessories
• Separate areas: Sleeping, eating, playing zones

Safety considerations:

• Secure construction: Degus are excellent climbers and escape artists
• Chew-resistant materials: Metal preferred over plastic
• Gap prevention: No spaces where degus could get stuck
• Fall protection: Platforms and ramps securely attached

Essential Accessories

Hiding and nesting:

• Multiple hideouts: One per degu minimum
• Nesting boxes: Large enough for group sleeping
• Variety: Different materials and sizes
• Easy access: For cleaning and health monitoring

Exercise equipment:

• Large exercise wheel: 12+ inch diameter, solid surface
• Tunnels: PVC pipes, cardboard tubes
• Climbing structures: Natural branches, rope toys
• Digging area: Deep substrate for natural burrowing behavior

Dust bath setup:

• Dust bath container: Large enough for multiple degus
• Chinchilla dust: Fine dust specifically for small mammals
• Scheduled access: 2-3 times weekly, supervised
• Clean container: Regular cleaning and fresh dust

Diet and Nutrition

Critical Dietary Requirements

No sugar rule (CRITICAL):

• Diabetes susceptibility: Degus cannot process sugars properly
• No fruits: Even natural sugars can trigger diabetes
• No commercial treats: Most contain harmful sugars
• Read labels: Check all foods for sugar content

Appropriate Foods

High-quality pellets (primary diet):

• Degu-specific pellets: Formulated without sugars
• Chinchilla pellets: Acceptable alternative (sugar-free)
• Guinea pig pellets: Only if confirmed sugar-free
• Daily amount: 10-15 grams per degu

Safe vegetables (daily):

• Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, dandelion greens
• Root vegetables: Carrots, sweet potato (small amounts)
• Cruciferous: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
• Others: Bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber

Hay and fiber (unlimited):

• Timothy hay: Primary fiber source, unlimited access
• Meadow hay: Good variety option
• Dried herbs: Nettle, plantain, dandelion
• Fresh branches: Apple, willow, hazel (pesticide-free)

Foods to Avoid

❌ Never feed degus:

• Any fruits (including dried fruits)
• Commercial treats with sugar
• Nuts and seeds (high fat)
• Chocolate and sweets
• Iceberg lettuce
• Avocado
• Onions and garlic
• Rhubarb

Social Needs and Companionship

The Critical Importance of Companions

Social requirements:

• Never alone: Single degus become severely depressed
• Minimum pair: Two degus of same gender
• Group benefits: Groups of 3-4 can work well
• Lifelong bonds: Form permanent social attachments

Introducing New Degus

Careful introduction process:

1. Quarantine: New degu separate for 2-4 weeks
2. Scent introduction: Exchange bedding between cages
3. Visual contact: Cages side by side for familiarization
4. Neutral territory: First meetings in unfamiliar space
5. Supervised interaction: Gradual increase in time together
6. Group housing: Only when no aggression observed

Signs of successful bonding:

• Grooming: Mutual grooming behavior
• Sleeping together: Choosing to rest in contact
• Peaceful eating: Sharing food without aggression
• Play behavior: Gentle wrestling and chasing
• Communication: Normal vocalizations, not stress calls

Understanding Degu Communication

Vocalizations:

• Chirping: Content, social communication
• Alarm calls: Warning other degus of danger
• Squeaking: Excitement or mild distress
• Chattering: Social bonding, grooming requests
• Warbling: Territorial or aggressive warning

Body language:

• Tail position: High tail indicates alertness or excitement
• Grooming postures: Submissive positioning for social grooming
• Boxing: Play fighting behavior in young degus
• Huddling: Group sleeping and comfort behavior

Health and Veterinary Care

Finding Qualified Veterinarians

Important considerations:

• Exotic animal experience: Not all vets familiar with degus
• Rodent knowledge: Understanding of small mammal physiology
• Emergency access: 24-hour exotic animal care
• Local degu community: Connect with other owners for vet recommendations

Common Health Issues

Diabetes:

• High susceptibility: Major health concern for degus
• Symptoms: Excessive drinking, urination, weight loss
• Prevention: Strict sugar-free diet
• Management: Dietary control, veterinary monitoring

Dental problems:

• Continuously growing teeth: Require proper diet for wear
• Malocclusion: Teeth growing improperly
• Symptoms: Difficulty eating, drooling, weight loss
• Treatment: Professional dental trimming

Respiratory infections:

• Symptoms: Sneezing, discharge, labored breathing
• Causes: Poor ventilation, dusty environment, stress
• Treatment: Antibiotics under veterinary guidance
• Prevention: Clean environment, proper ventilation

Bumblefoot:

• Pressure sores: On foot pads from wire flooring
• Prevention: Solid platform areas, proper cage setup
• Treatment: Antibiotic treatment, housing improvements
• Monitoring: Regular foot checks during handling

Preventive Health Care

Daily monitoring:

• Activity levels: Normal interaction and movement
• Appetite: Regular eating and drinking
• Social behavior: Normal interaction with companions
• Physical appearance: Clean eyes, nose, fur condition

Weekly health checks:

• Weight monitoring: Regular weighing to detect changes
• Dental examination: Check teeth alignment and length
• Foot inspection: Look for sores or injuries
• Overall body condition: Feel for lumps, assess body weight

Warning Signs

🚨 Seek immediate veterinary care for:

• Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
• Excessive drinking or urination (diabetes symptoms)
• Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
• Lethargy or isolation from group
• Difficulty eating or drooling
• Any sudden behavior changes

Environmental Enrichment

Mental Stimulation Needs

High intelligence requirements:

• Problem-solving opportunities: Puzzle feeders, hidden treats
• Environmental complexity: Multiple levels, hiding spots
• Social interaction: Both with companions and humans
• Foraging challenges: Scatter feeding, buried food

Enrichment Activities

Physical enrichment:

• Climbing structures: Varied heights and textures
• Tunnels and burrows: Satisfy natural digging instincts
• Exercise wheels: Large wheels for running
• Exploration areas: Regular cage rearrangement

Mental enrichment:

• Foraging opportunities: Hide food throughout enclosure
• Puzzle feeders: Make degus work for food
• Novel objects: Regularly introduce new safe items
• Training sessions: Simple tricks and behaviors

Social enrichment:

• Group dynamics: Maintain stable social groups
• Human interaction: Regular, gentle handling and play
• Observation opportunities: Place cage where degus can watch activity
• Communication: Respond to degu vocalizations

Daily Care Routine

Daily Care Tasks

Morning routine:

• Health check: Quick visual assessment of all degus
• Fresh food: Pellets and fresh vegetables
• Water check: Ensure fresh water available
• Social observation: Monitor group interactions

Evening routine:

• Activity time: Supervised out-of-cage time if bonded
• Environmental enrichment: Rotate toys, add new challenges
• Food removal: Remove any uneaten fresh foods
• Final health check: Ensure all degus eating and socializing normally

Weekly Maintenance

Cage cleaning:

• Spot cleaning: Remove soiled bedding daily
• Full cleaning: Weekly complete cage cleaning
• Disinfection: Safe cleaning products for small animals
• Bedding replacement: Fresh, clean bedding materials

Health monitoring:

• Weight checks: Weekly weighing of all degus
• Detailed examination: More thorough physical assessment
• Behavior logging: Note any changes in behavior or health
• Veterinary consultation: For any concerns observed

Long-term Commitment

6-8 Year Responsibility

Consistent care requirements:

• Daily social interaction: Degus require attention and enrichment
• Specialized diet: Ongoing commitment to sugar-free nutrition
• Veterinary care: Regular checkups and emergency care
• Environmental maintenance: Complex housing setup needs

Life stage considerations:

• Young degus: Higher energy, more frequent feeding
• Adult degus: Stable care routine, social stability
• Senior degus: May need modified diet, easier access to resources
• End-of-life care: Comfort care and difficult decisions

Remember: Degus are complex, highly social animals with specific dietary and environmental needs. Their intelligence and social nature make them rewarding pets for dedicated owners, but they require significant commitment to meet their physical, social, and mental health needs. Success with degus depends on understanding their unique biology, providing appropriate companions, and maintaining strict dietary discipline to prevent diabetes throughout their lives.