Historical post first published on 1 May 2022. Events, figures, plans and appeals describe that period.
Spring is arriving and the fine weather is gradually settling in! It was a chance for Tipi to discover the garden with a twenty-minute outing in the grass, nibbling the freshest flowers and leaves and enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately, Toupi and Tempi could not join in: they were still much too stressed around people and would simply have remained huddled in their carrier, which was hardly the point.
Spring also means starting our daily foraging trips to bring greenery home for the three little rascals. Tipi, Toupi and Tempi were accustomed to fresh plants, especially from spring until late autumn. At the time, some of their meals consisted entirely of greenery, introduced gradually as part of their wider feeding routine. This describes our experience; it is not a recommendation to replace a balanced diet or restrict access to hay.
That day’s harvest was particularly fruitful: dandelion, sow-thistle, daisy, hazel, quince, purple-leaved hazel, grasses, calendula, cornflower, borage, willow, cherry plum, bugle, moss phlox and perennial flax.
Editorial update: this historical list records what was gathered, rather than providing a verified list of safe degu foods. In particular, cherry plum is a Prunus species: plants in this genus can contain cyanogenic compounds. Do not use this post as a recommendation to feed cherry-plum leaves or other unverified plants. Identify plants accurately and seek species-appropriate advice before feeding them.
Outdoor time requires care. Degus are vulnerable to overheating; the original post suggested approximately 20–25°C, but air temperature alone cannot establish safety, especially in direct sunlight. Shade, drinking water, close supervision and a secure enclosure that prevents escape and protects against other animals are essential. An individual that is stressed or cannot be safely contained should not be taken outside.
Tipi enjoying the harvest after his little outing!
Sources
Octodons.fr (2022). [BLOG] Sortie printannière. Original post, 1 May 2022. https://octodons.fr/blog-sortie-printanniere/
Radke, S. (2026). Cyanide Poisoning in Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/cyanide-poisoning/cyanide-poisoning-in-animals
RSPCA (n.d.). What To Feed a Pet Degu. https://www.rspca.org.uk/en/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/degus/diet
Edwards, M. S. (2009). Nutrition and Behavior of Degus (Octodon degus). Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 12(2), 237–253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2009.01.003