Degu's

Food and drink

What should I include in my degu's menu?

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Degus need a diet that is rich in fibre.

deguDegus are naturally found in dry areas where nutritious food is scarce. Their digestive system is adapted to this, so it's important for degus to be provided with food composed especially for them, particularly because they eat almost anything put in front of them, even if it's not good for them.

As a basic diet, give them a dry food for degus and unlimited hay. They should also be provided with some dried vegetables now and then. It is best not to give them any fruit or sugary products, as degus are susceptible to developing diabetes. Although they don't drink a lot, of course they should be provided with fresh drinking water every day. 

Important information

Five useful tips!

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What should I definitely bear in mind when thinking about buying degus?

  1. degu Make sure your degu's cage is not in a draught or a damp place.
  2. In contrast to chinchillas, degus are active during the day.
  3. Degus are very curious pets that like to explore things.
  4. As degus like to climb, it's important that they have the opportunity to do this in their home.
  5. Degus are group animals that are best kept in pairs.

Degus need a diet that is rich in fibre.

deguDegus are naturally found in dry areas where nutritious food is scarce. Their digestive system is adapted to this, so it's important for degus to be provided with food composed especially for them, particularly because they eat almost anything put in front of them, even if it's not good for them.

As a basic diet, give them a dry food for degus and unlimited hay. They should also be provided with some dried vegetables now and then. It is best not to give them any fruit or sugary products, as degus are susceptible to developing diabetes. Although they don't drink a lot, of course they should be provided with fresh drinking water every day. 

What should I definitely bear in mind when thinking about buying degus?

  1. degu Make sure your degu's cage is not in a draught or a damp place.
  2. In contrast to chinchillas, degus are active during the day.
  3. Degus are very curious pets that like to explore things.
  4. As degus like to climb, it's important that they have the opportunity to do this in their home.
  5. Degus are group animals that are best kept in pairs.

Fun facts!

Five facts about degus

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Did you know... Five fun and important facts about degus!

  1. Degus are related to the guinea pig and chinchilla and come from Peru and Chile.

  2. Degus kept in captivity are a little smaller than their ancestors.

  3. Degus can live to be eight years old.

  4. Willow twigs are a healthy way to meet your degu's gnawing needs.

  5. Wild degus sleep in dens or burrows. 

Housing

Tips for a comfortable home!

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How do I make my degus as comfortable as possible?

deguDegus prefer a large cage in which they can climb. As they like to destroy things, it is important that their cage is not made from wood or plastic, as they can gnaw through this. For two degus, the cage should be at least 70 x 50 x 70 cm, although the larger the better.

Make sure that they can climb and hide. They also like to take a sand bath in chinchilla sand. Hemp fibre or beech chips are the best choice to cover the floor. 

Did you know... Five fun and important facts about degus!

  1. Degus are related to the guinea pig and chinchilla and come from Peru and Chile.

  2. Degus kept in captivity are a little smaller than their ancestors.

  3. Degus can live to be eight years old.

  4. Willow twigs are a healthy way to meet your degu's gnawing needs.

  5. Wild degus sleep in dens or burrows. 

How do I make my degus as comfortable as possible?

deguDegus prefer a large cage in which they can climb. As they like to destroy things, it is important that their cage is not made from wood or plastic, as they can gnaw through this. For two degus, the cage should be at least 70 x 50 x 70 cm, although the larger the better.

Make sure that they can climb and hide. They also like to take a sand bath in chinchilla sand. Hemp fibre or beech chips are the best choice to cover the floor. 

For the professionals!

Ambition to breed?

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Are you already familiar with breeding degus? 

degu baby

When you consciously decide to breed, always make sure you have plenty of new homes for the young. Although they can become sexually mature at as young as three months, it is better to wait until a female degu is around six months old before she is bred.

They have a gestation period of around three months, after which three to ten young are born. They are born with their full coats and can walk, hear and see straight away. If the mother is provided with plenty of food, she will usually raise her young without any problems. At the age of around two months, the young can be separated from their mother. 

Rewards & treats

I like a snack sometimes too!

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A snack won't do any harm, but always use moderation!

Everyone likes to treat their pet sometimes but for pets that live in a restricted space, it's important not to just constantly provide snacks. Witte Molen's snacks for rodents are formulated with care. Do not give them gnawing sticks or dried fruit. These contain too many sugars for degus. 

Products for degus

Food, bedding and sticks!

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Are you already familiar with breeding degus? 

degu baby

When you consciously decide to breed, always make sure you have plenty of new homes for the young. Although they can become sexually mature at as young as three months, it is better to wait until a female degu is around six months old before she is bred.

They have a gestation period of around three months, after which three to ten young are born. They are born with their full coats and can walk, hear and see straight away. If the mother is provided with plenty of food, she will usually raise her young without any problems. At the age of around two months, the young can be separated from their mother. 

A snack won't do any harm, but always use moderation!

Everyone likes to treat their pet sometimes but for pets that live in a restricted space, it's important not to just constantly provide snacks. Witte Molen's snacks for rodents are formulated with care. Do not give them gnawing sticks or dried fruit. These contain too many sugars for degus. 

Frequently asked questions

Can my degu eat rat feed?

Degus are not from the same family as rats: they’re actually closer to chinchillas and guinea pigs. They need to have continual access to hay. In addition, feed them specific degu or chinchilla feed as it contains plenty of fibre and few carbohydrates, sugars and fats.

What snacks can my degu eat?

Degus are very susceptible to diabetes and can quickly become fat, so they can’t eat sugar-rich or fatty food. Suitable snacks for degus include hay (which is also very good for them!) dried vegetables, herbs or chew sticks. Witte Molen PUUR has the perfect range of tasty and suitable snacks.

Can my degu eat hay?

Just like rabbits and guinea pigs, degus need unlimited access to good quality hay to help them keep their teeth healthy and their digestion regular..