Native to Chile, the degu is often considered a pest in its home country, but when properly socialized from a young age, it makes an excellent exotic pet. With balanced nutrition and attentive care, degus can live 8 to 10 years. Highly social, they thrive in groups. One male can live with several females, but housing two males together often leads to fighting. Before adopting, it’s important to understand the basics of degu care and feeding.
Enrichment and proper housing
Degus are high-energy rodents that need plenty of space to run, climb, and explore.
- Provide a large cage, ideally with:
- Platforms on different levels
- Safe, natural branches
- A quiet exercise wheel for daily activity
- Use recycled paper bedding or newspaper
❌ Avoid wood shavings — they can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system
🛁 Hygiene: A daily dust bath is essential
- Use specialty chinchilla dust
- Offer it in a shallow dish for about 15 minutes per day
Feeding and nutrition
Degus are prone to obesity and digestive problems, so their diet must be well managed.
- Main diet:
✅ Pellets formulated for guinea pigs or chinchillas
✅ Unlimited hay for digestion and dental health - Occasional treats:
- Leafy greens (e.g., endive, broccoli)
- Carrots, oranges (small amounts)
- Nuts and peanuts (rare, not essential)
- Avoid:
❌ Sugary treats like honey sticks or dried fruits
💧 Always provide fresh water, served in:
- A ceramic bowl (heavy, stable)
- Or a sipper bottle attached to the cage
Breeding and development
- Sexual maturity: 3 to 4 months
- Ideally, wait until the female is 5 to 9 months before breeding
- Average litter size: 6 to 7 pups
- In captivity: degus can breed year-round, with 2 to 3 litters annually
- Weaning: occurs between 4 and 6 weeks, when pups become independent
With a stimulating habitat, nutritionally balanced diet, and daily interaction, degus make rewarding companions. They are active, intelligent, and highly social, ideal for owners looking for an engaging small pet.
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