Degu Delight: The Lowdown on Playful Pet Degus

By Julia Brown | Published on 2022-12-17

If you're looking for a unique, playful, and social pet that can keep you on your toes, the degu might be the perfect addition to your family. These adorable critters are known for their energetic personalities and love for play, making them a delight to watch and interact with. But before you rush to bring home a degu, there are a few things you should know. In this article, we'll explore what degus are, what makes them unique, and how to care for these charming little pets. So, get ready to embrace the degu delight and discover all you need to know about these playful pets.

Degus: The Adorable Little Rodents You Need to Know About

Degus: The Adorable Little Rodents You Need to Know About Have you heard about Degus? These little furry rodents are quickly gaining popularity as a fun, energetic, and playful pet. Originally from Chile, Degus are becoming a common sight in pet stores and homes across the world. Not only are Degus cute and entertaining, but they are also incredibly social animals. They are curious, active, and intelligent creatures, always up for some playtime or interaction with their owners. With their playful personalities and endless energy, Degus make for the perfect addition to any animal-loving home. But what really sets Degus apart from other popular pet rodents like hamsters and guinea pigs is their unique traits. Degus have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years and can be incredibly interactive and responsive to their owner's commands. Some Degus may even learn to recognize their owners' voices and come when called! Additionally, Degus have a keen sense of smell and can be quite vocal, communicating with chirps, barks, and other distinctive sounds. With all these fantastic qualities, it's no wonder Degus are quickly becoming a favorite among animal lovers.

Understanding the Social Nature of Degus

Degus are highly social animals who thrive in pairs or small groups. They have a complex social hierarchy that involves a lot of grooming, playing, and communication. In the wild, they are found living in large communities where they forage for food, dig extensive underground burrows, and protect one another from predators. When kept as pets, degus should always be housed in pairs or groups, preferably with siblings, as they need constant companionship and social interaction to stay healthy and happy. Without a companion, a degu can become depressed and may even develop health problems or behavioral issues. Even with human interaction, it is difficult to replicate the level of socialization that degus enjoy in the wild or with other members of their species. Degus are intelligent and curious animals who love to explore, play, and interact with their environment and their human companions. They need plenty of opportunities to engage in physical and mental activity, such as climbing, running, chewing, and digging. Enrichment toys, puzzle feeders, and exercise wheels are great ways to keep your degus entertained and active, and provide them with plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise.

The Unique Nutritional Needs of Degus

Degus, being herbivores, have unique nutritional requirements. Providing them with a balanced, species-specific diet is essential for their health and wellbeing. They require a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Moreover, they should not be fed any food items that contain sugar, grains or starch, as these could lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. One of the main components of a degu's diet should be grass hay, which provides them with the necessary fiber, helps wear down their continuously growing teeth and aids in digestion. Fresh vegetables and fruits should also form a significant part of their diet, providing them with essential vitamins and minerals. However, some veggies like kale, cabbage, or broccoli can cause gas, so it's best to introduce them gradually into their diet. High-quality pellets should also be given to degus, as they provide additional nutrition and are an easy way to ensure that they receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals. With the appropriate diet, degus will stay healthy, active, and full of life.

Housing Your Degus: Tips and Tricks

Now that you have a good understanding of your Degus' basic needs, it's time to think about their housing. A cage that is large enough for your Degus is essential. It should have plenty of space for running around and playing, as well as multiple hides to give them privacy when they need it. Avoid cages with wire flooring, as it can cause foot injuries to your Degus. Opt for a solid floor that can be easily cleaned instead. Degus are active animals that are known for their love of burrowing. For this reason, a multi-level cage with plenty of tunnels and hiding spots will keep your pets entertained and happy. You can make your own tunnels out of cardboard or purchase plastic tunnels that can easily fit on the bottom of the cage. Adding small wooden structures like ladders or branches can also help with crawling and hopping. It's important to keep in mind that Degus are social creatures and should never be kept alone, so make sure to house them in pairs or small groups.

Playtime! Fun Activities for Your Degus

Now that you know how to properly take care of your Degus, let's talk about playtime! Degus are highly active animals that love to play and explore, so it's important to provide them with enough opportunities for exercise and entertainment. Here are some fun and safe activities you can do with your Degus: First, consider providing your Degus with plenty of toys and things to chew on. Degus love to gnaw on things, and providing them with a variety of toys can prevent them from getting bored or destructive. Wooden toys, cardboard boxes, and hay balls are all great options. You can also hide treats or food inside these toys to provide a fun and stimulating activity for your Degus. Another great way to provide your Degus with exercise and playtime is by creating an obstacle course for them. You can use small cardboard boxes, tunnels, and other toys to create a series of challenges for your Degus to navigate through. This will not only provide them with physical exercise, but also mental stimulation and entertainment. Finally, consider taking your Degus out of their cages for some supervised playtime outside of their habitat. You can create a safe playpen for them to explore, or simply let them run around in a secure, enclosed area. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them, as Degus are curious creatures and can be prone to getting into trouble. Overall, providing your Degus with plenty of opportunities for play and exercise is essential for their health and happiness. With a little creativity and effort, you can provide your Degus with a fun and engaging environment that they will love to explore.

Health Concerns to Watch Out for in Degus

As much as we love our pets and provide them with the best care possible, they are still susceptible to certain health issues. Degus are no exception to this, and it is important for owners to be aware of the potential health concerns to keep their furry friends healthy and happy. One of the most common health problems for degus is dental issues. Degus have continuously growing teeth, and if not worn down properly, it can cause dental overgrowth, which can lead to tooth abscesses and difficulty eating. Providing your degu with chew toys that promote gnawing and chewing can help keep their teeth in check. Additionally, degus can be prone to respiratory infections. Symptoms of respiratory infections include sneezing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible as respiratory infections can quickly become serious if left untreated. Overall, by staying vigilant and being knowledgeable about potential health concerns, you can ensure your degu lives a long and healthy life.

Bonding with Your Degus: Tips for Strengthening Your Relationship

Bonding with your degus is essential to create a strong relationship between you and your little buddies. Even though they are social animals, it can take some time for them to get used to you and trust you. Therefore, it's important to bond with them regularly to build trust and form a lasting relationship. One of the most effective ways to bond with your degus is through spending quality time with them. Offer them healthy treats, talk to them, and engage in playtime activities like running an obstacle course or playing with toys. Interact with them daily to get them accustomed to your presence and develop a bond over time. Another great way to bond with your degus is through grooming. These little rodents love to be groomed and a good grooming session can do wonders for their health and happiness. Brush their fur regularly and give them baths once in a while to bond and maintain good hygiene. By establishing a regular grooming routine, you'll strengthen your bond with your degus and ensure they look and feel their best.

Simple Tricks for Training Your Degus.

Section 8: Simple Tricks for Training Your Degus Degus are intelligent animals and can be trained to perform simple tricks with patience and persistence. The first step is to establish a trust-based relationship with your degus. Offer them their favorite treats and spend time with them regularly to build a bond. Once they are comfortable with you, you can start training them using positive reinforcement techniques. One of the simplest tricks you can teach your degus is how to come to you when called. Use a distinct sound or word every time you offer them a treat, and eventually, they will associate that sound or word with food. You can then use this sound or word to call them to you. Start by calling them from a short distance and gradually increase the distance. Make sure to reward them with a treat every time they come to you. With practice, your degus will come running to you whenever they hear the sound or word. Another trick you can teach your degus is how to run through a tunnel. Degus love to explore tunnels and tubes, and you can use this natural behavior to your advantage. Start by placing a small cardboard tube in their enclosure and encourage them to explore it. Once they are comfortable with the tube, you can place it on a slightly elevated surface such as a step or a book, and encourage them to run through it to reach a treat. With practice, you can increase the height and length of the tube, and your degus will learn to run through it like pros.

Conclusion

In conclusion, owning a Degu as a pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both individuals and families. These playful and social creatures offer years of enjoyment, bonding, and endless entertainment. With their unique quirks and personality traits, Degus can quickly become your best furry friends. Remember to provide a proper diet, environment, and social interaction for your Degu for optimal health and happiness. With love and care, your Degu can offer you a lifetime of love and joy.