The cage is a crucial element of your degu’s habitat. It must provide space for movement, exploration and normal social behaviour. Degus are social animals that require living together in the same cage. A compatible group needs a spacious, well-designed environment with separate resources and opportunities to retreat. There are many cage models available that are suitable for degus. Whether it’s aviaries, ferret cages, terrariums, or mixed cages, all can meet the needs of the degu as long as they are spacious enough and carefully furnished.
Size
In laboratories, cages are generally very small, with an area of only 2500 cm², for a cage measuring 50 cm x 50 cm on each side and 20 cm in height for 1 or 2 degus. Such small dimensions should not be treated as suitable pet-housing recommendations. Restricted space can compromise welfare and contribute to behavioural and health problems. As for rodents offered for sale, mainly in pet stores, the situation is even worse. Tiny cages, sometimes smaller than A 4 sheets, without light, without medical care… These living conditions, along with uncontrolled breeding, lead to numerous genetic health problems, as well as significant behavioral disorders.
The degu is a highly active animal that requires ample space in its cage to easily expend its energy. Moreover, a large space is necessary for healthy social interactions within this species, as small cages increase the risk of serious injuries from fights. A minimum size charter is proposed by an amateur forum, significantly above the more basic standards1. It offers a practical planning reference, but individual welfare and the enclosure’s layout still need to be assessed.
CARA charter
The CARA charter is a community husbandry guide for assessing cage space; it is not a legal standard or a clinically validated guarantee of welfare2. Under this charter, add the usable horizontal areas, including suitable solid levels. This combined figure must not be confused with the base footprint: many small shelves cannot replace an adequately sized continuous floor. Height, safe access, ventilation, enrichment and group compatibility also matter.
| Number of degus | Size in cm² | Size in inch² |
| 2-3 | 18 000 | 2790 |
| 4 | 22 000 | 3410 |
| 5 | 26 000 | 4030 |
| 6 | 30 000 | 4650 |
|
For each degu beyond a group of six, add: |
4000 | 620 |
Example of a degu enclosure layout
Sources
DIC Team (2013). Minimum Space Your Degus Need — CARA Chart. Degus International Community. https://forum.degus-international-community.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=70
Kubiak, M. (Ed.) (2021). Handbook of Exotic Pet Medicine. Wiley Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119389934
What are the dimensions in cm?
Hello, all the dimensions are in centimeters and inches.