December brings festive lights, crackling fires and the scent of hot chocolate and cinnamon. While we enjoy the celebrations, it is easy for everyday precautions to slip. A little preparation will help keep your degus safe throughout the holiday season.
When you are away
If you are away for a few days, arrange for a reliable pet sitter, neighbour or relative to visit at least daily. Leave clear instructions, your veterinarian’s details and an emergency contact. Your degus must always have suitable hay and clean water, and their appetite, behaviour and water supply need to be checked.
Guests and children
Visitors change the household routine. Introduce your degus calmly and explain when and how guests may interact with them. Supervise children closely: handling should be gentle and voluntary, and an adult must remain responsible. Frightened degus can bite hard. Agree on feeding rules so that several well-meaning visitors do not each offer extra treats.
Supervise every outing, including time in a playpen. A degu can escape quickly and chew electrical cables, decorations or the Christmas tree.
Food and treats
Keep their normal balanced diet throughout the festivities. Small amounts of familiar, suitable leafy plants can provide variety, but avoid excessive treats and unfamiliar foods. Chocolate and other unsuitable festive foods must remain out of reach.
Plants and foods to avoid feeding degus
Decorations and the home environment
Keep decorative plants, garlands, lights, trees and fireplaces beyond the animals’ reach. A secure playpen in a quiet area is often easier to supervise than a busy room. If the space cannot be made safe, keep your degus in their usual enclosure and offer suitable enrichment.
Noise and activity
Unfamiliar sounds and increased activity may make degus hide, become more vigilant or show repetitive behaviour. Introduce ordinary household sounds gradually and at a comfortable volume. Give them undisturbed rest periods and a quiet retreat; do not force them to remain near loud music or a gathering.
Behavioural problems and stereotypies in degus
Cage placement
If necessary, place the cage in a quiet, suitable room away from heavy foot traffic while guests are present. Avoid sudden temperature changes, draughts and overheating. Preserve their normal light and sleep routine, and provide daily enrichment.
Enjoy the holidays together
Degus are part of the family. Keeping their routine, safety and need for rest in mind allows everyone to enjoy the celebrations.