Bringing degus home is an exciting moment, but a new environment can be stressful for them. Preparation, a predictable routine and a gradual approach help the animals settle in. This guide covers the enclosure, arrival, first interactions, feeding and signs that require veterinary advice.
Prepare the enclosure before the degus arrive
Set up a spacious enclosure with secure levels, shelters, tunnels made from untreated safe wood, low-dust bedding, a sand bath, unlimited hay, suitable degu food and a permanent supply of clean water. Provide opportunities to climb, explore and chew, while protecting the animals from falls.
A cage measuring 100 × 50 × 80 cm should not be taken as a universal minimum for a group. Usable floor area, group size, layout and the opportunity to retreat all matter. Assess the enclosure using the CARA cage-size guide and the housing guide.
Choose a quiet location, away from draughts and direct sunlight. Around 18–22 °C is a practical indoor target; avoid overheating and sudden temperature changes. Degus are social animals and should normally be kept with compatible companions.
Arrival: give them time to explore
Transfer the degus calmly into the prepared enclosure without chasing or grabbing them. Keep their familiar food initially and check that they can find both food and water. Avoid abrupt movements and unnecessary handling, particularly during the first 24–48 hours. A necessary health check or treatment takes priority over this settling-in period.
Observe and keep contact gentle
For the first two or three days, sit outside the enclosure and speak quietly. Let the animals become familiar with your presence and scent without forcing contact or outings. A familiar scent may help, but do not leave loose fabric that can be chewed or entangle an animal. Monitor each degu’s appetite, droppings, activity and breathing.
Research documents the importance of social conditions and early-life experiences in degus. However, laboratory separation studies do not establish a precise domestic acclimatisation timetable. Judge progress by the individual animals rather than a fixed number of days.
Build trust gradually
Once the degus appear relaxed, offer a small suitable treat, such as part of their normal ration or a safe leaf, with your hand held still. Keep sessions brief: five to ten minutes can be a useful starting point, provided the animals remain comfortable. Allow them to approach voluntarily and stop if they retreat or show distress. The taming guide describes the next steps.
Feeding and daily care
Provide unlimited hay, suitable degu food and clean water at all times. A high-fibre diet with little non-structural carbohydrate supports normal digestion and dental wear. The complete ration matters more than applying a fixed percentage of hay or pellets, or relying on one calcium or fibre value on a label.
Safe leafy plants, such as appropriate leaves and carrot tops, may be offered in accordance with the feeding guide. Avoid sugary treats, fruit and cereal-based snacks. Remove damp leftovers and wet bedding daily, while keeping the surroundings stable during the first few days.
Warning signs
A degu that stops eating, becomes lethargic or has laboured breathing needs prompt veterinary advice. Do not wait 24 hours to seek advice about complete food refusal. Stress can affect appetite, but it should not be assumed to explain signs of illness. Find a vet experienced with degus before an emergency occurs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does settling in take?
Some degus become more confident within three to seven days, while others need two weeks or longer before accepting handling. These are rough observations, not deadlines. Wait for relaxed behaviour before increasing contact.
When can they come out of the enclosure?
Allow at least a few days to settle in; three or four days is a rough starting point rather than a deadline. Readiness matters more than the date: the animals should approach voluntarily, the room must be secure and you must have a calm way to guide them back.
What should newly arrived degus eat?
Initially, keep the familiar food provided by the previous home, together with unlimited hay and water. Introduce any necessary dietary change gradually. Avoid fruit, sugary vegetables and cereal treats.
What if a degu refuses food?
Contact a vet promptly, especially if there are fewer droppings, weight loss, lethargy or breathing changes. Do not use an arbitrary 24-hour waiting period.
Sources
Bauer, C. M., et al. (2019). Stress, sleep, and sex: A review of endocrinological research in Octodon degus. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 273, 11–19. https://par.nsf.gov/servlets/purl/10108819
Thatcher, A., & Insel, N. (2024). Familiarity and social relationships in degus (Octodon degus). Ethology, 130(8), e13487. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11412554/
Ukyo, R., et al. (2023). Long-term behavioral effects of social separation during early life in a social mammal, Octodon degus. Scientific Reports, 13, 9518. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10261089/
Edwards, M. S. (2009). Nutrition and behavior of degus (Octodon degus). Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 12(2), 237–253. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19341951/
PDSA. (n.d.). Degus as pets. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/small-pets/degus-as-pets