What do you get when you cross the characteristics of a chinchilla, magpie, guinea pig, and pack rat? An interesting little creature that hordes all sorts of things, cuddles, and likes a good dust bath. The degus is an interesting combination of familiar and exotic traits in a pocket size critter that has a lifespan of 5-8 years.

Like the chinchilla and guinea pig, degus are from South America. Degus live in large colonies much like guinea pigs and are social creatures. Space constraints and gender should be taken into account when keeping multiple degus as males can be extremely aggressive towards each other. Degus are diurnal (awake during the day) so plenty of room should be allowed for daytime activities. Degus enjoy burrowing and tunneling so provide plenty of moveable substrate and tunneling toys (small cardboard boxes with ends cut off or plumbing pvc). They will also appreciate a nest box to sleep in.

Stimulation and exercise are important to the degus. You should provide objects for them to add to their status mound (twigs, small blocks, old keys, small metal jar lids, etc). Use creativity and common sense when adding items their cage. Avoid sharp edge objects or items too big for them to carry/drag. Be sure to let the degus add it to the mound; partially bury an item in different areas of the cage for them to find. For exercise you should provide a metal guinea pig wheel (no spokes) and have an enclosed exercise ball for running around the house. Degus are quite fast and - like rabbits and guinea pigs - they will quickly make shreds of any exposed electrical cords. Be sure to include chewable items (clean natural branches, blocks, etc) to satisfy their need to chew.

Degus are not picky eaters so it is up to you to ensure they are properly fed. Rat pellets and guinea pig pellets are suitable as the main diet. You should also add fresh leafy greens (spinach, dandelion, turnip tops). Avoid fruits and high sugar content items because their bodies cannot process sugars (even natural). They will also need hay, alfalfa, or timothy grass to munch on. If you want to give them treats the occasional seed (safflower, sun) will do although oat groats may delight. Remember to only give treats occasionally as degus will not turn away from something regardless of whether or not it is good for it!

Check with your veterinarian and local breeder regarding more specific information on your degus. Information on these delightful creatures is not as plentiful via book or website as other exotic pets so they will be your best sources of care information. Degus are fascinating, loveable creatures. Whether cuddling or watching their status mound ‘grow’ the degus can provide hours of entertainment.

The degus is considered an agricultural pest in its native habitat. Please do not release degus into the wild as they can wreak havoc on local ecosystems if they survive. Most pets are unable to forage or survive on their own so release into the wild is usually a sure death sentence. With any exotic pet be sure you do your homework BEFORE you buy.