Thinking About Getting a Degu? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a charming, active, and intelligent small pet, a degu might be just what you need. Native to South America, degus are often compared to guinea pigs and chinchillas due to their similar appearance and social nature.

These adorable creatures have long, bushy tails, big ears, and a playful personality, making them popular among pet lovers. While they may seem like perfect pets for some, they require specific care and attention, so it’s important to understand their needs before adopting one.

Let’s explore what makes degus unique and whether they fit your lifestyle.

Size: A Medium-Sized Pet

Degus are classified as a medium-sized pet, typically measuring between 10 to 13 inches from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail.

They’re small enough to fit comfortably in your hand or perch on your shoulder, making them ideal for those looking for a companion that isn’t too big or too small. While they don’t require a massive amount of space, they do need more than a simple cage to accommodate their active lifestyle.

Rating: 3/5 Paws for size.

Lifespan: A Long-Term Commitment

On average, degus live between 6 to 10 years, with most living around 6 years if well-cared for. This means adopting a degu is a long-term commitment, and you should be prepared for the responsibility of caring for them for nearly a decade.

Make sure you’re ready for the time, effort, and attention required for their well-being before deciding to bring one into your home.

Rating: 3/5 Paws for lifespan.

Daily Care: Active and Social Companions

Degus are highly energetic and thrive on interaction. These rodents need at least an hour outside their cage each day to run, climb, and explore.

They are naturally diurnal (active during the day), so they’ll be awake and ready to interact during the hours you’re available. Whether you’re playing with them, providing enrichment, or just spending time together, degus are happiest when they can engage with their human companions.

In addition to their physical activity, degus are social creatures. Once they bond with you, they’ll want to spend lots of time with you. This makes them a great choice for families or individuals who can dedicate time during the day to give them the attention they need.

Rating: 4/5 Paws for daily care requirements.

Space Requirements: Room to Roam

While degus are small in size, they need a large space to stay happy and healthy. They require a spacious cage that allows them to run, jump, and explore. Since they are natural diggers, the cage should have a deep bedding area to accommodate this instinct.

A single degu should never be housed alone—they are social creatures and need at least one companion. Many degu owners opt to keep them in pairs or small groups to ensure they’re happy and socially engaged.

Rating: 5/5 Paws for space requirements.

Food: A Carefully Managed Diet

Degus are herbivores, requiring a diet of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables. Hay should always be available to them, as it’s essential for their digestive health.

Along with hay, degus should be given fresh veggies daily. However, it’s important to monitor their sugar intake, as they are prone to diabetes. Avoid sugary foods like fruits, and stick to low-sugar vegetables like leafy greens to ensure their health.

Because degus need a balanced diet and constant access to hay, providing the right food is crucial for their well-being. You’ll also want to ensure that their diet is tailored to their specific needs to avoid health problems like obesity or diabetes.

Rating: 3/5 Paws for food requirements.

Taming: Smart, Friendly, and Fast

Degus are intelligent and social animals, which means they are relatively easy to tame with patience and consistency. They tend to warm up quickly to their owners, enjoying being handled and interacted with.

However, because they are fast-moving and larger than some other small rodents, degus can be tricky to catch or hold. They are rarely aggressive and generally avoid biting, but their agility can be challenging, especially for young children.

If you have small children, it’s important to supervise their interactions with the degu. Due to the animal’s quick movements, younger kids may have difficulty handling them safely.

Rating: 4/5 Paws for ease of taming.

Cleanliness: Groomers by Nature

Degus are naturally clean animals. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and each other, which helps keep them clean and healthy. However, they do tend to produce a lot of waste, so regular cage cleaning is necessary. Their cages should be cleaned every one to two weeks to maintain a healthy environment.

Additionally, degus can kick bedding out of their cage, especially if they’re housed in a more open or larger cage. Be prepared for some mess, especially when cleaning time rolls around.

Rating: 4/5 Paws for cleanliness.

Activity Level: Full of Energy During the Day

Unlike many small rodents, degus are naturally diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. This makes them ideal pets for people who want a companion that will be awake and interactive during the hours they’re home.

If you’re looking for a pet that will keep you entertained while you’re awake, a degu could be the perfect choice. They enjoy playing, exploring, and spending time with their human family members.

Because of their high energy, degus need a lot of stimulation and time outside their cage. Without this, they may become bored or stressed, leading to behavioral issues.

Rating: 5/5 Paws for activity during the day.

Final Thoughts: Is a Degu the Right Pet for You?

Degus are intelligent, active, and social animals that require a lot of attention and care. They thrive in pairs or groups and need plenty of space to run, jump, and explore. Their friendly personalities, combined with their playful and energetic nature, make them rewarding companions.

Consider a degu if you:

• Have the time to engage with your pet during the day.
• Are looking for a small but active and social companion.
• Enjoy training pets and want one that can learn new tricks.
• Have the space for a large cage and free-roaming time.
• Are prepared to commit to regular cleaning and maintenance.

Think twice if you:

• Are away from home for long periods each day.
• Can’t dedicate enough attention to a social animal.
• Don’t have the space for a large, multi-level cage.
• Are looking for a low-maintenance pet that doesn’t require much interaction.

If you think a degu sounds like the right pet for you, make sure to check your local laws to ensure they are legal to keep in your area.