Historical post first published on 23 April 2021. Events, figures, plans and appeals describe that period.
The website has been online for a few months, and we are already approaching 100,000 views! Thank you so much. It makes us all the more determined to keep producing carefully researched, referenced articles about degus. The aim is to replace the old Dingue des Todons website and the personal blog, whose posts will gradually be brought here.
Our latest article discusses the arguments for and against adopting degus. We wanted a kind of back-and-forth between the advantages and disadvantages, while keeping a neutral perspective. It took some thought, but was very enjoyable to write, especially after the enormous feeding article! Next come articles about housing and an article about cancer in degus. Housing is relatively straightforward because there are few studies to work through; health and reproduction will take far more time. Publication has slowed because of the work involved. We prefer quality to quantity, but the website is certainly not being abandoned.
We have fallen behind with blog updates, so here is a catch-up on recent events. Toupie and Tempi still live together, separately from Tipi, although their shared outings outside the enclosure now last up to forty minutes without trouble. This week, for the first time in a while, we swapped their areas within the enclosure. Toupie attacked Tipi violently through the bars, leaving a bite on his foot that fortunately caused no further problems. Such contact needs to be prevented rather than accepted as part of introductions.
Earlier in the year, Tipi himself attacked Toupie badly enough that his tail had to be amputated. Tail injuries can happen in degus, but should not be treated as a normal or inevitable part of their lives. Toupie’s tail began to become infected, which led to surgery; after the operation, he was back in good form!
This week, all three friends have enjoyed spring plants. Following the SAB Degu Mix approach used in our household at the time, fresh foods made up 80% of the portion described here. The remaining 20% consisted of the mix’s seeds and occasional treats. Treats were rare, and we preferred choices that did not lower the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. These are historical details of our feeding routine, not a universal nutritional prescription; suitable hay should remain freely available.
The trees are putting out leaves and dandelions are beginning to flower. It is a lovely time to enjoy the sunshine and a walk while gathering suitable plants. That day’s harvest included dandelion, cherry, blackthorn, common hawthorn, lime, Midland hawthorn, goat willow, bramble and hornbeam.
Editorial update: the list records the historical harvest and must not be used as a verified feeding list. Cherry and blackthorn are Prunus species, a genus containing plants with cyanogenic compounds; their inclusion here does not establish that their leaves are safe for degus. Do not feed unverified plants. Use accurately identified, appropriate plants and seek veterinary advice where necessary.
In any case, three little diners were delighted by the harvest and tucked in with undisguised pleasure!
Sources
Octodons.fr (2021). [BLOG] Repas de la semaine. Original post, 23 April 2021. https://octodons.fr/blog-repas-de-la-semaine/
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