Hay is dried grass and other forage plants. It is a staple food for many herbivorous rodents and an important part of a degu’s diet. Its fibre supports normal digestive function, while prolonged chewing contributes to the wear of the continuously growing cheek teeth. Many types and brands are available.
The degu’s diet
Degus need a species-appropriate diet to reduce the risk of nutritional and dental disorders. Offer suitable hay at all times, alongside the other components of a balanced diet. The calcium content and calcium-to-phosphorus ratio must be assessed across the whole ration, including the hay: hay consumption does affect the overall mineral balance.
This guide uses approximately 1–1.2% calcium and a Ca:P ratio around 2:1 as practical dietary targets, rather than guarantees against disease. In a retrospective study of 300 pet degus presented to one clinic, 60% had acquired dental disease; this is not a measure of all veterinary consultations or of the entire pet population.1 For further guidance, see how to feed degus.
Degus are largely folivorous, eating stems, leaves and other plant material.2 Grasses and herbs can form a substantial part of their natural diet, with figures around 60% reported in particular contexts. During the dry season, this vegetation may resemble hay in texture. Captive diets are often supplied predominantly dry.3
How to offer hay
Keep hay freely available. Degus enjoy sorting through it to choose particular strands and may also use it to line nests. Place it where it is unlikely to become soiled, and replace wet or dirty hay promptly. Do not rely on the animals to reject spoiled material: damp hay can deteriorate, especially when contaminated with urine.
Choosing hay
Even when using the SAB Degu Mix approach, hay must be included when evaluating the whole diet. It provides fibre, protein and minerals; its sugar and starch content varies with plant species, maturity, growing conditions and storage.
Choose clean, dry, palatable hay without mould or excessive dust. A varied meadow hay may contain several species, while single-species hays such as timothy are also available. A fresh smell and a reasonably green appearance can help assess quality, but neither alone guarantees nutritional suitability. Sun curing can affect vitamin D content; it does not establish that every batch supplies an adequate amount.
The following figures are the guide’s practical comparison criteria, expressed as percentages of dry matter. They are not a complete set of experimentally established nutrient requirements for every degu:
| NSC | Fiber | Protein | Lipid | Calcium | Phosphorus | Ca : P |
| ⩽ 30 % | ⩾ 25 % | 15 % to 18 % | 3 % to 7 % | 1 % to 1.2 % | 0.5 % | 1.6:1 minimum 2:1 recommended |
Hay comparison
Calcium and phosphorus values vary with soil, climate, harvest date, weather and storage. The figures below are indicative averages, rather than guaranteed values for a particular bag.456
Reading these tables: these are historical reference lists, not proof that every listed plant, plant part or commercial product is suitable for degus. Identify plants accurately and account for the part used, preparation, contamination and the individual animal. Entries with identified hazards have been moved to the avoid/verify list; that list also includes precautions where degu-specific safety is unknown. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio alone cannot establish safety or a balanced ration. Product formulations and hay analyses can vary.
| Hay | Calcium (%) | Phosphorus (%) | Ca:P ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa hay | 1.28 | 0.24 | 5.3:1 |
| Oat hay | 0.29 | 0.23 | 1.3:1 |
| Grass hay | 0.44 | 0.18 | 2.4:1 |
| Orchard grass hay | 0.4 | 0.32 | 1.25:1 |
| Barley hay | 0.21 | 0.25 | 0.8:1 |
| Wheat hay | 0.13 | 0.18 | 0.7:1 |
| Crau hay | 0.1 | 0.03 | 3.3:1 |
| Cocksfoot hay | 0.34 | 0.23 | 1.5:1 |
| Meadow fescue hay | 0.33 | 0.25 | 1.3:1 |
| Grass hay | 0.53 | 0.15 | 3.5:1 |
| Meadow hay | 0.32 | 0.13 | 2.5:1 |
| Rye hay | 0.31 | 0.18 | 1.7:1 |
| Clover hay | 1.22 | 0.22 | 5.5:1 |
| Timothy hay | 0.38 | 0.17 | 2.2:1 |
Download the original hay comparison in French (PDF).
Choosing a palatable staple
Choose hay that your degus will eat consistently and assess it as part of their overall diet. Daily consumption supports normal chewing and digestive function. Hay type can affect nutrient intake, so it should not be dismissed as nutritionally unimportant.
Sources
Jekl, V., Hauptman, K., Knotek, Z. (2011). Diseases in pet degus: a retrospective study in 300 animals. J Small Anim Pract, 52(2), 107-112. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.01028.x
Meserve, P. L., Martin, R. E. & Jaime, R. M. (1983). Feeding Ecology of Two Chilean Caviomorphs in a Central Mediterranean Savanna. Journal of Mammalogy, 64(2), 322-325. https://doi.org/10.2307/1380568
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
Ensminger, M. E., Oldfield, J. E., & Heinemann, W. W. (1990). Feeds & nutrition. 2nd ed., Ensminger Publishing Company. https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/123819/records/64735dbd2c1d629bc97d15ef
Guinea Lynx (n.d.). Hay chart. https://www.guinealynx.info/hay_chart.html
Brochart, M., Roth, C., Chagnaud, P., et al. (1962). Valeur minérale de 160 échantillons de foins récoltés au cours d’une même saison dans la région de l’Yonne-Loiret. Annales de zootechnie. https://hal.science/hal-00886780