The degu (Octodon degus) is a small, highly social rodent species native to the scrublands and mountainous regions of South America. These lively animals are gaining recognition globally as pets, offering an alternative to common rodents like hamsters and gerbils. Understanding their distinctive biology and complex social needs is necessary, as their unique physiological traits present specific care challenges.
Classification and Natural Habitat
The degu belongs to the order Rodentia and the family Octodontidae, a group of rodents related to chinchillas and guinea pigs. It is an inhabitant of the central Chilean matorral, a semi-arid, Mediterranean-like scrubland found along the lower western slopes of the Andes mountains. Degus are medium-sized, typically weighing between 170 and 300 grams, with a body length of about 25 to 31 centimeters, including their moderately long, tufted tail. They possess a yellowish-brown coat and large, dark ears.
A notable physical defense mechanism is the degu’s ability to “deglove” its tail if caught by a predator. If the tail is grasped, the outer skin and tuft can easily detach, allowing the animal to escape, though the exposed bone will not regenerate. Their genus name, Octodon, is derived from the figure-eight shape of their continuously growing molar teeth. The natural habitat, characterized by rocky slopes and scrub, requires them to be both climbers and burrowers.
Social Structure and Wild Behaviors
Unlike many small rodents, degus are highly diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. In the wild, they are semi-fossorial and live in large, intricate colonies that can include hundreds of individuals organized into cooperative burrow systems. This colonial lifestyle is essential for survival, providing increased vigilance against predators and shared resources.
Communication is complex, involving a vocabulary of up to 15 distinct sounds, ranging from soft chirps to alarm calls. They rely heavily on scent marking, using urine and anal gland secretions to delineate their territory and mark dust-bathing sites. Dust bathing is a daily behavior for maintaining a healthy coat in their dry environment, and they use communal areas for this ritual. As herbivorous grazers, their wild diet consists primarily of dry grasses, seeds, and the bark of shrubs.
Unique Physiological Requirements
The most distinctive feature of degu biology is their sensitive glucose metabolism, making them susceptible to diet-induced diabetes mellitus. This vulnerability stems from a natural resistance to insulin, which is structurally different in degus compared to other mammals, and a reduced insulin receptor binding affinity. Consuming complex sugars, such as those found in fruits or sugary pet treats, can rapidly induce hyperglycemia, often leading to the development of cataracts.
Because of this metabolic issue, their captive diet must be strictly high-fiber and low-sugar, centered on unlimited access to high-quality hay, supplemented with degu-specific pellets. A high-fat diet, including items like sunflower seeds or nuts, must also be avoided, as it can lead to secondary liver disease. Degus possess unique retinal physiology that allows them to see ultraviolet wavelengths, an adaptation used for social signaling, such as identifying UV-reflecting urine marks. With appropriate care and diet, these small animals enjoy a relatively long lifespan, often living for six to eight years or even longer in captivity.
Considerations for Domestic Ownership
Due to their colonial nature, degus must be kept in same-sex pairs or small groups to prevent loneliness, which can lead to stress and destructive behaviors. Their high energy and instinct to climb and burrow necessitate a large, multi-level, metal wire cage, to accommodate their activity. Plastic components should be avoided entirely because their continuously growing teeth mean they will chew through almost anything.
Enrichment is necessary to satisfy their physical and mental needs, which includes providing a solid, metal exercise wheel and ample wooden chew toys from safe trees like apple or willow. A deep layer of substrate and a separate container of chinchilla sand for regular dust baths should be provided to support their natural behaviors. While degus can bond with their owners, they are not tolerant of being held or cuddled for long periods, making them more suitable as observation pets. Their complex dietary and health needs also mean that any potential owner should have access to a veterinarian experienced in exotic small animal medicine.