Degus are rodents native to northern and central Chile and can be found living at high elevations (1,200m) in the Andes Mountain range. They are small, social and vocal. Degus have silky coats (grey-brown tinged), and a long, thin tail with a tufted, black tip.  

Degus typically live for 6-8 years in captivity. 

Degus are diurnal. They are active during the day and sleep at night. 

Degus need to eat large amounts of fibre compared to some other rodents. It is important to provide them with lots of good-quality hay. They should have constant access to hay, and it should make up most of their diet. 

A small portion of a degus diet should consist of species specific commercially prepared nuggets and suitable vegetables. If you can't buy specific degu nuggets, you can give your degus some brands of guinea pig or chinchilla nuggets. Make sure they do not contain molasses or dried fruit.  

Degus need constant access to clean drinking water from a drinking bottle. Check the water bottle for leaks or blockages every day. Also, change their water regularly and clean the bottle and nozzle thoroughly. 

Keep a close eye on your degus' eating, drinking and toileting habits. Degus need to be able to eat their own droppings to get their essential nutrients and keep their digestive system healthy. If you notice any changes in these behaviours speak to your vet for advice. 

Degus are prone to type 2 diabetes, due to this they need a diet that's low in sugar and fat. 

Fruits can be high in sugar, so don't feed these to your degus. Care also needs to be taken as some vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, beetroot and parsnips) can also be high in sugar.

Uneaten food should be removed from their enclosure every day. The food bowl and water bottle should be cleaned and refilled. 

Degus are affectionate and straightforward to care for. They will enjoy your company and need no grooming from their owners. They do however need access to hay all the time, and they will chew whatever they can get access too.  

Yes - Degus are social animals and live in small groups in the wild. Degus need to live with other degus and can get depressed if they're kept on their own. They should always be kept in pairs or groups. Degus enjoy each other's company. They groom each other and often sleep side by side. They form a ‘degu pile’! 

Make sure you keep degus in a same-sex pairs or groups to avoid accidental breeding. A neutered male and several females are often compatible. Neutered males may, however, fight if females are present so never keep more than one neutered male in a mixed-sex group. 

Always make sure the enclosure contains enough space and resources for all of your degus. There should be nesting boxes large enough for all degus to rest together if they want to, and enough hiding places that they can all shelter individually if they choose too. 

Degus should be kept in in pairs or groups with other degus. They should not be housed with other species as they have different environmental and nutritional requirements.  

Degus are part of the rodent family and love to chew. It is important that any enclosure is escape proof. A wire cage is the best choice, but it must have a solid (rather than mesh) base to prevent your degus developing problems with their feet.  

Degus are very active. They love to dig, climb and exercise. Due to this they require a large enclosure that gives them the vertical space to express these behaviours. Their cage should have several levels or shelves to climb on. Clean and dried branches from stoneless fruit trees (such as apple trees) will provide climbing opportunities, entertainment and something to gnaw on. Gnawing blocks or cuttlebone can also be used.  

Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight and damp. It is important to eliminate rapid temperature fluctuations from items such as radiators. Degus don’t tolerate high temperatures well so should not be housed in a very warm room.  

Large nesting boxes full of hay should be provided for your degus to sleep in. Toys can be provided but will likely be gnawed rapidly so be prepared to replace them regularly. Pet-safe wood toys and gnaws are ideal for degus. Exercise wheels and tunnels can also help to keep your degus active. A dust bath should be provided within the enclosure at least 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes. This is a shallow, heavy bowl filled with suitable sand (chinchilla sand is ideal for this). The bowl should be big enough for your degu to roll in and the dust should be around 4cm deep.  

Degus need a deep layer of bedding material so they can dig and burrow. The bottom of the enclosure should be solid, with a deep layer of material such as hay, shredded paper and paper tissues; non-toxic wood shavings can also be used. 

Clean your degus' toilet and feeding areas every day. Do not allow droppings to accumulate as this contributes to odours and ill health. 

The entire enclosure should be deep cleaned at least once per week. After cleaning, put some used but unsoiled nesting and bedding material back into the enclosure to help keep familiar scents and reduce the stress associated with cleaning.  

It’s recommended that you keep your degus at home in familiar surroundings when you go on holiday. You should ask someone to come and check on them daily, so they’re cared for while you’re away. 

In the wild degus make communal burrows and live together in groups. This burrowing behaviour can make an aquarium seem like a suitable enclosure. Unfortunately, this is not usually true.  Degus housed in aquariums or glass vivariums may suffer from respiratory problems, as they may not allow enough air to circulate in and out. 

Degus do require a lot of attention and company. They need high amounts of exercise and mental stimulation. 

Your pets' lives can be enriched by stimulating natural behaviour. This can be done by providing them with appropriate toys and games. For example, hiding treats around the cage, scattering food, providing branches and shelves to climb and materials to allow burrowing behaviours. 

It’s important to replace damaged toys and rearrange the enclosure contents regularly to stop boredom. Time spent outside the enclosure requires very careful supervision. Degus move quickly and may chew on electrical cables or other hazardous items.  

Happy degus will often huddle or groom together.  When your degu is feeling playful or happy in their environment, you will likely notice that they run, hop, jump and twist too. 

Degus are very vocal. They will chirrup and squeak at each other to communicate. 

Degus are social, can be tame and love to play.. They are however fast and sensitive to loud noises. They can be more challenging to handle due to this. It is very important they do not get handled by their tails as they may shed the skin of their tail due to trauma.  

Degus are delicate creatures. They may be suitable as pets for children, but they should never be the sole care giver. Pets should always be under the care of a suitable adult. Children can then assist with this care as appropriate. 

Here's a handy checklist of what your degu needs to stay healthy and happy:  

• Enough resources within their enclosure for them to have easy access at all times. This includes; food, water, safe hiding places, companions and toys.  
• Company, degus are social animals' and need the company of other degus. 
• Space to play, degus are active animals need exercise to be happy. 
• Safe hiding places and nest boxes. These are important as degus need to be able to spend some time alone.  
• Part of their enclosure with deep bedding materials. Degus love to dig and burrow. This makes them happy. As degus may hoard food, you should regularly check their food stores and remove any food that's going mouldy.  
• To be able to eat their own droppings - this allows them the essential nutrients they need from their diet and maintains a healthy digestive system. 
• Opportunities to gnaw. Degus need to be able to chew and gnaw safe toys allow them to do this. This is important as their incisor and molar teeth are always growing and need to chew to remain the correct size for health. 
• Access to dust baths. Dust baths should be provided at least two or three times a week (for about 20 minutes at a time) to keep their fur and skin in good condition. 
• Predictable lighting. Degus are naturally active in the day and rest during the night. Allow them to have a natural light cycle and they will be happiest. 

This is normal for degus. Their teeth are naturally a yellow-orange colour, and white teeth can be a sign of illness.  

A degu should be alert with bright, clear eyes, clean ears, glossy fur, a clean tail and a rear end with no signs of faeces. You should check your degus every day for signs of illness or injury. If you spot anything that is unusual for them or they are not as described above, you should contact your vet.