About degus
What is the lifespan of a degu?
The octodon degus lives on average 2 years in the wild and about 5 years in captivity. Some individuals can reach 10 years!
For more information: https://www.worldofdegus.com/octodon-degus-in-the-wild/​
Are degus diurnal or nocturnal?
Degu octodons are diurnal with a crepuscular tendency, meaning they are more active in the morning and evening.​
For more information: https://www.worldofdegus.com/octodon-degus-morphology/​
What is the natural habitat of the degu?
The degu lives in burrows in Chile, in a semi-arid climate. It is a burrowing animal that can dig up to 2 meters deep.​
For more information: https://www.worldofdegus.com/octodon-degus-in-the-wild/
Are degus social animals?
Yes, in the wild, they live in groups of 4 to 6 individuals, grouped in colonies. In captivity, it is recommended to keep them at least in pairs or threes and not exceed 6 degus together.​
For more information: https://www.worldofdegus.com/degus-behavior/
Are degus suitable for beginners?
Yes and no, it depends on the commitment of the future owners. Like any animal, it is advisable to research from reliable sources and think carefully before adopting.
Are degus noisy?
Yes! In addition to the dozen or so vocalizations they use regularly, they can be noisy daily because they gnaw and use the wheel a lot. It is not recommended to keep them in a bedroom.​
At what age does a degu reach puberty?
Around 2 months in captivity, but between 6 and 8 months in the wild. However, it will not be fully adult until after its first year.
For more information: https://www.worldofdegus.com/the-reproduction-of-octodon-degus/
Can degus see colors?
The degu has a very particular color vision; it only sees green and ultraviolet.​
Are degus escape artists?
Yes, they can jump very high, gnaw a lot, and are very fast. Always supervise them outdoors!
Are degus legal everywhere?
No, they are legal in France but considered wild animals, while some countries like Canada, the United States, or the Netherlands regulate this species.​
For more information: https://www.worldofdegus.com/french-european-and-canadian-legislation-on-degus/
Feeding
What food should I give my degu?
The degu is a strict herbivore! It needs a diet rich in fiber and containing at least 1% calcium. Its food must be low in sugar. Some pellets, dried plants, hay, and fresh water available at all times are necessary for its health.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/sab-degu-mix-healthy-food-for-degus/
Can degus eat fruits?
No, anything rich in glucose (sugar) should be avoided, as degus are prone to developing diabetes.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/can-degu-eat-fruits-vegetables/
How often should I feed my degu?
Every day, with a few pellets and some dried flowers or plants. Hay and water should be available at all times.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/sab-degu-mix-healthy-food-for-degus/
Can degus eat vegetables?
Not really—only leafy vegetables such as spinach or Swiss chard are suitable. Sugar intake must remain minimal.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/can-degu-eat-fruits-vegetables/
Do degus need hay?
Yes, they must have hay available at all times for their fiber needs and to keep their teeth worn down naturally.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/how-to-limit-overgrowth-of-teeth-in-a-degu-with-malocclusion/
Can degus eat carrots?
No, carrots are too rich in sugar.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/can-degu-eat-fruits-vegetables/
Can degus eat seeds?
Yes, in small amounts—but no cereals. Some specialized mixes like the SAB Degu Mix include seeds in balanced quantities.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/sab-degu-mix-healthy-food-for-degus/
Can degus eat apples?
No, apples are too sweet, and fruits in general should be avoided.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/can-degu-eat-fruits-vegetables/
Do degus eat dandelions?
Yes, dandelions are very healthy for them—and even the roots are edible!
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/which-plants-are-safe-for-degus/ (if ever added — placeholder; current sitemap doesn’t list a specific edible plants page, so the closest would be food mix or prohibited plants)
Which fruits are toxic for degus?
Citrus fruits, avocado, and in general all fruits should be avoided.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/prohibited-plants-and-foods-for-the-degu/
Behavior
Can a degu live alone?
Yes and no—it depends on the situation. If an elderly degu loses its companion, it may remain alone. Some territorial males also have difficulties living with others. However, degus are social animals that need to communicate with their own kind.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/lonely-degus/
How to introduce a new degu?
Introducing a new degu can be tricky, and following every introduction step is essential to avoid fights.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/guide-introduce-degus/
Are degus suitable for children?
Not really—they can bite very hard. It’s best to always supervise interactions between children and animals. Children can help feed them, but adults should be responsible for their care and well-being.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/degus-behavior/
How to tame a degu?
With patience and treats! Degus are curious animals that will approach you once they trust you.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/degus-behavior/
How to handle a degu safely?
Never grab it, especially not by the tail—it can shed it as a defense mechanism. Degus also bite hard when stressed. The best way is to cup your hands gently from below and let the degu come to you voluntarily.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/catching-handling-degus/
How to keep a degu busy?
By offering food- and habitat-based enrichment activities to stimulate curiosity and natural behaviors.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/enrichment-guide-degus/
Can I let my degu out of its cage?
Yes, but always under supervision. Degus can chew electric cables, furniture, or run off and hide in your home.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/how-to-take-your-degus-outside/
Do degus play together?
Yes, especially when they’re young. Play helps them learn the species’ social behaviors and establish hierarchy.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/degus-behavior/
What should I do if my degu bites?
First, disinfect the wound immediately and contact a doctor. Bite wounds are painful and can become infected. They may also affect tendons, so caution is needed.
How to deal with an aggressive degu?
Avoid grabbing or forcing contact. Always let it retreat freely, and work on taming it slowly with patience and gentle interaction. Treats can help strengthen trust.
Health
How can I tell if my degu is sick?
A sick degu may become lethargic and/or lose weight. It’s important to weigh them weekly to monitor any changes.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/disease-pathologie-octodon-degus/
Do degus need regular checkups with a vet?
Not necessarily—only if they have chronic conditions such as diabetes or dental problems.
Why do degus get diabetes?
Degus struggle to regulate insulin effectively. If they eat too many sugary foods, glucose levels remain high, which can lead to diabetes and cataracts.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/diabetes-cataract-degus/
What are the signs of diabetes in degus?
Excessive thirst, cataracts, and weight loss are typical signs. Only a veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis after appropriate tests.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/diabetes-cataract-degus/
How can dental problems be prevented in degus?
Degus need at least 1% calcium in their diet and must chew constantly—on hay, dried plants, or safe wooden items—to keep their incisors, premolars, and molars worn down. Like all rodents, their teeth grow continuously.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/dental-disease-and-malocclusion-in-octodon-degus/
Why is my degu losing its fur?
Degus typically shed twice per year. The process can appear more or less intense depending on their coat color. However, if bald patches appear, it might be due to stress, boredom, over-grooming, or parasites.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/alopecia-and-fur-loss-in-degus/
Do degus suffer from respiratory problems?
Rarely. Most respiratory issues stem from dental problems, as overgrown teeth can sometimes pierce the nasal cavity. If your degu shows breathing issues, a dental X-ray is recommended.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/respiratory-diseases-in-degus/
Why is my degu drinking a lot?
It could be due to high temperature or diabetes, as degus generally drink very little under normal conditions.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/diabetes-cataract-degus/
Do degus need their teeth filed?
No, not unless they suffer from a chronic dental condition. Hay and chewable materials are usually enough if their diet is balanced.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/how-to-limit-overgrowth-of-teeth-in-a-degu-with-malocclusion/
How to treat mites in degus?
Certain antiparasitic products designed for kittens are safe for use in degus. Always ask your veterinarian for guidance before applying any treatment.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/digestive-disorders-bloating-degus/
Reproduction
Should I breed my degus?
No, breeding degus is regulated in Europe and discouraged for private owners. Given the number of degus already available for adoption, it’s better to avoid breeding them.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/the-reproduction-of-octodon-degus/
Do female degus get pregnant easily?
Yes, they can have up to four litters per year, with as many as ten pups per litter! That’s why it’s best to separate males from females or opt for neutering.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/the-reproduction-of-octodon-degus/
How can I tell if my female degu is pregnant?
Pregnancy lasts about three months. By weighing your female weekly, you’ll quickly notice steady weight gain, which is a strong sign of pregnancy.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/the-reproduction-of-octodon-degus/
How many babies are in a degu litter?
On average, there are four to six pups per litter, but a female can have up to ten.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/the-reproduction-of-octodon-degus/
At what age should baby degus be separated?
Young males should be separated at around two months of age. They can stay with their father, while the female pups may remain with the mother.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/the-reproduction-of-octodon-degus/
When should I separate the male from the female?
Immediately after birth—the female has up to a 50% chance of becoming pregnant again right away, which is dangerous for both her and the newborns.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/the-reproduction-of-octodon-degus/
How can I tell the sex of a degu?
Males have a larger gap between the urinary cone and the anus, while females have visible vaginal lips.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/how-to-differentiate-the-sex-of-the-male-or-female-degus/
Miscellaneous
Which vet should I choose for a degu?
You should always consult a vet specialized in exotic pets (NACs) to take proper care of your degu.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/digestive-disorders-bloating-degus/
Can a degu be potty trained?
No, degus can’t control their droppings like some other pets. However, some may naturally choose a few preferred spots for urinating.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/degus-behavior/
Do degus recognize their owners?
Yes, they do! Degus can recognize individual humans, even within a household with multiple caregivers.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/degus-behavior/
How much water does a degu drink?
Up to 20 ml per day, though some may drink less. In the wild, degus can survive for nearly ten days without drinking, thanks to their desert adaptation.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/bottle-or-water-bowl-for-the-degus/
Why do degus eat their droppings?
Although not caecotrophic like rabbits, degus are coprophagic. They eat their droppings to absorb additional nutrients and rebalance their gut flora.
What is tail loss in degus?
Degus can lose their tail as a defense mechanism, similar to lizards—but it doesn’t grow back. This helps them escape predators. If it happens, consult a veterinarian right away, and never grab a degu by the tail!
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/false-caudal-autotomy-or-tail-loss-fur-slip-in-degus-broken-dropped-tail/
How can I weigh my degu?
Place your degu inside a small transport box, weigh both the box and the empty container, then subtract to get your degu’s weight.
How can I travel with degus?
Be very cautious about heat during travel, and always use a sturdy transport cage. Make regular stops to provide water via a bottle. Unless it’s an emergency, never open the carrier during the trip.
Learn more: https://www.worldofdegus.com/how-to-take-your-degus-outside/