Degus
Taking Care of your Degu
The degu (Octodon Degus) is native to the western foothills of the Andes. It is the most
prolific mammal in Chile, where it is considered an agricultural pest. Since their
importation into the US in 1964, degus have become a popular subject of research in the
areas of diabetes, cataracts, and circadian behaviour. Studies have shown that degus
are social, long-lived and have a low incidence of disease, traits that make them
outstanding pets.
Classification
Degus are rodents belonging to the suborder Hystricognathi (“porcupine-like rodents’)
based upon jaw musculature and skull structure. They belong to the family
Octodontidae. Octodon refers to the “figure 8” shape of their cheek teeth. Other names
for the degu include brush-tailed rat and trumpet-tailed rat.
Anatomy/Physiology
Degus resemble large gerbils and are dark grayish-brown with a dark brush on the tip of
the tail. Their pupils are elliptical. The kidneys produce urine that is normally yellow
and thick. Degus are hind-gut fermentors and have a functioning caecum. Their adrenal
glands are relatively large. They have five toes on each foot.
Behavior
Degus are diurnal and do not hibernate. They dig elaborate burrows, are highly social
and communicate via vocalizations and postures. If degus are not given social
interaction and physical stimuli, they may become aggressive or self mutilate. Fighting
is rare even when new introductions occur. They enjoy human interaction.
Housing
Degus should be provided with a large cage containing shelves, branches, a running
wheel and plenty of room to exercise. Wood shavings, recycled paper products and hay
are all suitable bedding materials. A dust bath should be provided as for chinchillas. At
least two degus should be housed together.
Diet
Diet in the wild includes a wide variety of plants, roots, seeds, fruit and livestock
droppings. A successful captive diet consists of a mixture of rodent blocks and guinea
pig chow along with grass hay. Carrots, sweet potatoes, other vegetables, seeds and
peanuts are given as treats. Foods containing sugar (e.g., fruits, raisins, breakfast
cereal, honey treat sticks) should be avoided. Note that most pelleted feeds contain
molasses, which is used as a binder. Starchy foods may also pose a risk.
Annual Checkup
A complete physical examination, review of diet and husbandry and fecal analysis are
recommended on an annual basis.
Methods of Restraint
Degus are usually scooped up with two hands. They may be scruffed or held in an
encircling grip for examination. Grasping by the tail should be avoided, as tail degloving
easily occurs, requiring amputation of the tail. Degus readily learn to step into a net, so
this method can also be used.
Breeding
Degus reach puberty at a later age than many rodents. Breeding should begin when the
female is 4-9 months of age and body weight is below 250 g. In spite of their long
gestation, degus are not born as fully developed as one would expect. The young are
born with sparse fur and their eyes open around day 3. Both parents assist with
thermoregulation, huddling over the litter to keep them warm. The pups lie on their
backs to suckle while the mother lies on top of them. Pups nurse for about 25 minutes.
Male degus participate in raising the pups, so the pair must stay together for successful
breeding to take place. Infanticide is rare among degus.
Vital Statistics
Quick Facts for Degu Owners
Degus are social animals and enjoy
human attention.
Do not pick your degu up by the tail.
Limit sugary foods and fruits in the diet.
Limit fatty foods such as seeds and
peanuts.
Water bottles or sipper tubes should be
cleaned often.
Avoid overheating.
Body length:
12.5-19.5cm
Tail length:
10.5-16.5cm
Body weight:
170-300 g
Normal body temp:
Average lifespan:
101.8 F
5-8 years
Maximum lifespan:
Age sexual maturity:
10 years
3-4 months
Breeding season:
year-round
Gestation:
87-93 days
Litter size:
1-10 pups
Weaning:
4-6 weeks
Litters per year:
2-3