Degus - Sociable, curious – with a penchant for gnawing
Species-appropriate husbandry – How to make them feel comfortable
Never without conspecifics!
Degus need contact with conspecifics; keeping them alone is not species-appropriate. Pair or group housing is mandatory.
Multi-story home recommended
The enclosure for two animals should be at least 100 × 50 × 100 cm in size. For each additional animal, 50% more space is needed. Several levels make the home even more exciting.
For avid diggers
At least 15 cm of substrate—ideally a mixture of bedding, hay, and straw—invite digging and tunnel building.
For well-being
Nesting material, sand bath, climbing branches, tubes, and gnawing material provide meaningful activity and promote social behavior.
Cleanliness & Hygiene
👥 Maintain group scent
🧴 Fresh sand bath
Degus are clean animals with a fine sense of smell. Regular cleaning is therefore essential—not only for their health but also for a stress-free coexistence in the enclosure.
Clean regularly
The substrate should be completely replaced once a week. This keeps the enclosure hygienic and the animals feel comfortable.
Familiar scents help
If some old bedding is mixed in, the familiar scent is retained. This reduces stress and strengthens the social behavior of the degus.
Keep an eye on the sand bath
The sand bath should be sieved regularly and completely replaced if necessary. This is the only way to ensure thorough coat care for the animals.
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Nutrition
🥕 Fresh food in moderation
💧 Water around the clock
Degus need sugar-free, high-fiber food; suitable options include special degu food, fresh hay, dried herbs, and vegetables. Fresh food such as carrots or fennel may be given in small quantities. Fruit is taboo, as degus are prone to diabetes. Fresh water must be available at all times.
Suitable main food
Degus need sugar-free and high-fiber food. The basis is special degu food, hay, as well as dried herbs and vegetables.
Use fresh food sparingly
Carrots or fennel may be fed in small quantities. Fruit, on the other hand, is taboo, as degus are very susceptible to diabetes.
Constant access to water
Fresh water must always be available to the animals. This is the only way to ensure that the animals remain healthy, active, and full of energy with sufficient fluid intake.
Nutrition
Activity
🌳 Climbing and gnawing
🏞️ Variety in everyday life
Degus are very active and social. A multi-story enclosure with climbing branches, hiding places, a running wheel, a sand bath, and gnawing material keeps them mentally and physically fit. Food hiding places and tunnels provide additional incentives and group dynamics.
Active animal personalities
Degus are very fond of exercise. Multi-story enclosures with different levels, hiding places, and a running wheel promote their fitness and challenge them.
Climbing fun and gnawing pleasure
Branches, tubes, and gnawing material are indispensable. They train the senses, strengthen the teeth, and promote interaction within the group.
Create new stimuli
Food hiding places, tunnels, and other varied elements create excitement in the enclosure. This keeps the animals curious, social, and balanced.
