Choosing a degu

Family: rodent

Lifespan: 5–9 years

Personality: fun, intelligent

Best kept: in same-gender pairs or groups

Sleep cycle: diurnal (awake during the day

Diet: omnivore

Best for: older children and adults

Teeth

Like many small animals, degus’ teeth grow constantly so they need appropriate food and toys to wear these down. Their teeth should be yellow and not white, as white teeth are a sign of a vitamin A deficiency. If you notice a wetness around their mouth, this could be a sign of overgrown teeth; for any concerns with regard to your degu’s teeth, please consult your vet.

Grooming

Providing a dust bath filled with chinchilla sand several times a week will enable your degus to groom themselves, keeping their coats clean and shiny. Dust baths should be removed after half an hour or so to prevent them from becoming soiled.

Diabetes

Degus are prone to developing diabetes if their diet is too high in sugar; this can be avoided by feeding a balanced and appropriate diet and not giving sugary degu treats or fruits. Signs of this condition include excessive drinking, weight loss and a white clouding of the eyes. Consult your vet if you notice any of these signs.

Temperature

Keeping a degu’s environment at around 20°C is important, as they cannot sweat and may overheat if the temperature rises above this. If too hot, the degu may be seen lying flat on its stomach and limiting movement in an attempt to cool down.

Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.