When you combine these extra costs, owning a Degu may add up to be more than you expected. Find below a list of ways caring for your Degu can be made more accessible. If you were hoping for a soft, gentle, and tender answer- you might want to look away now. Sand is the particle used for these dust baths, making the term dust baths known as “sand bathing.”. They’re often physically compared to gerbils, being larger than these rodents. So why do degus bite their cage? A degu enclosure should have a nesting box to replicate the burrows they dig in the wild. Degus breed prolifically. Toxic Species and Treatment. While in captivity, it’s imperative you continue to provide these dust baths for them so they can continue their hygiene routine with ease. Degus as pets are affectionate and cuddly. They are great nappers, but once they get used to your schedule, these little creatures will come to greet you, often looking to play or get some belly rubs. Usually, whining or rapid groans imply agonistic behavior is about to follow- whether they’re playfully fighting or seriously feel one another are threats. Like any animal, you must feed your Degu a nutritional diet to keep their tiny bodies and mental health in tip-top shape. Although Degus are sociable animals and prefer to be kept in groups or pairs, they can still live alone if absolutely required. What happens if your dog eats hibiscus? (How Ingredients Affect Dogs), link to Is Hibiscus Poisonous to Dogs? Degus are diurnal, so they’re active during the day – which is one reason people love having them as pets. Degus need multiple dust baths per week. When it comes to cage sizes, Degus prefers larger housing units as opposed to smaller ones. Leave this in the cage for a half an hour to give it ample time to roll around. Degus are generally healthy, but they can be susceptible to some conditions: Watch for pawing, eating difficulties, and weepy eyes. As with other small animals, avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as the scent can be toxic. Whether you go through a breeder, pet store, or adoption organization, ask them many questions: They should be able to provide you with the care schedule, a food list, and some background about where they got the animal. Degus need a solid-surface exercise wheel (11 inches in diameter). Do not pick a degu up by its tail. Family life Share is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For more details, see our, 2 Common Types of Wood Shavings That May Not Be Safe for Your Pet, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Species Profile, Spiny-Tailed Lizard (Uromastyx): Species Profile. Owning a Degu can teach a child gentle handling skills, animal-love, and additional kindness that isn’t always found when owning other types of animals. You also try your luck rescuing a degu. Degus are great at making friends: Degus are a social creature who loves making friends. They will grab every single chance to come up and cuddle their heart out. 9. A few reasons why degus are so special.Hope you enjoy, the clips and music : PTake care everyone ! Degus thrive in pairs or more, are you able to purchase a minimum of two? The main common health problem that can arise in a Degu is obesity. Before committing to buying one, check with city and state regulations where you live. Degus as pets are amazing little furballs that will make your day. The larger, the better. $19.16. See more ideas about degus, degu, pets. Degus require large cages with exercise wheels, because, in general, they are the more active than any of the other small rodents or lagamorphs folks keep as pets. It’s a great idea to consider this before buying a Degu, to ensure you’re both mentally and financially ready to care for one. The common Degu body is around 25-31 cm long, with a moderately long tail. They make excellent pets Uncontrolled obesity due to overeating and lack of exercise is one of the significant Degu health problems this rodent species face; thus, it’s up to you to monitor and deter such risk! Other reasons why obesity may occur is an absence of exercise, stimulation, or regular activity. Multilevel cages built for ferrets or chinchillas are ideal. You must ensure to avoid feeding your Degu sugary foods at all costs. One of the ways we can help them do that it’s by giving them a dust bath every now and then. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. Ardiles, Alvaro O et al. Willow balls and toys made for rabbits or parrots also work. A mineral or salt block designed for rodents is another nice distraction while providing your pet with extra nutrients. If you’re looking to own a Degu as a pet, here are some things you should consider first: Degus are great as pets for both families or singles, but in particular families with children. This website is for people who are considering getting degus as a pet, or already got it. - They aren't cuddly like a cat or hamsters for example. The life expectancy of degus. A good pellet food for degus contains low amounts of protein (less than 15%), fat (less than 4%) and sugar (less than 5%) and high amounts of fibers (15% or more). Of course, this doesn’t include the cage and all the basic necessities. The degu is a soci… Degus make good pets when they’re cherished by the right person! Continue reading to learn more. There are four classifications of Degus, two being nocturnal and the other two being Diurnal- which makes them ideal to own as pets. Degus are, in fact, amiable animals and can make excellent pets when cared for by the right person. In fact, people who own Degus as pets often suggest keeping … Use a heavy ceramic dish for a water bowl or a water bottle with a metal tube that has a chew guard. But like some other rodents, a Degus pupil narrows significantly, which aids in keeping the flash of light to be less shocking when they eventually do wake. (How Ingredients Affect Dogs). Degus need to have a sand bath available to them every day and after they’ve been handled. Degus can make wonderful pets. Look for signs of illness, including discharge around the nose, a watery mouth, cloudy eyes, or foot sores. A Degu (commonly referred to as Octodon Degu) is a small rodent home to Chile’s central and western regions. When buying degus from a breeder, the average cost is $35 but can be as much as $100. If possible, invest in a separate cage (shall the need arise). Degus-small rodents that occupy Chile, from the coastal plains to the mountains-make great pets. Make a nutrient-rich grass, like Timothy hay or alfalfa, available at all times. Apart from their some-what destructive behavior, Degus tend to jump around a lot, and can even jump as high as 6 feet. BMJ, doi:10.1136/vr.104253. Make sure the enclosure is made of wire or metal; they can eat their way through wood and plastic. 8. So what is a degu? They should be held regularly, more-so during their early life stages- can you encourage this? These little creatures belong to the rodent family that is a very close relative to guinea pigs and even chinchillas. Contact your vet if any unusual symptoms come up. Prevalence Of Dental Disorders In Degus And Evaluation Of Diagnostic Methods To Determine Dental Disease And Its Prognosis. Dec 21, 2015 - How to care for these small rodents as pets. However, this does not mean you should ignore common health problems that may arise- nor neglect providing them vest visits also. Is hibiscus poisonous to dogs? Always encourage regular handling of your Degu; that way, they become accustomed to physical interaction as they mature. Breeders and pet stores usually have domestic-bred degus for sale. 2013, doi:10.1101/pdb.emo071357, van Bolhuis, Hester et al. However, it is recommended that you purchase at least two Degus at one time to prevent isolation or behavioral problems. As is the case for most pets, bigger is better, and since degus prefer to be housed with other degus, the cage will need to accommodate them as well. As you can see, the degu is an animal that looks a little bit like a squirrel or mouse with large ears and a tufted tail. Degus as Pets, a Complete Degu Care Guide by Moore, Susan (April 11, 2014) Paperback Paperback – January 1, 1705 4.9 out of 5 stars 11 ratings See all formats and editions Hide other formats and editions A built-in anti-predator mechanism allows these rodents to shed their tails in an emergency. Degus are not a common household pet, so you may need to call around to find a vet that has some experience and expertise with them. Degus rarely resort to biting unless feeling cornered or threatened. Degus are small, burrowing rodents native to Chile that make great pets. Check adoption organizations like Adopt-a-Pet and your local humane society for degus that might be up for adoption. Similar to hedgehogs and other wild rodents, degus are easily tamed when handled from an early age. The degu is native to central and northern Chile, where they live in large groups. But at the same times, we are also participants in life. Owners that provide their Degu an improper feeding routine or diet can be one of the causes for such health issues. Like these animals, they have been introduced into households as pets in recent years. Although Degus are wary of people at first, with respect, love, treats, and kind handling your Degu will begin to bond with you. 2013,4 312-8. Having a Degu as a pet is becoming increasingly popular; their playful nature, calm and collected personality, in conjunction with their easy-going care requirements, make them an ideal animal of purchase! Find below a list of additional costs to consider when thinking about owning a Degu: Although the price you’ll pay to purchase a Degu is reasonable, when you add the additional costs, owning a Degu every year can approximately total to $118.50 – $495 USD. Most rodents avoid cuddling with their owners, but not our Degus. To learn the meaning behind unusual noises, your Degu might be making, continue reading. Lice are more likely to make an appearance within a Degus coat as lice eggs glue itself to the base of the hair follicle. In the wild, Degus are found in numerous sets of pairs- meaning they’re naturally a social animal species. The most common rodents kept as household pets are hamsters (golden hamsters and dwarf hamsters), gerbils (Mongolian jirds and duprasi gerbils), common degus, fancy mice, fancy rats, common chinchillas, and guinea pigs (cavies).. The name degu on its own indicates either the entire genus Octodon or, more commonly, just the common degu. Octodon degus (Molina 1782): a model in comparative biology and biomedicine, Prevalence Of Dental Disorders In Degus And Evaluation Of Diagnostic Methods To Determine Dental Disease And Its Prognosis. Your love for your dog compels you to... Is Hibiscus Poisonous to Dogs? You degu needs clean, fresh water available at all times. Avoid giving your degu cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Degus have soft fur, but there are really only a a few degu colors. It's only when it is in defensive mode, and it fears for its life that a degu will bite hard. Despite that, both fleas and lice are still an unlikely appearance. In all seriousness, Degus fight, and if they’re not regularly monitored- things can get ugly… like “fighting to the death” kind of ugly. When an owner dedicates providing adequate care for their Degu, they can quickly grow into healthy, friendly, and lively pets. A degu is a rodent that originates from Chile, South America. Avoid giving your Degu other rodent food, high protein, or vegetable skin (like sweet potato). The common degu (Octodon degus) is a small sized rodent with a similar appearance to the domestic rat (Rattus norvegicus).However, their lifespan is generally much longer than the rat and they can live to around 10 years of age if well-cared for. Some people have commented on Degus having a wild temperament, which can be prominent if there’s been neglect in care or nurturing in their early development stages. We take our roles as parents, kids, citizens in our society. Read our, You can opt-out at any time. Degus are playful and curious, but without social interaction and the opportunity for exercise, they can become aggressive and neurotic. The Average Lifespan Of A Pet Hedgehog Is 4 To 6 Years. Do not feed fruit; its sugar content is too high. You know your dog wants it. Some degus will actually talk to you in a chitter chatter, but their high pitched screech is usually reserved for stressful situations or for some… For an exotic pet, degus are relatively inexpensive. Degus are, in fact, amiable animals and can make excellent pets when cared for by the right person. They’re used for research in laboratories but are also interesting pets. Occasionally, you may hear high-pitched screeches when threatened, stressed, or if they get their food swiped. This is often quite painful for your pet, and, unfortunately, the tail will never grow back. Due to a wild Degus stubborn nature and their unwillingness to back down, fighting can proceed until one has died– but this isn’t always common for captive Degus. In this article, we cover everything you’d possibly need to know about Degus- from costs, care routine, and so much more! If you are interested in pet degus, check out: Otherwise, check out other exotic animals that can be your new pet. In the wild they live in elaborate burrows amongst the rocks and brush of the West Andean slopes. Like chinchillas, degus need regular dust baths to keep their skin and coat in good condition. Provide your pet with a shallow bowl containing an inch or two animal bath dust or bath sand. Degus need regular dust baths, approximately 2 – 5 times per week (but sometimes 1 – 7 times), as it aids in the removal of dirt and excess oil. If you’re ever bitten by a Degu, you’ll be happy to know that their bites don’t hurt nor cause any significant damage to your skin. A degu nip while playing doesn't hurt or break the skin. However, it is common for Degu owners to comment on how Degus look like their eyes are open when they’re sleeping. Family life Share is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. It’s crucial for you (as the owner) to motivate and promote regular exercise for your Degu. Octodon degus (Molina 1782): a model in comparative biology and biomedicine. Note: It’s imperative to keep the father with the mother and their babies (Do not split them up.) The females raise their young in a communal group. These social, curious animals are one of the few rodents that are awake during the day (diurnal), which adds to their pet appeal. When it’s time for a nap, Degus indeed sleep with their eyes shut. Tim Bartel(CC BY-SA 2.0) Via Flickr. Adult Size: 5 to 7 inches long with a 6-inch tail, weighing from 6 to 10 ounces, Similar to hedgehogs and other wild rodents, degus are easily tamed when handled from an early age. As pet owners, it’s our job to help them keep themselves as clean as possible too. A Degus tail has bones in them, making them susceptible to injury. However, there are some pros and cons of owning Degus as pets that you should know beforehand.. After personally talking to some pet owners with Degus, we listed some pros and cons of owning Degus as pets. But it is still a lot cheaper than some other pocket pets that can be over $300 apiece. Some variables that affect the longevity of a pet hedgehog’s life are stress level, diet, disease/illness, genetics, quality of life, exercise, and veterinary care. We want to provide high-quality content to people who are looking for these topics. Their systems can't handle these veggies in excess. Only two out of the four classifications are nocturnal, with the other two being diurnal, making them appealing to own as pets. $18.99 (2 Pack) Sunseed Natural Dust Bath for Chinchillas, 30 Ounces Per Container 4.6 out of 5 stars 72. Repeat dust baths biweekly. If possible, purchasing more than one Degu can be extremely beneficial to their development and overall happiness– otherwise, promoting plenty of social interaction is ideal. Cleaning their cage on a regular basis, promoting many dust baths daily, and keeping up with additional hygiene measures is a great way to prevent your furball from stinking up the house! 627-627. If you can’t make such a long commitment, but still want a small pet, you should consider hamsters or pet mice, which have a shorter lifespan. An infestation of fleas and its eggs within your furry friend’s coat is unlikely, but fleas within their bedding is another story. Thus, the basis of a proper degu diet is a combination of high-quality chinchilla or guinea pig pellets and a rodent block. Exotic Nutrition Degu Complete - Nutritionally Complete Healthy Pellet Diet with Whole Oats - for Domesticated Pet Degus 5.0 out of 5 stars 13. It has been starring at you and wagging its tail excitedly as each chip of those delicious French fries disappears into your mouth. Only then may it hurt and cause an injury. So, keep in mind, that with pet degus, you will make a commitment for many years. Food / Water (Not including treats) = $15 – $45, Other (Exercise Wheel, Bedding, Dust Bath etc) = $20 – $75, They’re sociable and enjoy the company of others, Enjoyment of handling (when done since young), Sweet potatoes (in proportion and without the skin). They are very active animals and will not do well in a smaller cage. To be healthy and happy, degus should be kept as pets in pairs or groups. If you keep degus as pets then sometimes what you’ll notice about them is that they can have a lot of energy and some strange behaviors as well. The surfaces should be solid and not wire slats. Degus need a lot of space to be healthy and happy. Provide fresh vegetables daily, such as sweet potato (peeled, uncooked), carrots, leafy greens (spinach, dandelion leaves, parsley), and green beans every day. Well, the main reasons why a degu will bite their cage are: When your degu wants food. Toxic Species and Treatment, Dumbo Rats as Pets-17 Questions & Answers (Explained), Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters as Pets: 17 Questions & Answers, Abyssinian Guinea Pigs as Pet: 9 Questions & Answers, Winter White Dwarf Hamsters as Pets: 18 Questions & Answers, Gerbils as Pets: 52 Helpful Questions & Answers (Explained). Observe the animal closely before purchasing and look at its enclosure. Family life Share aims to share cool knowledge and unique experience about family life, marriage, love, relationships, parenting and life tips. An average Degu litter size is around four to six; however, they can have as little as one or as many as ten in one pregnancy. Provide nesting material in the form of tissues, paper towels, hay, or shredded paper. Opt for the biggest and largest cage you can fit in your apartment. In general, a 24 x 18 x 24 inch sized cage is adequate to house a pair of Degus– and anything more significant should be an option if it’s within your budget. They are brown in color with a somewhat lighter belly. Forget common household animals like cats or dogs, Degus as pets are just as great and can continue to provide that perfect companionship. Dusts baths are regular in a Degu’s life, can you maintain this need? It’s instinct for Degus, specifically wild male Degus, to prove dominance within their pack. It’s believed that a Degu becomes fully grown around the six-month mark. Once your female Degu has been bred, expect the gestation period to last up to 90 days in total. Degus are naturally sociable animals, meaning they thrive off of the company of one another and behave similarly to bunnies or rabbits in that sense. Trauma or sudden loss of parents can also create friction in the temperament of a Degu; however, it isn’t always common. Degus DO NOT eat their babies under normal circumstances. Because they are a relatively new type of pet, there has only recently been more research into them and scientists have discovered they are also related to rabbits - in fact, they may have a closer link to bunnies than any other animal. In general, the Degu is a healthy animal with no specific hereditary illnesses. In the wild, they live in communities of up to 100, much like prairie dogs. Degus are avid chewers. It is believed by word-of-mouth that Degus can swim. However, due to their social nature, it is highly recommended the Degu be kept in same-sex pairs. People believe Degus sleep with their eyes open because they’ve never seen a Degu sleep, and their eyes are always open. This is a commonality found in many animals, and the reasoning is no different- meaning fighting is a way that such a trait is established. There are four species of Octodons; Common Degu, Pacific Degu, Bridges’s Degu, and the Moon-toothed Degu. Hibiscus poisoning in dogs is definitely a concerned subject. Other foods a Degu can (and should) eat are: TIP: If you have a picky eater on your hands, try mixing up and offering various vegetables in one sitting- while continuing to provide plenty of freshwater. Degus only like to be held when they’ve been regularly handled while they’re young; otherwise- they’re known for not enjoying being held. The average lifespan of a Degu is 6 – 8 years in captivity and 1 – 4 years in the wild. 1 Apr. Doing so establishes a fundamental bond between one another, and promotes their overall physical/mental development- as a family. In some un-ordinary circumstances, owners have reported their Degu reaching sexual maturity at the 6 – 8-week mark, with most babies leaving their mother at the four-week mark. However, there is limited research to back up these claims. In the wild, they live in communities of up to 100, much like prairie dogs, and dig elaborate burrow systems comprised of food storage spaces and sleeping nests. Since degus are becoming popular as a pocket pet, commercial degu pellets were developed to meet the specific needs of degus. In Conclusion. As in the wild, degus typically survive around 1-4 years. Paper-based bedding is safer and just as absorbent when changed out regularly. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Even though some rodents are known for eating their babies, this is simply a misconception when it comes to Degus and their own. Some places consider degus as a potentially invasive species and forbid owning them as a pet. One of those behaviors that they’ll often show is cage biting. If cared for properly, Degus can be passive and tamed pets- however, it requires the owner to promote regular handling and a gentle nature during their early stages of upbringing. They cost $25 to $100. The primary food source in a Degus diet is good quality hay, as it provides natural resources that benefit their digestive system. Cold Spring Harbor protocols vol. 23, 2017, pp. Some degus will attempt to converse with you using chitter-chatter sounds. Other common causes of health problems found in a Degu: Can Dogs Eat French Fries? Despite that, however, they’re still without a doubt an excellent pet to own and care for. Younger Degus that are handled regularly tend to transition quicker into “pet-life” instead of Degus without such experience. If you want to know how you can make a dust bath, click here to learn three different ways to give a Chinchilla a dust bath, which also works perfectly for a Degu! Degus are great to have as pets because they like to keep their cage and themselves clean. When they’re not communicating with each other, they’re found playing, exploring, or digging. Make sure to get a big cage. If hand trained from birth, they may come to you for cuddles or belly scratches. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. If for some reason, it is injured, you should know that a Degus tail will not grow back– instead, it may heal or slowly die and eventually fall off. Different sounds coming from a Degu can provide you the indication needed to understand what they’re trying to tell you. Degus are playful and curious. If they do not get sufficient social interaction and exercise, they can become aggressive and neurotic.. Because degus love to dig, a digging box using organic soil and sand is sure to go down well and a treat ball will help to keep them busy – plus it’s great exercise. A Degu smells just as bad as a rat or hamster, therefore establishing a cleaning routine should be implemented when possible. The ideal cage for a degu is a multi-level, wire cage typical of those used for ferrets and chinchillas. In the U.S., they are illegal to own in California, Utah, Georgia, Connecticut, and Alaska. Find below a list of additional reasons why Degus make good pets: Many people believe Degus are only well-behaved if they’re born by the right mother- which is not only silly but a poor excuse for lousy upbringing. An increase in sex hormones is usually the cause of this fighting, and can also be the most dangerous if some aren’t careful. They do best housed in same-sex pairs with other degus and are instinctively social. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a non-traditional yet friendly, playful, and easy-going pet- the Degu might just be the perfect pet for you! To keep your Degus coat both dirt and oil-free, be sure you provide regular dust baths for them (approximately 2 – 5 times per week.). Before we start learning about the degu, let’s take a look at the animal in question!
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