“Degus need to live in same-sex pairs or groups, in a large, chew-proof metal cage with solid shelves and a solid wheel. Feed them unlimited grass hay and plain degu pellets, and never give sugar or fruit, since they’re prone to diabetes. They’re active during the day and often live 5 to 8 years or more.”
Degus are one of the most rewarding and least known pet rodents. These Chilean natives are active in daylight, highly social, and remarkably chatty, with a wide range of chirps, squeaks, and warbles. They’re also a little more demanding than hamsters or gerbils, mainly because of their special diet and their talent for chewing through almost anything. Here’s what you need to know.
Degu Quick Facts
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Octodon degus |
| Origin | Central Chile |
| Adult weight | About 6 to 10 ounces |
| Length | About 10 to 12 inches including a tufted tail |
| Lifespan | Commonly 5 to 8 years, sometimes 10 or more |
| Active times | Daytime, especially morning and late afternoon |
| Social needs | Must live with other degus |
| Relatives | Chinchillas, guinea pigs, and capybaras (cavy-like rodents) |
Degus Are Highly Social
In the wild, degus live in family groups that share burrows, cooperate to watch for predators, and raise young communally. A single degu kept alone often becomes stressed and may develop behavior problems. Keep at least two degus of the same sex, ideally littermates. Groups of three or four females often get along well, while males can do well together if raised together. See social vs solitary rodents.
The Sugar Rule
This is the most important thing to know about degus: no sugar. Degus are prone to diabetes, and diabetic degus often develop cataracts that can lead to blindness. That means:
- No fruit, including dried fruit
- No sweet vegetables in any quantity, like carrots or sweet potato
- No molasses-coated treats, honey sticks, or seed mixes with sweetened pieces
- No foods with added sugar or sweeteners
Our guide to the degu diet covers safe foods in detail.
What to Feed Degus
- Unlimited grass hay: timothy, meadow, or orchard grass should make up most of the diet.
- Plain degu pellets: a small daily portion. If degu-specific pellets aren’t available, many owners use a plain, sugar-free chinchilla or guinea pig pellet on a vet’s advice.
- Small amounts of fresh greens: such as dandelion leaves, romaine, and herbs.
- Healthy treats: a few unsweetened rose hips, a little dried herb, or a single plain nut occasionally.
- Fresh water at all times.
Housing: Think Metal
Degus are champion chewers. They’ll gnaw through plastic trays, shelves, and hides in no time, and swallowed plastic can cause blockages.
- Choose a large, tall metal cage with multiple solid levels.
- Avoid wire floors and wire ramps, which can hurt their feet.
- Use wood, ceramic, or metal hides and platforms.
- Provide a solid wheel at least 12 inches across, since degus are energetic runners.
- Add a deep area of bedding for digging if possible.
See how to choose the best cage for more on materials and sizes.
Sand Baths
Like chinchillas, degus keep their coats clean by rolling in dust or fine sand. Offer a chinchilla dust or sand bath a few times a week. Never bathe degus in water. Learn more in our dust bath guide, which applies to degus too.
Temperature
Degus come from a warm, dry climate, but they don’t handle heat well. Keep them in a room around 65 to 75°F, out of direct sunlight, with good ventilation. Watch for heat stress in summer. See keeping pet rodents safe in summer.
Handling and Taming
Degus can become very tame and bond with their owners, but they don’t usually love being held for long. Build trust by sitting near the cage, offering safe treats by hand, and letting them climb onto you. Scoop them with both hands under the body. Never grab a degu by the tail. Like gerbils and spiny mice, degus can shed the skin of their tail as an escape tactic, a painful injury that doesn’t grow back.
Degu Communication
Degus are among the most vocal pet rodents. They use different sounds for greeting, warning, contentment, and courtship. They also communicate with body language, tail wagging, and scent. Owners often describe their chatter as conversations. Degus even showed the ability to learn to use a simple rake in lab studies, a sign of their intelligence. See the smartest rodents and how rodents communicate.
Enrichment
- Chew toys made of untreated wood, cardboard, and pumice
- Hay piles and forage mixes to search through
- Tunnels and hideouts
- Dig boxes
- Supervised playtime in a degu-proofed room
See enrichment toys by rodent type.
Common Health Problems
- Diabetes and cataracts: watch for heavy drinking, frequent urination, and cloudy eyes.
- Dental disease: overgrown teeth from too little hay.
- Tail injuries: from rough handling.
- Heat stress: in warm rooms.
- Fur chewing: from stress or boredom.
Healthy degu teeth are orange, like those of chinchillas and beavers. See signs your rodent is sick and find a vet with our exotic vet guide.
Are Degus Legal?
Degus are legal in most places, but some areas restrict them because of concerns about escaped animals becoming invasive. Check your local and state rules before buying. See exotic vs common pet rodents.
Degus vs Other Pet Rodents
Degus are a good fit for experienced owners who want a daytime, social pet and can commit to a strict diet. If you want something simpler, gerbils are also day-active and social but easier to feed. Compare options in the best pet rodents for beginners and our pet rodent quiz.
A Daily and Weekly Routine
- Daily: refill hay, serve pellets and a few greens, change water, spot clean, and check that everyone is eating and active.
- A few times a week: offer a dust bath for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Weekly: change bedding, wash dishes, inspect the cage for chewed hazards, and weigh each degu.
- Monthly: check teeth, nails, and eyes closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can degus eat fruit?
No. Degus are prone to diabetes and should never be given fruit or sugary foods.
Are degus good pets for kids?
They’re better for older kids and adults because of their special diet and fragile tails.
Can a degu live alone?
It’s not recommended. Degus are highly social and need companions.
How long do degus live?
Commonly 5 to 8 years, and sometimes 10 or more.