Degus

[MaxMX5]

Hello!

I am thinking about getting some Degus in the near future. I have read up about them on the internet for example food,housing, etc but wondered whether anyone on here owns any and what they are really like as pets. Many Thanks

[reaper668]

I've got a pair of 2 and a half year old males and they are the daftest, most inquisitive and friendliest animals I've ever had.
They can be a bit noisy when they squabble which after running and sleeping seems to be their favourite hobby.
You really need at least 2 or 3 as they are very sociable and make sure you can spend some time with them as they really do like to play. Make sure they've got space to move and climb, a wheel for running ( maybe 1 each) and some places to hide in their cage and you can't go far wrong.

[MaxMX5]

Thanks for your advice. We were thinking on getting 3 as they like to be in pairs or groups. I saw them a while back in a pet shop and they are just fascinating to watch. I like the way they busy about and seem to be always on the go (until they crash out on top of each other in funny positions). I was thinking about getting a three level cage, do you think that would be enough room for them? Its just over a metre tall and gives a gross internal floor space of 10sq ft.

Do your males get along ok? I dont know about Degus but my mums pair of male Guinea Pigs had to be split up because they kept fighting.

[reaper668]

That's about the size of cage I have and its ok. Gives them enough room to zoom about. With regards to fights they tend to squabble for a few minutes then settle down with or on each other.
Make sure they have plenty to chew on like straw, cardboard tubes and wooden platforms. I use the tubes from inside carpets for tunnels as it gives them somewhere to hide, sleep and to chew through.

I also have a few rocks on the floor near the door as when they climb them it helps keep their claws at a manageable level. A platform outside the door to the cage is also a good idea as they like to get out and about.

[rosie11]

Make sure the cage has wood shelving or else they can end up with a condition called bumble foot which is very difficult to cure, lots of wooden stuff to chew on and do make sure you feed them the proper degu food else they can get seriously ill, absolutely no sweet stuff in the diet, lots and lots of coarse hay

[MaxMX5]

Thanks for you advice, really helpful :-) Just got to wait a month or 2 to pay off some bills and I shall get some. Really cant wait to get them!