Dominance is often imagined as a permanent position held by an “alpha” that controls every other member of a group. Animal societies are more varied… Read More »Dominance and social relationships in degus
Persistent bar chewing is a familiar concern for degu owners. It can be noisy and may damage the animal’s teeth, but the aim should be… Read More »Why does my degu chew the cage bars?
Moving home can be stressful for territorial animals such as degus. Preparing the journey and the new enclosure in advance can reduce disruption and help… Read More »Moving home with degus
Planning a holiday also means arranging reliable care for your degus. Several options are available; choose according to the animals’ health, temperament and daily needs,… Read More »Holiday care for degus
A secure indoor playpen gives degus additional opportunities to exercise, explore and investigate new activities. Wild degus move over much greater distances than a cage… Read More »Using an indoor playpen for degus
After a project that required substantial equipment, here is an activity that needs very little. Sound and music have been explored as environmental enrichment for… Read More »Enrichment 4: A little music
Readers who own a 3D printer or have access to a makerspace may enjoy this project. Octodons.fr found a design originally created for rats by… Read More »Enrichment 3: A 3D-printed puzzle feeder
This activity brings a little of the woodland indoors while giving your degus somewhere to dig and explore new smells. Time: 10 minutesDifficulty: 1/5 Materials… Read More »Enrichment 6: A woodland digging bowl
A small bouquet is a simple way to offer your degus a little greenery. This easy enrichment activity can be adapted in many different ways.… Read More »Enrichment 5: A surprise bouquet
This second activity takes very little effort and gives your degus a different view of their surroundings. Degus have well-developed sight and hearing, but their… Read More »Enrichment 2: A change of scenery
