The degu (Chilean degu)
Diurnal, gregarious, sensitive to sugar
The degu, or Chilean degu, is a friendly rodent, lively and very playful. It copes very badly with being alone: it should be kept at the very least as a pair, and preferably in a small colony (several females to one male). Its name comes from its molars, whose folds form a figure '8'.
Its living environment
- It is a climber: give it a tall cage (at least 1500 cm² of floor space), on several levels, with branches, toys and hiding places.
- A sand bath is necessary to keep its coat in good condition.
- Bedding: a thick layer of hay, renewed every week.
Its diet
The degu is a herbivore (grasses, bark, leaves, seeds). In captivity, give it a complete food specifically for degus, supplemented with a little greenery and fruit. An important point: it tolerates sugar very badly. Strictly limit sweet fruit and treats, which encourage diabetes in this species.
Its health — what to watch for
Keep an eye on its teeth, which can cross over each other (malocclusion) and stop it eating: drooling, food spat out, weight loss. Difficult breathing suggests pneumonia, to be taken seriously as the prognosis is guarded: consult quickly. A clouded eye (cataract) may be present from birth or appear with poorly controlled diabetes. Finally, never pick it up by the tail: the skin comes away on its own (a 'skinned' tail), a permanent injury.
Content from the Au Furet veterinary practice, rewritten for owners.
In Switzerland: no permit required No permit required, but keeping is subject to the TSchV requirements on living conditions: minimum space, social contact, and appropriate feeding and care. Legal framework in detail →
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