Degu

LIVELY AND MISCHIEVOUS, DEGUS OFFER FUN AND EASE IN CARE

By Urlrika Lindfors-Davis

PLAYFUL, CURIOUS and intelligent with lively temperament, the Degu is relatively new to the pet trade. Although related to the Chinchilla, the Octodon degus jumps less and is smaller and hardier. Degu fur is soft and brown with a cream color on the stomach, and the tail has a black tuft. With the tail included, the degu measures 13 to 17 inches in length and weighs 8 to 9 ounces. Native to Chile, where it lives as a desert animal in underground burrows, the brown degu climbs bushes and trees from dawn to dusk to collect food. With its charming personality, this new critter on the block is bound to win the hearts of pet owners.

CAGE and CARE

Degus need a lot of room to stay happy and healthy. When kept in pairs in a roomy cage, they do not require more than basic care, which makes them suitable pets for children 10 years and older.

A cage for a pair of Degus should measure a minimum of 30 inches long and have plenty of height. Three to four feet tall would be ideal because it provides the spatial requirements necessary for these little climbers.

For a single Degu, a three-story gerbil cage would suffice. This wire enclosure is suitable because there are no exposed corners at the bottom for the Degu to chew on. They can chew through plastic or a wooden bottom within a few hours.

Be aware that Degus can squeeze their seemingly large heads through narrow wire. The maximum wire space for an adult Degu should be 1/2 inch. All holes and spaces larger than the cage wire must be secured to keep the Degu from escaping.

The bottom of the cage should be covered with clean small mammal bedding. The bedding should be changed weekly, along with the branches and toys, too.

Degus clean their coats by rolling in sand. The dust in ther sand cleans the fur, and Degus enjoy rolling and playing in it. New pet owners should be aware of the necessity of Chinchilla dust and how it must be provided two to three times a week.. To frequent bathing, however, will dry the skin. Since Degus are social and curious, a Degus cage should be placed in a room where activity is most prevalent, such as the living room. Avoid areas with a draft or direct sunlight. Placing the cage on a table will give the Degu a sense of security; placement on the floor will make it feel threatened from above.

APPROPRIATE PROVISIONS

Accessories for these little critters are important. For example, Degus enjoy exercise wheels. Suggest nine inch or larger steel wheel; plastic wheels should be avoided to prevent chewing.

Bird toys intended for parakeets and parrots are also suitable for Degus. They like natural tree limbs and bark, and should be replaced after the pet chews off the bark.

Since they sleep underground in burrows, small wooden houses are to small; a budgerigar nesting box is better. Don't hang it outside the cage; gnawing ahole in the box and escaping is only a few hours work for a Degu.

Pellet mix for Degus is available, but fresh hay and water is a must every day. Fresh fruit, such as apples and pears, and pieces of vegetables are readily taken, too. Hard bread, puffed rice, raisins, and different seeds can be used as treats. Encourage customers to buy heavy duty, non-chewable feeding cups and water bottles that can be attached to the outside of the cage. These accessories must be cleaned frequently.

Chewing is necessary for a Degus well-being. We recommend chew toys appropriate for small anaimals. A Degus teeth will reveal its health - a healthy Degu always has orange teeth.

The Degu tail is sensitive and will break off if pulled when the animal encounters stress. Pet owners should not hold onto the tail when handling their pet. The tail will not grow back if lost, but the area will heal. Calm and friendly surroundings will reduce the risk of the Degu losing its tail.

A common illness among Degus is diabetes. If the Degus eyes become covered with a gray film or if it drinks an abundance of water, urinates frequently and becomes fat, the pet owner should seek professional help immediately. Untreated diabetes will put the Degu at risk of becoming blind. Pet owners must seek the advice of a small mammal veterinarian if a Degu becomes inactive, sleeps alot or develops rough fur.

In general, however, Degus will stay healthy and live five to eight years. They enjoy occasional forays to investigate the home, even if there is a roomy cage with lots of activities. Before letting the new pet out, owners must Degu-proof the room it will be allowed to roam in. Expect that everything that can be chewed will be chewed. Degus should never be left unsupervised outside the cage; there will be trouble getting it back in the cage without scaring it.

Taming Degus is easy, especially when using treats, such a peanuts and raisins. Owners should reduce their Degus food so that it really appreciates the treats. Don't pick it up, let it come to you. Once the Degu is taught to climb on a person's hand to get the treat, it can be carefully lifted - only so that it can jump down if it wants to. As soon as it is hand-tamed, a Degu is ready to be let out of it's cage to play. Thats when the adventures really begin!

Owning this curious and social pocket pet truly is an experience. With proper care and consistent training, the Degu can become a very happy member of your family.