The Ultimate Degu Care Guide: What They Are, What They Need & Why They Make Great Pets
Curious, active, and incredibly social, degus are one of the most underrated small animals. Native to Chile, these intelligent rodents are full of personality and thrive when given the right care and companionship. Whether you’re considering bringing home your first degu or want to level up your current setup, this guide covers everything you need to know to give your degus a happy, healthy life.
What are Degus:
Degus are small, burrowing rodents native to central Chile. They belong to the same family as chinchillas and guinea pigs, but they’re a unique species with their own needs and behaviours.
Behaviour:
- Degus are diurnal– (active through the day) making them great pets for people who want to interact with their animals through the day
- They are highly sociable– they can form strong bonds with their owners and other degus.
- Degus need companionship- they should never be kept alone, they need a buddy to keep them mentally healthy and well socialised.
Smith’s Tip: If handled regularly and gently from a young age, degus can become confident, curious, and affectionate pets. They may even climb onto hands, take treats, and enjoy gentle stroking once they’re comfortable.
Housing:
Degus need plenty of space with vertical climbing opportunities and enrichment to stay active and stimulated. A standard hamster or gerbil cage won’t cut it.
Degus enclosure essentials:
- A large, multi-storey cage
- Wooden platforms and branches for climbing
- Hiding places and tunnels for security
- Chew toys to keep their constantly growing teeth in check
- Deep layers of dust free bedding for digging
- Solid flooring, no wire or mesh
Degus Diet:
Degus have very specific dietary needs and are prone to diabetes, so they require a low-sugar, high-fibre diet.
Their ideal diet includes:
- High quality Degu pellets
- Unlimited hay (Timothy or Meadow hay)
- Fresh vegetables (Leafy greens, herbs, bell peppers)
Avoid: Fruit, Sugary treats, and anything high in fat or carbs.
How to Bond with Your Degu
-
Start slowly: Allow new degus time to adjust to their environment before handling
-
Offer treats: Hand-feed healthy treats like leafy greens or dried herbs to build trust
-
Talk softly: Degus respond well to calm voices and consistent routines
-
Use playtime wisely: Let them explore a safe, enclosed area outside the cage with supervision. This gives them exercise and builds confidence
Our Smith’s Recommended Degu Essentials:
At Smith’s Pets, we’ve got everything you need to give your degus the best start, from spacious cages and chew-safe toys to nutritious food and bedding. Whether you’re a first-time degu owner or looking to upgrade your setup, our team is always here to help with expert advice and quality products.
