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Degus are social daytime pets

Degus suit people who want to watch an active social group during the day and can keep a very consistent diet. They groom, rest and communicate with other degus. The important work is providing compatible companions, constant hay, low-sugar food and a home where they can chew and move safely.

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Rules vary by location; check local requirements and your housing rules before acquiring this animal.

Their social life happens while you are awake

Degus are active in the day, which makes their group life easy to watch. Smithsonian describes them as social animals that groom, play and sleep close together in groups.[1]

They need more than a person who likes them. RSPCA advises compatible same-sex pairs or groups, with enough resting and hiding resources for every degu to use.[2]

Hay is the main course, every day

Degus need a high-fibre, low-sugar routine. RSPCA recommends constant access to good-quality hay and treats pellets and leafy greens as a measured part of the wider diet.[3]

Fruit, dried fruit and sweet treats look tempting, yet they do not fit that routine. RSPCA notes that degus are prone to type 2 diabetes, so low sugar and low fat are practical care decisions.[3]

Let your hands follow their choice

A curious degu may climb onto a hand, but a sudden grab from above can feel like a predator. RSPCA recommends allowing the animal to investigate your palm, then supporting the body with cupped hands.[2]

Never pick up a degu by the tail. Smithsonian explains that tail skin can shed as an escape response, so lift the body and protect the tail every time.[1]

A fit for someone who enjoys dietary consistency

If you like watching a small group groom, forage and talk through the day, and you can stick to a low-sugar hay-led menu, degus have a lot to offer.[1][3]

Give them companions and a fresh pile of hay

Stable social company, constant hay and gentle handling are the small things that make a degu home work. Get them right before bringing the group home.[2][3]

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Common questions

Do degus enjoy being held?

They can learn to approach people, but they are better handled by letting them step onto a hand and supporting the body. Their tails need special protection.[2][1]

Sources

Sources used in this article

  1. [1]DeguSmithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
  2. [3]What To Feed a Pet DeguRSPCA
  3. [2]Keeping Degus TogetherRSPCA

Keep reading

Beginner guideStart with hay and a low-sugar routine →Family guideSet calm handling boundaries →Start your matchChoose around interaction →