Degu Cage Suggestions

Degus need more space than most other rodents, and they need to have either a wire or a glass cage because they can chew through plastic.

Generally wire cages are better because they come in larger sizes than glass aquariums and some have multiple levels, or you can add your own levels, but glass is fine as long as it's big enough for the degus to run around in. Wire cages cannot have too much space in between the bars because degus are escape artists, and anything they can fit their head through they can fit their body through. 1/2 inch spacing or 1 inch x 1/2 inch spacing is suitable. See our Degu cage department.

The floor on the bottom of the cage should be solid because degus forced to walk on wire all the time can develop a painful condition called bumble foot. A wheel is pretty much a necessity for a healthy degu, but it needs to be a large sized wheel. You can also supply a large rodent ball to provide additional exercise for the degus. Carefresh Bedding or any other small animal bedding can be used in the cage (no cedar), and degus should also be given additional nesting material, (see cage accessory dept.)

Cardboard tubes are a good investment because degus love to tear them apart and add the shreds to their nests (see Chewbulars in cage accessories). Do not give them toilet paper, paper towel, or wrapping paper rolls because the glue that holds them together can be toxic.

Degus should also have something in their cage where they can feel sheltered, such a wooden box. Pet hammocks are also a great addition, which the degus like to climb around in. Degus also love to take sand/dust baths, in special sand that you can find in our cage accessory department is suggested.