Degu
A smart, social small pet that thrives in pairs or groups. Degus fit owners who want an interactive rodent and can provide a large enclosure, enrichment, and a strict low-sugar diet.
size
Small
energy
High
handling
Often (with trust)
setupComplexity
High
lifespan
6 to 8 years
diet
High-fiber, low-sugar
space
Large multi-level enclosure
messLevel
Medium to High
aloneTimeTolerance
Low (needs companions)
noise
Medium (chatter and activity)
Best for
- People who want a highly social, interactive small pet
- Homes that can keep two or more degus
- Owners who enjoy enrichment and training
- People willing to manage a strict low-sugar diet
Not ideal for
- Owners who want a solitary pet
- People who cannot provide a large enclosure
- Homes with very inconsistent routines
- Anyone unwilling to manage diet carefully
Temperament
- Curious and social
- Often enjoys interaction with trusted humans
- Needs enrichment to avoid boredom behaviors
Daily routine
feeding: Hay plus degu-safe diet, avoid sugary treats.
interaction: Daily handling and play in a safe area.
cleaning: Spot-clean daily and deep clean regularly.
Living fit
apartment: Possible if you can handle enclosure size and activity noise.
family: Good with older kids and gentle supervision.
firstTimeOwner: Better for motivated learners due to diet and setup needs.
Health notes
- Sugar can cause serious health issues. Diet matters a lot.
- Needs lots of chewing options for dental health.
- Exotics vet care is recommended.
Cost and time
time: Moderate to high due to enrichment and cleaning.
cost: Moderate to high upfront for a durable enclosure.
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