JSPCA DEGU FACT SHEET

History and Biology

The degu is native to northern and central Chile on the West Andean slopes up to 1200 metres.  They live in large groups, making their homes in rocks or hedges, living in colonies and constructed burrows.  The females rear their young in a communal burrow.  Therefore, in captivity, degus should be kept socially in pairs or groups.    Degus will breed at any time of the year and have multiple litters. 

The degu, Octodon degus, (otherwise known as the ‘Chilean squirrel’) is brown in colour with a cream coloured underside and it has a long tail.  The tip of its tail has a black brush and may slip the fur, exposing the tail bone (which the animal will bite off).  This lost section of tail will not be replaced.  Therefore, as with Chinchillas, degus should not be picked up by their tail.  Their ears are quite large.  Their hind legs are shorter than their forelegs and each foot has five digits.  The teeth of a healthy degu are yellow or orange coloured.  White teeth in degus are often an indication of a serious disease. 

The average body weight for a degu is between 170-300 grams and in captivity, degus can live 5 or more years.

Housing

The degu is a very sociable animal. Therefore, it is best to keep at least two animals of the same sex.  If degus of different sexes are kept together, the females will breed prolifically and this can be exhaustive for the female and may lead to a shorter lifespan. Therefore, please contact your veterinary surgery for advise about neutering if you choose to keep a male and a female together.

Degus are quite active and require a large amount of space, hence a large multilevel cage is recommended.  A wire mesh cage is better than wood because they like to gnaw.  The mesh, however, should be small enough to prevent foot or limb injury and a section of the floor should be solid. 

Sufficient bedding for digging and stockpiling food should be provided, along with space for an exercise wheel. An exercise wheel should be placed into the cage for activity and exercise for the degus.  The wheel must be solid, large and at least 25cm in diameter.  Tunnelling in the cage should be provided. 

For bedding, dust free shavings can be used with a little hay. Some of the hay they will eat and some of the hay they will use for building a nest.  Avoid using pine or cedar shavings because the oils they contain can cause health problems.  The entire cage will require cleaning at least once a week.

Some strong branches from fruit trees, such as pear trees, that are about 5cm in diameter and that have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals, can be put into the cage.  These offer the degus an opportunity to climb.  They will also gnaw branches which helps keep their teeth worn down.

A wooden nest box is recommended for sleeping or hiding in and should be of a suitable size for an adult degu.  In the wild, they build nests consisting of twigs, the size of which corresponds to their social status in the colony.

Sand baths are important for degus.  Special sand used for chinchilla baths can be used.  Beach type sand should NOT be used.  A fine mixture of Fuller’s Earth (a type of kaolin) and silver sand may be used.  A small amount of sand should be placed in a container large enough for the degu to lie down and roll around in, yet heavy enough so that it cannot be up-turned.  These baths should be kept clean and free of faeces and should be removed when not in use.  Degus can have dust baths two or three times a week for twenty minute periods.  Overuse can lead to an irritative conjunctivitis in some individuals.  Dust bathing will also help to keep their fur clean. 

Within the cage there should be good ventilation at all times, although it should be kept out of draughts since degus are especially susceptible to pneumonia.  If you are worried that your degu may have a respiratory infection, please contact your vet.  The housing should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Diet

Degus are herbivores and their natural diet consists of grass, leaves, bark and crops.  In captivity, the diet should include a special pelleted degu diet (or a mix of 50% guinea pig pellets and 50% chinchilla pellets) and grass hay, with occasional small amounts of a variety of fresh greens.  Fresh, clean clover and dandelion leaves can be fed to degus, along with broccoli and cauliflower.   Treats, once or twice a week, such as dried carrot may be given.  Degus do bury food, so you should ensure that any uneaten fresh food is removed to prevent it from rotting.

The degu diet should be low in sugars, carbohydrates and fats.  Degus cannot metabolise sugar.  Rodent mixtures consisting of corn, cereals, sunflower seeds, raisins or dried fruit should not be fed to degus as they can cause illness. 

The food dish should be heavy enough to prevent it from being tipped over by the degu.

Degus should have access to hay and fresh, clean water (in a water bottle) at all times.

Handling and Behaviour

Degus are very sociable animals and need a lot of attention.  They are also very inquisitive.

Never try to catch a degu by its tail.  In defense against natural enemies, degus can loose the end of their tails.  About a third or even a half of the tail is lost and will never grow back again.  If you need to pick a degu up, put your hand beneath it and wait for it to climb into your hand. 

Degus can whistle, but are not noisy pets.  Degus groom each other on their backs and behind the ears with their hands and mouth.  During this grooming period they can make very quiet warbling sounds.

Common Disease Problems and Ailments

Diabetes - Degus cannot metabolise sugar, so excess sugar in the diet will lead to Diabetes mellitus.  This can be prevented by offering them special degu food and not giving foods which contain high amounts of sugars, such as raisins.  Free access to water at all times should be ensured.  If your degu is suddenly drinking a lot of water, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Liver problems - If a degu becomes too fat, it will be at risk from developing liver problems.  This is a particular concern with females of breeding age.  Avoiding fatty foods such as sunflower seeds and nuts can help to prevent this condition.  For further information, contact your veterinary surgery.

Ear mites - If your degu has ear mites it will have very itchy, painful ears.  You should contact your vet for advice about a suitable treatment.

Cataracts -  One of the main genetic problems in degus is cataract formation.  Cataracts occur as the degu ages.   Contact your veterinary surgery for further advice.

Diarrhoea - Excess fresh greens can cause diarrhoea.  If the diarrhoea persists for twenty four hours or more, take your degu to a veterinary surgeon immediately.

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

 

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je

 

 

 

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