Degus
Chile's day-active, sociable and chatty rodents, degus live lively lives with plenty of hay, chew materials and companions of their own kind.
- Typical lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Social needs
- Should live in a group
- Active hours
- Active by day
- Experience level
- Needs some experience
Values are typical ranges and vary with breed, husbandry and the individual animal.
Quick care summary
The care essentials for Degus.
- Nature and behaviorCurious, playful and active.
- Living spaceThey need a multi-level, spacious, chew-proof cage (free of plastic parts).
- Feeding routineUnlimited hay, a measured, sugar-free pellet suitable for degus or chinchillas, and small amounts of suitable greens.
- Care notesSand bath: A short dust bath in suitable sand several times a week.
In depth
In short
- Degus are active by day and live in groups.
- Hay is the foundation of their diet; sugary foods are not suitable.
- They chew a lot, so the cage must be sturdy, ideally metal.
- A sand bath is part of their coat care.
- They can live 5–8 years, sometimes longer.
Degus are day-active, highly social rodents from the semi-arid regions of Chile. They communicate with each other through a variety of sounds.
Nature and behavior
Curious, playful and active. Living with their own kind is essential; same-sex pairs or small groups are common. Once they trust you they get used to their people, but they usually don't like being held much.
Living space
They need a multi-level, spacious, chew-proof cage (free of plastic parts). Add deep bedding in one section for digging, hiding places, a large solid-surface wheel and plenty of chew materials.
Feeding routine
Unlimited hay, a measured, sugar-free pellet suitable for degus or chinchillas, and small amounts of suitable greens. Avoiding fruit, dried fruit and sugary treats is recommended. Clean water must always be available.
Care notes
- Sand bath: A short dust bath in suitable sand several times a week.
- Tail: Degus must never be picked up by the tail.
Good to know
The most important points.
- When to contact a vetIf you notice changes in appetite, droppings or activity, contact a veterinarian experienced with exotic pets.
Similar animals
Other animals in the same group.
Guinea pigChatty, social and fond of routine, guinea pigs make delightful companions when they have friends of their own kind, plenty of hay and a roomy space. Their need for vitamin C in the diet is a detail every owner should know.Explore
HamsterSmall animals with big needs: hamsters want to dig tunnels in deep bedding, run in a roomy space and explore at night. A well-built habitat is half of good hamster care.Explore
FerretCurious, playful and endlessly exploratory, ferrets need experience but give a lot back. A safe home, a carnivorous diet and plenty of play are their basic needs.Explore
ChinchillaWith one of the densest coats in the world, chinchillas come from the cool, dry Andes. Dust baths, a cool home and plenty of hay are their basic needs.ExploreHappier together
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