- Cage
- Hide areas
- Exercise wheel
- Dust bath
- Bedding
- Toys
- Food
- Water & food dishes
- Cleaning supplies
- Travel carrier
- Exotic veterinarian address and contact information
CAGE
Degus should be housed in as large a cage as is practical as they require room to move around and explore. There should be enough space for exercise, and shelves and platforms provide more interest in exploring. Stainless steel or wire cages are preferred since they are chew-proof. The cage should allow proper ventilation, as well. Exotic Nutrition’s 2-Level Mansion is a good choice for keeping one degu, and the 4-Level Mansion is suitable for a spacious cage that is big enough for two degus. It is recommended to keep two degus at once, since they are highly social animals and will get depressed if they don’t have enough interaction. The preferred temperature for degus is anything up to 68° F. They are pretty resistant to colder temperatures, but in warmer temperatures they do have a higher risk of heatstroke. They also prefer dry environments, so don’t place them anywhere damp or with high humidity.
HIDE AREAS
Degus love to burrow and hide, so providing tunnels, huts, hideouts, and other hide areas allow them to explore and play in their enclosure. Exotic Nutrition has many different types of Hide Areas available that degus will enjoy.
EXERCISE WHEEL
Exerciseis very important for degus. Placing an exercise wheel in your degu’s cage is the easiest way to ensure your pet can get the exercise they need. The wheel should have a solid floor to prevent foot injury. We recommend the Treadmill Wheel, a durable metal wheel that provides a saucer-shaped surface for your degu to run that won’t cause spinal problems.
DUST BATH
Degus like to keep clean and maintain their fur by taking dust baths. Dusting powder and bathing bins, like our Blue Beauty Dust and Acrylic Bath House, are used to allow chinchillas to bathe themselves. Let your chinchilla take a dust bath at least twice a week by placing the bath bin with the dusting powder inside the cage. After the bath, remove the bin from the cage and store it for next time. The dusting powder should be replaced once it’s soiled, usually after 1-2 weeks.
BEDDING
Shredded paper bedding is a great choice to layer in your degu’s cage. A generous amount should be used because degus will use it to burrow and tunnel. It is safe if your pet nibbles on the bedding and it absorbs liquids and odors well. Bedding made from pine or cedar should be avoided. They can be sharp and painful to your pet’s feet and the odors they give off are not good for their respiratory system.
TOYS
Toys are important to encourage interest, curiosity, and movement from your degu. There are many different types of toys, from interactive toys like our Crazy Legs Toy to foraging toys like the Forage Wheel. Another type of toy that is important for the health of your degu are chew toys. Chew toys, like our Willow Bundle, give degus something to gnaw on that won’t destroy their living space.
FOOD
In the wild, degus mainly live on bulbs, tubers and bark. Since these foods are not readily available to the typical Degu owner, you should feed your degu a balanced pellet diet like Exotic Nutrition’s Degu Complete, along with Timothy Hay or Timothy Hay Cubes. Degu Complete is the first diet to be formulated to the exact needs of captive and domesticated Degus.
Treats can also be provided in small amounts to assist in bonding, training, and exercise. For more information on food for a degu, visit our article on Feeding Degus.
WATER & FOOD DISHES
Water is essential for all animals, and degus are no exception. The best and easiest way to provide water for your degu is to hang a Water Bottle in their cage somewhere they can easily reach it. Make sure they always have a supply of fresh, clean water. Food dishes are also essential to keep the food clean and contained so your degu knows where to find it. Exotic Nutrition’s Stainless Steel Cup with Holder is an excellent choice. It’s also a good idea to get a second dish for hay.
CLEANING
A degu’s cage needs to be cleaned regularly. The bedding will most likely need to be changed at least once a week. Wash the water bottle, food bowl, and any cage accessories or toys that get dirty with a safe cleaner like our Kage Kleen spray. Make sure everything is dry before returning items to the cage.
TRAVEL CARRIER
Trip to the Vet? Going away for the weekend? Just cleaning the cage? Travel carriers or temporary cages are a necessity for all these activities. See all of our degu carriers.
EXOTIC VETERINARIAN ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Before welcoming your degu into your home, prepare ahead of time by finding a reputable exotic pet veterinarian. Browse our archive of Degu Help & Education or Find an Accredited Veterinarian.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
Exotic Nutrition is proud to serve hundreds of universities, zoological parks, veterinarians, research centers and other institutions seeking to advance the health and well-being of exotics worldwide. See a full list of institutions using our products here.
Exotic Nutrition has a heart for animals in need. Through regular donations to rescues, rehabilitators, and special fundraiser events, Exotic Nutrition is making a significant impact in the lives of animals. See a full list of our charitable donations here.
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