Degus are small, social rodents native to the semi-arid regions of central Chile. These active animals, often compared to a mix between a gerbil and a chinchilla, are gaining popularity as companion animals. Understanding their natural behaviors and specific needs is important for anyone considering bringing these intriguing creatures into their home.
Understanding Degus: Origins and Unique Traits
Degus (Octodon degus) are rodents endemic to the Chilean matorral ecoregion, primarily found on the lower western slopes of the Andes Mountains. Their name, “degu,” originates from the Mapuche word “dewü,” meaning “mouse” or “rat.” These animals belong to the parvorder Caviomorpha, making them relatives of chinchillas and guinea pigs.
Degus typically have a body length ranging from 25 to 31 centimeters (9.8 to 12.2 inches) and weigh between 170 to 400 grams (6.0 to 14.1 ounces). Their fur is generally yellow-brown on top and creamy-yellow underneath, often with a paler band around the neck and yellow markings around their eyes. They possess a long, thin tail with a distinctive tufted, black tip.
Degus have continually growing incisor teeth, which are naturally a vibrant yellow to orange color due to pigments absorbed from their diet. This orange hue indicates a healthy diet and proper dental wear. Their cheek teeth are also distinctively shaped like figures-of-eight, which inspired their genus name, Octodon. Unlike many other small rodents, degus are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, though their activity can shift to mornings and evenings during hotter periods.
Life in the Wild: Social Structures and Diet
In their natural habitat, degus are highly social animals that live in complex communal burrow systems. These elaborate burrows, often constructed cooperatively, provide shelter from predators and environmental extremes. Degus typically form groups of up to ten individuals, engaging in behaviors like mutual grooming to strengthen social bonds.
Communication among wild degus is sophisticated, involving a wide array of vocalizations and scent marking to establish territories. Their social structure includes communal nesting, where females may nurse one another’s young, and male degus participate in raising pups.
Degus are strictly herbivorous, with their wild diet consisting primarily of grasses, leaves from shrubs, and seeds. They are adapted to a high-fiber intake. To extract maximum nutrition from their fibrous diet, degus engage in coprophagy. They also store food within their burrows to prepare for leaner seasons.
Degus as Companion Animals: Key Considerations
Degus can be affectionate and intelligent companion animals, thriving on interaction and mental stimulation. Their social nature means they should be kept in pairs or small groups of the same sex to prevent loneliness. Daily handling is important for taming them, and they often bond readily with their caregivers.
Appropriate housing is essential for pet degus, given their strong gnawing instinct and active nature. Cages should be constructed from sturdy metal, offering multiple levels and solid platforms for climbing and running. Plastic components should be avoided as degus can easily chew through them, posing an escape risk and potential health hazard.
Their diet as pets should closely mimic their natural high-fiber, low-sugar intake to prevent health issues like diabetes, to which they are susceptible. A diet primarily composed of high-quality timothy hay, supplemented with degu-specific pellets and small amounts of safe vegetables, is recommended. Sugary foods, including many fruits, should be avoided. Regular access to a solid exercise wheel and opportunities for dust baths with chinchilla sand are also important for their physical health and coat maintenance.