Degu Starter Care Guide
A casual introduction to degu care, including health risks, housing, food and everyday behaviour.
Use this guide to notice and organize information. Contact a qualified veterinarian for medical concerns or urgent change.
About the Degu
Degus are social, daytime-active rodents from Chile. They dig, climb, chew, forage and communicate constantly with their group.
They should live with compatible degus and need a large, complex enclosure plus an exotics vet familiar with the species.
Health risks to know about
Major concerns include diabetes, dental disease, cataracts, obesity, bumblefoot, tail injuries and wounds from social conflict.
Excess drinking, cloudy eyes, drooling, reduced eating, fewer droppings, limping or sudden group aggression needs veterinary advice.
Housing and daily setup
Provide a large, secure multi-level enclosure with deep digging material, solid shelves, branches, hides, chew items, sand bathing and a large solid wheel.
Use several feeding and resting areas so one animal cannot block access. Never house a degu alone without expert guidance.
Food and water
The diet should be high in fibre and very low in sugar, based on grass hay and a suitable degu food. Avoid fruit and sweet treats.
Provide fresh water, safe chew material and regular weight monitoring.
Behaviour, company and enrichment
Digging, climbing, dust bathing and group grooming are normal. Provide shared enrichment while watching for exclusion or persistent chasing.
Never lift a degu by the tail because serious injury can occur. Use a carrier or cupped hands.
When to call an exotics vet
Get prompt help for breathing changes, collapse, seizures, major bleeding, a swollen abdomen, severe pain, inability to urinate or pass stool, or a sudden loss of balance or movement.
Small mammals often hide illness and can decline quickly. A clear change in appetite, droppings, breathing, movement or normal social behaviour deserves early veterinary advice.
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