Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Common Degu as Pets
The Adorable and Unique Degu: The Perfect Small Pet for Animal Lovers
When it comes to small pets, there are many options to choose from, but have you ever considered owning a degu? These cute and curious creatures are social and make great companions. In this article, we’ll explore what makes degus unique as pets, their specific needs and personalities, and tips for keeping them healthy and happy.
A Little Overview of Degus as Pets
Degus are small mammals native to South America. They are related to chinchillas and guinea pigs, but have their own distinct traits that make them stand out among other small animals. In fact, they’re becoming more popular as pets in the United States due to their intelligence, sociability, and energy.
As social animals, it’s recommended that you own at least two degus so they can keep each other company. While they might not be as cuddly as some other pets like dogs or cats, they’re still affectionate towards their owners in their own way.
My Personal Experience with Owning Degus
I’ve been a proud owner of two degus for over a year now – Luna and Samba. When I first brought them home from the pet store, I was surprised by how active they were in their cage! They quickly adapted to my home environment within just a few days.
When it comes to handling degus, you’ll need patience; however slowly but surely you will build trust with your little friends. While Luna is more outgoing than Samba who is more reserved with strangers (me included!), both of them enjoy running around my living room during supervised playtime outside of their cage.
Their unique chirping sounds always brews smiles on my face and I can’t imagine life without them! Now that we’ve covered the basics of what degus are and my personal experience with them, let’s dive into what makes them so special as pets.
Characteristics of Degus
Physical Appearance
Degus are small, adorable rodents that resemble chinchillas or guinea pigs. They typically grow to be about 7-10 inches long and weigh between 6-12 ounces. Degus have short, dense fur that is usually brown-gray in color.
They also have big, round eyes that are a dark color and large ears that they can move around independently. One interesting physical characteristic of degus is their long tail, which can grow up to 6 inches in length.
The tail serves as a balancing tool for the degu and helps them navigate their environment with ease. Another unique aspect of degu appearance is their four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot, which makes it easy for them to climb and grip surfaces.
Behavior
Degus are social animals who thrive in groups. In the wild, they form close-knit family units and communicate through a variety of vocalizations such as barks, chirps, and whistles. As pets, degus love human interaction but also need other degu companionship to live happy lives.
One interesting behavior trait of degus is their love for digging tunnels and burrowing into bedding. This natural instinct can be encouraged by providing your pet with plenty of opportunities to dig around in its living environment.
Another endearing behavior trait is their love for playtime! Degus are naturally curious creatures who enjoy exploring new things – whether it’s toys or treats – so providing your pet with engaging activities will help keep them mentally stimulated.
Unique Traits That Make Them Great Pets
One unique characteristic that sets Degus apart from other small pets like hamsters or mice is their intelligence. Degus are incredibly clever animals who can learn tricks like jumping over obstacles or responding to specific commands.
Another benefit of owning a degu as a pet is its relatively long lifespan. With proper care, degus can live up to 8 years, which gives owners plenty of time to form close bonds with their furry friends.
Degus are low-maintenance pets that don’t require a lot of attention. While they do need daily interaction and care, they are generally an easy animals to take care of and make great pets for individuals or families who don’t have a lot of free time or have limited space in their homes.
Degus are fascinating animals with many unique characteristics that make them great pets. From their adorable appearance and intelligent behavior to their love for playtime and low-maintenance needs, there is no doubt that degus make wonderful furry companions.
Ideal Living Conditions for Degus
Degu are small animals that require specific living conditions to stay healthy and happy. When setting up a home for your degus, there are some essential things you need to keep in mind.
Firstly, you should make sure the cage is large enough to accommodate your pets comfortably. A single degu requires at least 24 X 12 inches of floor space, but it’s always best to get a larger cage if possible.
It’s also crucial that the cage has plenty of vertical space as Degus love to climb. We recommend getting a multi-level cage with ramps, shelves, and ladders.
Your pets will have more fun exploring their environment this way. Another consideration is providing access to natural light.
Degus are diurnal animals and require exposure to light during the day for proper health and well-being. If it’s not possible to locate your pet’s cage near a window or in a well-lit room, we recommend using UV lighting.
Types of Cages
When choosing a cage for your degus, there are different options available depending on your budget and preferences. One popular option is wire cages with plastic floors and ramps – these provide excellent ventilation and allow you to easily see your pets while they’re inside. Another option is glass aquariums which can be customized with ramps, shelves, and toys – these can also be used as terrariums if you decide on changing pets later on.
However, keep in mind that glass enclosures require additional care when cleaning as it’s not easy to clean compared to wire cages. Plastic modular cages can also be used for housing degu – these cages tend not only to provide adequate ventilation but they have solid flooring which makes them easier to clean than most other types of enclosures.
Bedding Options
Being burrowing animals by nature means that degus need a soft, absorbent bedding material. Avoid pine and cedar shavings as these can be harmful to your pet’s respiratory system.
Some good options include aspen shavings, paper pellets, or fleece liners. It’s important to choose bedding that’s easy to clean and replaceable – this will make it easier for you to maintain hygiene in your pet’s living space.
Also, ensure that the bedding is at least 2 inches deep so that your degus can burrow and hide in it comfortably. Setting up an ideal environment for degus requires thoughtful consideration of multiple factors such as cage size, vertical space available, quality of lighting, and ventilation.
You should also pay attention to the material and depth of the bedding used. By ensuring all these factors are taken care of while setting up your pets’ cage, you’ll provide them with a home where they can thrive!
The Importance of a Proper Diet for Your Degu
Degus are herbivores, which means their diet should consist mainly of fruits and vegetables. However, it’s important for degus to have a balanced diet that provides them with all the necessary nutrients they need to stay healthy. A diet lacking in certain nutrients can lead to serious health issues in your pet.
Specific Dietary Needs of Degus
One thing that sets Degus apart from other small pets is their unique dietary needs. They require a diet high in fiber and low in fat and sugar.
They also need a good source of protein, which can be obtained through hay or timothy grass. Degus are prone to developing dental issues, so providing them with foods that require a lot of chewing is crucial for maintaining good dental health.
It’s essential for degus to consume enough Vitamin C as they cannot produce it on their own. Feeding them fresh fruits like apples and kiwis will provide them with the necessary amount of Vitamin C.
Recommended Food Options
A good base food for your degu is pelleted food specifically formulated for their dietary needs. You can supplement this with fresh fruits and vegetables such as kale, broccoli, blueberries, and carrots.
Avoid feeding your degu high-fat or sugary treats such as seeds or nuts as these can have negative effects on their health. Hay should also be available at all times as it helps aid digestion and contains the necessary fiber needed by your pet’s digestive system.
Feeding Schedule
Degus should be fed twice daily – once in the morning and once in the evening – but make sure not to overfeed them! Their portion sizes should be monitored carefully since they are prone to obesity if given too much food.
It’s important to note that any changes made to your pet’s diet should be done slowly over time. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive problems and stress for your degu.
Conclusion
Degus require a specific diet and nutrition plan to ensure they maintain good health. Feeding them a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, hay, and pelleted food is the best way to provide them with the nutrients they need.
Remember to monitor their food portions carefully and avoid any high-fat or sugary treats to keep your pet healthy. A well-balanced diet combined with regular exercise will help ensure your degu maintains a happy and healthy life.
Health Concerns
As with any pet, it’s important to understand the potential health issues that degus can face. While degus are generally hardy and healthy animals, there are a few conditions that you should keep an eye out for.
Common Health Issues in Degus
One of the most common health concerns for degus is dental problems. Degus have constantly growing teeth, so they need to chew on things regularly to keep their teeth from overgrowing. If their teeth become too long, it can cause pain and difficulty eating.
Signs of dental problems include drooling or refusing to eat. Another common health issue in degus is skin irritation or infections.
Degus have sensitive skin and can be prone to fungal infections or mites if their living environment is not clean enough. Symptoms may include itching, redness and hair loss in some areas.
Respiratory infections can also occur in degus when their living environment is not properly ventilated or there is excess moisture in the air. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing or wheezing.
Preventative Measures to Keep Your Pet Healthy
To prevent these health concerns from arising, there are several preventative measures you can take as a responsible pet owner. First and foremost, ensure that your degu has a proper diet that meets all of its nutritional needs. This will help keep its immune system strong and prevent diseases from taking hold.
Regularly cleaning your pet’s cage is also crucial for maintaining good hygiene levels and preventing skin irritation or respiratory infections from developing. Providing plenty of chew toys will help your degu maintain healthy teeth by promoting regular chewing activity and preventing overgrowth.
If you suspect your pet may be suffering from a health issue like dental problems or respiratory infection it’s important to bring them to an experienced veterinarian right away before more serious complications arise. By taking these preventative measures, you can ensure that your pet degu remains healthy, happy, and full of life for years to come.
Training and Socialization
Tips for Training Your Degu
Degus are very intelligent animals and can easily be trained with positive reinforcement. One effective method is clicker training, where a clicker sound is paired with a treat to signal to your degu that they have done something right.
This can be used to teach tricks such as coming when called or even jumping through hoops. It’s important to start training your degu early on in their life, as they are more receptive to learning during their younger years.
Additionally, keep training sessions short and consistent, no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. This will help prevent your pet from becoming overwhelmed or bored.
When teaching new behaviors, break them down into smaller steps and reward your degu for each successful completion. Eventually, you can start combining these behaviors into more complex tricks.
Importance of Socialization with Other Degus or Humans
Degus are social animals and thrive in groups of two or more. Socializing your pet with other degus is important for their mental health and overall well-being. However, it’s important that you introduce new degus slowly and carefully, allowing them time to get used to each other’s scents before any physical contact is made.
If you only have one degu, it’s important that you spend plenty of time interacting with them each day so they don’t become lonely or bored. You can engage in interactive playtime by providing toys or tunnels for them to explore.
Socializing your degu with humans is also important for their development. Daily handling helps build trust between you and your pet while also preventing aggressiveness towards humans later on in life.
Overall, training and socialization are crucial aspects of owning a happy and healthy degu as a pet. With patience and positive reinforcement techniques, you can train your furry friend to perform tricks and enjoy a fulfilling life with their fellow degus or human family.
Fun Facts about Degus
Degus are social animals
One fun fact about degus is that they are extremely social animals. In the wild, they live in large groups and have complex social relationships with each other. When kept as pets, degus need to be kept in pairs or groups to prevent loneliness and depression.
They will often groom each other, cuddle together for warmth and comfort, and play games like chase. It’s important to provide plenty of climbing structures, hiding places, and toys for them to interact with each other.
Degu teeth never stop growing
Another interesting fact about degus is that their teeth never stop growing! This means they need a constant supply of things to chew on to keep their teeth at a healthy length.
Degu owners should provide plenty of chew toys made from safe materials like wood or mineral chews. Additionally, providing hay as a food source can also help keep their teeth in check.
Degus have incredibly strong hind legs
Degus have incredibly strong hind legs that allow them to jump up to three times their body length! This makes them great climbers and escapes artists if not provided with adequate containment.
They can easily jump out of open cages or off high surfaces if not supervised properly. Providing a secure enclosure is crucial for keeping your pet safe.
Degu urine changes color based on diet
Believe it or not, the color of a degu’s urine can change depending on its diet! A high calcium diet can cause the urine to turn pinkish-red while carrots or beets can turn it orange-ish red. While this may seem concerning at first sight, it does not necessarily indicate any health problems.
Degus communicate through sound and scent marking
Degus communicate through a variety of sounds and scent marking. They use a range of vocalizations to signal different emotions like happiness or fear. Additionally, they mark their territory with urine and feces, as well as rubbing their scent glands on objects in the cage.
This behavior is important for maintaining social hierarchies within a group. Understanding degu communication can help pet owners better understand their needs and be able to respond appropriately.
Unique Characteristics that make degus stand out among other pets
Degus are diurnal animals
One thing that sets degus apart from many other small pets is that they are diurnal animals, meaning they are most active during the day. This makes them great companions for people who have daytime schedules or routines.
Degus have long lifespans for small rodents
Degus can live up to 8 years in captivity, which is quite long for a small rodent! This means that owning a degu comes with a significant time commitment and responsibility.
They enjoy human interaction
Unlike some other small pets like hamsters or mice, degus actually enjoy interacting with humans once they get used to them! With patience and time spent socializing with your pet daily, you can build trust with them and form a strong bond.
Degus are clean animals
Degus take grooming seriously and are generally very clean animals. They will often groom themselves thoroughly several times per day, which means less maintenance needed from owners!
Degus have unique physical features
Degu’s physical appearance also makes them stand out among other pets. With large ears that move independently of each other to better hear predators, big expressive eyes surrounded by white fur patches to confuse predators about where exactly the head is located in relation to the body; thick tails used for balance and communication, and a sleek fur coat that comes in a variety of colors, degus are truly unique and fascinating animals.
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points Regarding Owning a Degu as a Pet
Overall, degus make great pets for those willing to put in the effort to care for them properly. They are social creatures that require attention and interaction, which makes them perfect for those who want a pet they can bond with. Degus have unique traits that make them interesting and fun to observe, such as their love of dust baths and their ability to communicate through vocalizations.
When it comes to care, it’s important to provide degus with a large cage, plenty of chew toys, and a balanced diet. They need daily interaction and should always be kept in pairs or groups to prevent loneliness and boredom.
It’s also important to be prepared for potential health issues such as dental problems or diabetes. You’ll need a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about degus so you can seek out medical attention when necessary.
Final Thoughts on the Joys of Having a Furry Friend Like a Degu
Owning a pet like a degu can bring great joy and companionship into your life. They are intelligent animals that thrive on attention from their owners. Watching them play together or interact with you can provide endless entertainment.
Degus also have unique personalities that make each one special. Some may be more outgoing than others, while some may be picky eaters or enjoy certain types of toys more than others.
In addition, owning pets has been shown to have numerous benefits such as reducing stress levels, improving mental health, and increasing physical activity. By having an animal like a degu in your life, you’re not only providing them with love but also improving your own well-being.
Overall, owning degus can be incredibly rewarding but requires dedication and effort on your part. If you’re willing to put in the time and energy required for proper care, you’ll be rewarded with the love and affection of a furry friend who will bring joy into your life for years to come.